looking for a 29er ss frame

[FarmerBEN]

Looking for some recomendations on 29er frames for an SS project. I had been thinking hard about a redline after hearing many rave endorsements on MTBR, but gregoire brought it up on here a few weeks ago only to have it ripped pretty heavily. Price is a big issue because I am trying to keep it cheap and at this point my options seem to be-
Redline monocog- 200 frame and fork
Soma Juice-350 frame only
Zion 737 ebb- 250 frame only
surly KM- 440 frame and fork
vassago Jabberwacky- 380 frame only


if anyone has any experience with these bikes or any others in the below 450 price range I would appreciate their input

[mtnbykr]

surly KM- 440 frame and fork


can't go wrong here. if you had more to spend-- www.ninerbikes.com (http://www.ninerbikes.com)

[hockeynut]

Just get a Rig. All the cool SSers in Goodhue county are riding them (I'm not even close to cool).

Actually, even if you don't get a Rig, I would recommend buying a complete bike if possible. Even with the smaller number of required parts, a complete bike will still probably be more cost effective than piecing something together (I'm assuming you don't have a lot of parts around). Perhaps you could find used stuff here though to get something going... I don't have the patience to go that route though. Especially with Memorial looking pretty sweet.

So... I would look at the following (I'm sure there are more out there), in probably this order:

Fisher Rig
Haro Mary SS
Raleigh XXIX
Redline Monocog complete bike
Salsa El Mariachi (is probably a bit $$$ and is a 1 X 9, bit easily SSed.. I WANT an El Mariachi.. but in the green flavor, but as I love my bike as is... no dice)

Sorry I'm not more help. Have fun in your research.

[Shorty]

Does it have to be SS specific? It might open up your options a bit if you aren't opposed to using a singleator (or similar tensioner).

There is always eBay too.

Planning to run discs or v-brakes? There can be issues with discs and track ends (the style of "dropout" used on the KM, Redline, and others). Some set-ups may require adjusting the disc caliper every time you remove the rear wheel.

And personally, I wonder about an EBB's long-term reliability.

[GettingFaster]

I own a Redline Monocog 29er and love it. I was lucky enough to get one from the very first production run, so I've got an entire season on it. I was a little hesitant at first as well, knowing Redline was obviously trying to hit a price point. To ease any worries, my brother and I put it through its paces at Memorial Bluff right away, riding the more technical singletrack over and over. It didn't take long before neither of us wanted to ride our FS bikes anymore! While the bike certainly wasn't as plush, its brutal efficency and the way it carves through turns had us hooked. Within a couple of months, my brother sold his FS bike and bought one for himself.

We have ridden our Monocogs on a variety of trails, without shying away from any obstacle. In fact, we continue to seek out larger obstacles to see if the bike can take it (other than drops over 2 feet). So far, neither of us have had any problems. The crazy thing about this bike is that you will feel like you're getting away with something every time you ride it. You won't believe the combination of cheap steel and Chinese labor could yield a bike that rides so well.

While the comments made last week about the bike also caught my attention, it doesn't change how I feel. I have no experience with your other choices, but have no complaints about mine. Good luck to you with your decision!

[crux]

And personally, I wonder about an EBB's long-term reliability.

That really depends upon type of EBB and how you treat it. Set screws work great and severall frames use this method with out issue. Problem is if you tent to over tigten bolts then this may not be for you or invest in a torque wrench and use it every time. Pinch bolts seem to do ok and don't have any personal experience with them. Have heard of them breaking off when you clip a rock or if you over tigten. Bushenell style I'm trying out for the first time this year and after the first real ride withthe frame it needs some adjustment. More grease between frame and shell (No real suprise on that one since I was experimenting with a new grease) and loctite on the bolt to hold it solid.

Personally I like an EBB over sliders, but that is only my opinion. Going with a $450 cap on frame is fine, but you could save a bit more coin buying a full bike. Unless you already have the parts.

[martini]

And personally, I wonder about an EBB's long-term reliability.

I am SO freakin' tired of this line. EBB's are NOT unreliable things. They're simple. Wedge, pinch or set screw, they all work well, and for a long time. I've been on EBB"s for upwards of six years now. I've NEVER had an issue with it. Geared, SS, Fixed. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Need to move it for chain stretch? Easy. And since it seems to be some sort of criteria, I've always been over 200lbs on them. Up to 250lbs geared up in my fat days after the first kid. IMO, only hamfisted fools can screw these things up.

