Ok so now that I have a bike for longer distances (I ended up getting the Specialized Tricross sport) Im looking at an inexpensive mtb for riding around my area, including more urban and offroad riding.

I wax nostolgic about my old BMX singlespeed and all that- so I was looking at the singlespeed MTBs- and the Redline Monocog is definitely in a sweet price range.

Anyone comment on singlespeeds in general (seems like they are love it or hate it) and the Redline in particular? Thanks

Monocog Linky

EDIT: and if you would rather recommend another bike in that range, go for it

I would imagine it could get pretty tough if you plan on going up a lot of hills with only on gear.

I do like the simplicity of it though.

i like fixies, i rode a friends fixie road bike, but i like being able to shift

fixies vs singlespeed..

I dont know, I understand about the PITA of only having one gear.. but I dont know.. if I have to walk it up the largest hill so be it.. but Im thinking about the exercise too..and being able to do that run on a singlespeed where others pop it into granny gear.

I wouldnt give up shifting for longer rides but Im thinking it might suit my purpose here.

go for it, redline makes solid bikes

Hell thanks Phil LOL.. Ive read good things.. Ill probably buy it once I get to CT next month.

Also, do you have any affinities on platform pedals? The OEM on the specialized have a serious case of the suck

I ride clipless, but my buddy has the Crank bros. 5050 on his Jamis Coda, and they rock.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/pro ... y_ID=10045

Most cyclocross bikes don't have brakes. I've got a friend that got one recently, and while riding it, he says it's tough as hell to go down hills without being able to brake.

Im lost here.. but um I like brakes, I feel they are an important part of a bicycle

On the singlespeed mtb note, I can also build up from a SURLY 1x1 -- but the frameset is already around the price of the complete redline.

I suppose I dont need brakes though

I don't believe this is true.

I've got the Shimano PD-M424 pedals, they're clipless on both side, but you can very comfortably ride platform. also, my crossbike came with those shimano pedals that are plats on one side and clipless on the other, and those are a fine pedal.

i think you're friend got ripped off. install some aftermarket.

http://bike.shimano.com/catalog/cycle/p ... 0303333584

click in the lower right corner of the pic for a 3d pictoview

[img][650:425]http://www2.trekbikes.com/images/bikes/large/xo1_blackanodized.jpg[/img]

nope, i've definitely got brakes, and busty can confirm, it don't cost extra

I wonder if she isnt thinking about something other than cyclocross? like that indoor pedaling shit thats in the olympics .. they dont have brakes. But doing cyclocross without brakes would be HAIRY.. at least throw a front brake on the thing

Those pedals look choice and a good price too. I will have to look into them

Whew, where to start.

I have a (SS) singlespeed in addition to my FS (full suspension) rig. I lean towards my FS for off-road, because it's more fun for me. Most people I know are the opposite, riding the SS primarily.

If you're looking for a bike to do urban stuff on, I wouldn't get an SS. As you know, you only have one gear, and you're going to be spinning out quickly. You'll feel like an idiot with your legs going a mile a minute and you're only going about 5 mph. It's great for off-road, because you have dirt & bumps slowing you down, so the chances of spinning out are less. And when you come to hills, yes, it can be painful, especially if you have knee problems.

I've commuted on my SS when my FS isn't working, and it takes me almost twice as long to get to work. More time to look at the scenery, but man, sometimes, I just want to GET HOME & HAVE A BEER!

They're fun off-road, no doubt about it. They're light, compared to FS bikes, and this translates to easier going uphill (as opposed to a 30-35lb FS rig) and speedy singletrack riding. You can get them w/ or w/out front suspension. I wouldn't touch a rigid (no suspension) bike, simply because I'm old & I don't think my body would like it.

Man, there's so much more; Reader's Digest version, I wouldn't get one unless you are going to be mainly riding trails.

There's a cool frame here: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/ ... Frame.aspx but this means a built-up bike will run you around a grand.

Note the EBB (eccentric bottom bracket). This bb (what the pedals/cranks rotate around) can be twisted in its shell, so there is no need for a chain tensioner to keep the chain taut.

i got em for $40 at my local mom and pop shop.

Singlespeed seems to be the rage right now. The underbelly cycling community has now come to mainstream attention (see SPIN, yes that SPIN if you don't believe me). Have you ridden a ss mtb? Also, if yr doing all-mtn or XC riding, I'd advise against it. Certain gears certainly add to a certain amount of levity with your ride. If you are commuting to work, riding fairly flat or slow hills, then sure, try it out. I wouldn't get caught up in the hype though.

Go clipless! Platforms are great for people who need to bail quickly (read: downhillers, BMXers), but for yr average mtber, clipless rocks because you get so much power and you won't be burning and not seeing results back.

I'm wrong... maybe I was just thinking of a fixie. He does have brakes. He's got a Van Dessel, don't know what model. He said it's remarkably different to ride it compared to a normal road bike.

edit: I think he has this one: http://www.vandesselsports.com/crb.php?bike=9

I went ridgid instead of front or full because of the weight, and also because i heard it's a bitch to commute through snow.

Damn you are harshing this buzz. Ok, what is the gear-ratio on your ss? What if I use a ratio other than 2:1 or so

Maybe just a freakin BMX then huh.. damn suggestions?

EDIT: or a flip-flop hub?

yeah I wasnt even looking at a singlespeed MTB.. I was looking at BMX bikes.. something urban.. to ride around .. nostalgic like.... then I read an article about the Redline Monocog and thought..hey that might work


But ok then.. my worries/considerations..

I want something simple.. like all Im worrying about is the freaking chain. I want something (relatively) light.. and I want something that will make me appreciate what Im doing.. and not having the bike do it for me. Oh and cheap.. heh

How about that Trek Jack 1? That's probably a good solution for what you want to do with the bike.

And if you don't want to wuss out, don't shift.

You remember, I dont like Trek geometry. Damn now Im going to have to rethink my whole approach. Hell I might just get a MTB and then pick up an old BMX second hand. I dont know.. but I seem to have this deepdown disdain for deraillers.