I've been deciding now for nearly 6 months on trying a single speed. I've looked at alot of bikes,
from the Kona Unit, to the KHS Solo One, to the Surly 1X1, and of course the Redline Monocog. I've
read alot of what the current single speeders have to say about the certain models and how the bikes
perform. I've looked and looked and finally decided on a Redline Monocog. It came in last Saturday,
and had my first ride today. Where did I go? Well first, yep, you bet JD, right down the damn
sidewalk!!!!! I was waiting for the vehicle to be inspected, and hadn't rode the bike yet, so I
decided to take a spin around the neighborhood. Just like a few people have mentioned, the bike's
acceleration is unbelievable, at least to me. I expected to get on and be riding a fairly hard to
pedal bike. The gearing seems to make you feel as if you are in the middle chain ring of a multi
gear bike. Got the vehicle back around 5 and immediately loaded the Monocog up and headed for the
dirt. I had about 2 hours and 45 minutes left of daylight, and I rode every minute of it. Again, the
acceleration of the bike really amazed me. I also didn't miss front or rear suspension. It was a
great test for the bike too, because the trails I rode today are just looted with medium sized tree
roots every few inches in some spots. Climbing, well, still very impressed. There were hills I
cleared and ones I didn't. Again though, I have to say I'm very impressed at how it attacks hills.
The handling is ultra precise, and the bike has a very light and agile feel to it. There's something
that just begs you to ride it and ride it fast when you see it standing still. It's kind of neat
just looking at it and not seeing all the high tech suspsension wizzardry.
I know a few people have been asking opinions on single speeds, and I will say that I looked over
all my choices well, and am very satisfied with what I got. I was concerned at first about the
Monocog because of another riders experience with seat post slippage, but no such problems for me.
Would I have been happier with the $549 KHS? About the only difference that bike had was a softail
and it also appears (but is not documented on the website) that it has disc brake mounts. Would I
have been happier with the $799 Kona Unit? I'm certian I wouldn't have. I was looking at
www.speedgoat.com, because they have an online custom bike lab where you can configure some really
world class frames the way you want, online. I tried to put together a Surly for myself, but
couldn't keep it under a thousand dollars. For a single speed? Forget it.
I think the only thing I might change are the brakes. I'm thinking about going with a set of
Avids. Other then that, for $399.19, I'm certain I could not be happier, and can't wait to get out
on it again.