FWIW, I'm on a Haro Mary SS and really, really like it. They're starting to trickle onto ebay, and they may even be available as a frameset.

[qheuie]

i picked up a karate monkey mid season last year and rode it exclusivly the remainder of the season. i really like how it feels sizewise and how it handles.

my major gripe with it is the rear disc mount. like shorty said, you may have to adjust the disc brake every time you move the wheel. in my case i actually had to remove a bolt and swing the caliper out of the way to get the wheel all the way out. i have sinced removed the disc brakes to make room for some good ol' v-brakes.

PM me if you would like a test ride ( size large ).

good luck.
josh

[flombe]

I picked up my '06 Rig in November of '05 and have been more than pleased. Once I learned how to properly adjust the EBB (do not over-tighten the pinch bolt), it has been perfect. No creaks, no slippage, no worries (I weigh in at 175 LB. buck naked +/- 5 LB. depending on time of year). Plus you get a Reba on the front which has proven to be a fantastic, adjustable fork. Oh, and Avid BB7 disc brakes. There was not a component that required immediate upgrade. Buy it, ride it, love it. Stay away from the earlier models as there was some issue with frame cracks at the seat tube that apparently has been corrected.

I looked heavily at the KM too, but could not put together a comparable parts kit for the same price point as the Rig.

After finding that I really liked the 29er concept, I picked up a sweet used '06 Dos Niner (geared) last August. I like it just as well although it is a very different ride compared to the Rig.

I ride them both equally as often.

Now, for a FS ride. 29er of course. That'll be next!

[FarmerBEN]

I will agree the rig is a heck of a bike for a fairly reasonable price. I have kind of been thinking that I may have to take advantage of the next no interest no payments sale at the route. I kind of like the zion but it is disc specific which really shoots the price up there, at this point I have the guys at the shop keeping an eye out for used stuff they have lying around and such.

[iceskier]

If you are looking for a cheap complete bike:

GT Peace 9er

I was thinking of getting one of these, but then went with a 1x1 and use it for winter bike, 26" MTB, and 29" commuter/MTB. The track dropouts can be a bit of a pain, but with mechanical disc brakes it is not that bad. Just broke my tugnut last night.

Thread steal: What are everyone's favorite tugnuts? I wa a little upset that a $25 tug broke rather quickly (1 month, <10 changes). I am going to find one other than Surly. The mechanism is too flimsy.:mad:

[GettingFaster]

Thread steal: What are everyone's favorite tugnuts?

I've had no issues with my Redline chain tensioners, other than the fact that they aren't able to open a beer like the Surly product.

Back on topic:
Picture a young, single man in a small, rural bar. There aren't many people in the bar so his choices are limited. On one side of the bar there is a beautiful woman (Niner/ El Mariachi) that shoots him a quick glance. On the other side of the bar, there is a woman starring him down. This second woman (Monocog) isn't nearly as done up and weighs a bit more than he'd care for, but she is still attractive in her own way.

Does the man approach the gorgeous woman (armed with his credit card) and buy her mixed drinks all night in the hopes of getting a phone number, taking her on a few expensive dates, only to eventually get a ride that doesn't live up to his lofty expectations? :banghead: Or does he spend some of the cash in his wallet to buy the second woman a beer, take her home that night, and get a ride that blows his mind because she wants him to do anything he can dream up? :shocked:

The Monocog provides all the fun, without any feelings of guilt, for as long as you want to keep her around. :D

[mn_ultra_guy]

I was rolling on the ground with a laughing fit after reading this. On topic, is thanks Ben for asking these questions, since I have a nice hefty tax refund coming and am looking at get a new MT rig and am considering a 29er, but am not sure on the SS side.

I've had no issues with my Redline chain tensioners, other than the fact that they aren't able to open a beer like the Surly product.

Back on topic:
Picture a young, single man in a small, rural bar. There aren't many people in the bar so his choices are limited. On one side of the bar there is a beautiful woman (Niner/ El Mariachi) that shoots him a quick glance. On the other side of the bar, there is a woman starring him down. This second woman (Monocog) isn't nearly as done up and weighs a bit more than he'd care for, but she is still attractive in her own way.

