Hi mountain bikers
I am thinking of getting a 29er single speed bike for winter abuse. I have a final price cap of $850, which includes post-buy additions to the bike. I am looking for something that will be very durable and not have to have much attention payed to it to keep it running smoothly.

Currently I am looking at the Motobecane Outcast 29er, the Redline Monocog, and the Surly Karate Monkey.

I think I would really like a Gary Fisher Rig, but those are kinda pricey.

If anyone has any experiences with any of these bikes or has some suggestions of things that might need replacing as soon as I get it, your input would be much appreciated.

Thanks

if I am not mistaken I believe that the raleigh xxix also falls into that price range

Cool I will take a look at that as well. The three I posted really are the only ones I am aware of and have easyish access to (as in, I can order them online or go to very close bike store).

My Redline Monocog has been pretty much bombproof and it is a blast to ride. I swapped out a few parts because of personal preference but there was really nothing wrong with the OEM parts.

I've never ridden one but I know that the Karate Monkey receives high praise from its owners too.

Also what are the best 29" tires for riding on snow and ice

29x11.5

I dont think even the karate monkey has enough tire clearance for that.

I would consider it if I could make it fit with my lefty

Fisher Triton... I want one real bad

My buddy has them on his Subaru Brat.

the GF triton is a fixed gear road bike.
Got one on sale at the shop if yer interrested...(leo)

oooooh! how much!!

yes it is. I dont know what I was thinking when I said that. I just know I want one

The Monocog 29er single speed comes as the regular Monocog or the Monocog Flight 29er which comes with all around better parts, frame, and disc brakes. The regular Monocog is a solid performer at a great price, but with your price range, you can get the Flight version and it has a lot better build. Good luck!

If I go back to do shop work this summer it's going to be a toss-up between the Redline Monocog Flight and a Voodoo Dambala, methinks. I'm pretty set on sliding dropouts.

Edit: Hmmm... I see they've recently changed the paint on the Monocog. I was quite partial to the light olive color, really...

I would like to do things to the 08 Rig that would probably violate my wedding vows. And by "things" I mean sex. It's that damn hoxxxxxx!!

i just bought the 07 redline monocog after returning an 07 GT peace 9r. great buy at $450 or so. i would recommend this as you would have $400 to upgrade whatever you like after you've ridden it. so far i've added On One Mary bars, ergon grips, and a brooks saddle and i'm still under $600. your other options include:

raleigh
khs
gt
motobecane
redline monocog flight

a surly karate monkey is $450 for frame and fork and it's seriously no better than the monocog, which is a complete bike at that price. read the reviews at mtbr.com, nobody is disappointed with the monocog.

I was just going to post about the KHS's. It currently has two, one is steel framed (Solo-One SE, $769msrp) and one is Al w/ a CRMO fork (Solo-One, $549 msrp). I know someone who just picked up the Al one and races it (in action).

Anyway, here's a link to the '07 stuff: https://www.khsbicycles.com/02_29_series_07.htm

The '08 stuff will see an expanded line-up of 29ers, including a full-suser KHS Flagstaff.

I use my Monocog 29er as a winter trail bike. It works great. The stock Exiwolf tires do pretty well on snowy or mixed trails. But they aren't the best on ice, you might want to get studded tires if you plan on riding a lot of ice.

Are the stock wheels on the Monocog disc compatible?

There's also the Jamis Exile. I have the 26" version and am starting to regret not getting the 29'er...

https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/...exile29ss.html

You should be able to find one in your price range.

Stop screwing around and beg borrow or steal to come up with the extra for the Rig. I am considering selling a child for the 08 model.

Can anyone answer my question about the wheels on the Monocog?

Also, an LBS offered to build me a Karate Monkey SS for between $700-$800 with decent components.
Lastly, I am a cabinet member of my school's cycling club, giving me a 30% discount at a shop which happens to sell GF. I could probably get an '07 Rig for a little over $800.

Soma Juice, it has horizontal drop-outs too.

Redline Mono is my vote; I rode the 08 at interbike (along with other 29ers) and loved it. Good price and very reliable.

+1 Karate Monkey