single speed 29er ?

[mvangundy]

Right now i have a gary fisher hardtail cross country race bike, im not looking to leave it anytime soon. I'm however look for a new bike to use for just riding around local trails ... single speed 29er's and really want to buy on e what do most people ride and what do you recomend ?? :eyeroll:



http://www.bianchiusa.com/typo3temp/5623e6ada4.jpg (http://www.bianchiusa.com/?2990&bikepath=fileadmin/bianchi/08_bikes/images_zoom/08_mtb_sok_sst_img)

[Steven W.]

I actually went the cheap route this year and picked up a Redline Monocog 29er. It has some pretty cheap components on it, but I wasn't sure what I was going to like when I got into the SS 29er. I have ridden the thing really hard and so far so good. There are parts that are going to need replaced, but for the $450 I spent on the bike, there is some money left over. Would I like to have a different bike...yeah at times...but for now I've gotten by real cheap.

[charliebrown]

I have a Raleigh XXIX that I really like.

[b_rogo]

I also own a Monocog 29er. I bought mine as a used frameset, built it up with what I had and have done periodic upgrades. It's a capable bike stock, but with a nicer wheelset and parts it a pretty incredible machine. If you can ride a 19" you'd be welcome to try it out if you want.

Side benefit: while no lightweight even after upgrades, the bike was stout enough to come off the roof of my car at 60mph and be ridded at the trail that same night.

[THUMP!]

I have a Raleigh XXIX that I really like.
+1 on the XXIX

[MikeyB]

Also have a XXIX. I added a Reba on the front to help my wrists :) I was going to purchase the Rita but got a hell of a deal on the XXIX that I couldn't pass up.

[dejorn]

I purchased a new Fisher Rig last winter and have been riding it most of this summer. The bike is an absolute blast to ride and is a very capable race machine. The bike fits me better than any other I have ridden, it give me loads of confidence in all situations. I only wish that I had the geared equivant as well.

[elic_berry]

I got Surly Karate Monkey. I was cheap, looks nice, fits me, VERY stable ride VERY good filling of still. The only disadvantage is lower BB than it was on my previous bike ((so it took me a while to get used to it and stop hitting the pedals)) but I guess this lower BB gives the stability and more confidence in turns.

[soupboy]

All of the bikes mentioned below are solid options. My recommendation is always to go with a higher end used bike if you can find one in your size.

Do you have a budget in mind?

The MTBR Classifieds (http://classifieds.mtbr.com/showcat.php?cat=38&stype=1&si=&perpage=24&sort=1&stype=&limit=&cat=38&ppuser=) are the best resource IME.

[bigwheel]

I got Surly Karate Monkey. I was cheap, looks nice, fits me, VERY stable ride VERY good filling of still. The only disadvantage is lower BB than it was on my previous bike ((so it took me a while to get used to it and stop hitting the pedals)) but I guess this lower BB gives the stability and more confidence in turns.

I'm also on a Karate Monkey, and popped my Reba fork for out to 100mm. It added another half-inch to the bottom bracket height, and IMO, also made it ride better. The out-of-box KM steers too quickly for my liking. Great for places like Theo, but a little scary on the faster trails.

Otherwise, the KM is everything you'd ever want in a single speed. It also makes a good comfort-bike. I just put 110 miles of crushed limestone under mine this weekend.