Does the man approach the gorgeous woman (armed with his credit card) and buy her mixed drinks all night in the hopes of getting a phone number, taking her on a few expensive dates, only to eventually get a ride that doesn't live up to his lofty expectations? :banghead: Or does he spend some of the cash in his wallet to buy the second woman a beer, take her home that night, and get a ride that blows his mind because she wants him to do anything he can dream up? :shocked:

The Monocog provides all the fun, without any feelings of guilt, for as long as you want to keep her around. :D

[FarmerBEN]

I was rolling on the ground with a laughing fit after reading this. On topic, is thanks Ben for asking these questions, since I have a nice hefty tax refund coming and am looking at get a new MT rig and am considering a 29er, but am not sure on the SS side.

I don't know how you feel about ibex bikes, but if I was going geared I would definately consider this one-

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/SEC-29-Details.html

Does anyone know any shops around that have a peace 9er in stock, I would probably be willing to try one out, although I'm not sure how much faith I put in GT bikes. I haven't had any experience with them, but I haven't heard many people speak highly of them.

[bigwheel]

Thread steal: What are everyone's favorite tugnuts? I wa a little upset that a $25 tug broke rather quickly (1 month, <10 changes). I am going to find one other than Surly. The mechanism is too flimsy.:mad:

I'm also not a fan of the Surly tuggnuts. They are heavy, the mechanism is flimsy, and they should stop using that blue treadlock crap. Plus, on the Karate Monkey, you can't move your axle all the way forward or all the way back because the tuggnuts won't go there. Still, I'm sticking with them because of the bling factor and the fact that they open beer bottles.


Good analogy, Ken. If you can afford her, go with the flashy tramp. But if you want a reliable long-term relationship, you get the Monocog. The Monocog will look good when it's old and well-ridden, while the 9er doesn't look good unless you give it constant attention. Besides, you won't have to worry about every guy trying to steal the monocog.

[qheuie]

Thread steal: What are everyone's favorite tugnuts? I wa a little upset that a $25 tug broke rather quickly (1 month, <10 changes). I am going to find one other than Surly. The mechanism is too flimsy.:mad:

I have no issues with my nuts of tugg.

[RedSquirrel]

I like my Misfit Psycles Aluminum SS 29'er. Pictures of my bike here, scroll down below SkyRide to Feb 7th entry to see pics. (http://heath-s.blogspot.com/2007_02_01_archive.html)

Misfit Psycles. website (http://www.psyclestore.com/)

Last year I raced & pounded my 26 inch Misfit Psycles SS. This year the 29'er is beefy and has sliding drop outs. Today I found out i love this 29'er!!! Rigid. The frames have a longer wheel base and TT than most, I like that because I like a shorter stem. My style is XC although I'll ride almost any log, skinny or rock pile out there.

Anyway, great light frame. The sliding dropouts are not as good as you'd think but at least the disc is always adjusted just right... Frame has extra reinforcements where needed. Great look if you ask me. I gave the owner a tour of Leb, Theo and Mammoth. Tell him I sent ya, he'll take care of ya. If you don't need a fork wheel and deal too. Need more, pm me.

EDIT: anyone thinking about a 29'er, do it. I'm sold. Switch'n my 26'er fs too next year.

[Tetreves]

Whatever you do, don't buy an On One. This will assure that I will remain to have the best bike in town, EVER!

:D

[RedSquirrel]

Whatever you do, don't buy an On One. This will assure that I will remain to have the best bike in town, EVER! :D

Funny you should mention OnOne. I was looking at an OnOne scandium frame, sent Brant in the UK my info, he liked and linked me with his U.S. distributor. I was all set with pro-deal for geary scandium, but went w/Misfit Psycles SS cause I knew what I was getting. Glad the OnOne is working for ya Tetreves, they look good too. Glad I upgraded SS this year, geary next.

I had it down to KonaKula, OnOne, Misfit and Azian Voodoo. Ooooh the agony of searching for a new bike. Have fun FarmerBen, searching is the best part. The only part better is building and having it fit just right....