I would like to get some feedback regarding a few single speed rigs I am look at. I want to use them primarily for some single track use here in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. In addition, I will use them as a commuter on occasion, especially in poor weather. They are a mix of 26" and 29" tires. I am looking for a steel frame, disc brakes (or at least the option to add them to the fork), possible fender and rack mount tabs, and single speed drivetrain. $600 is my max. Used or new is fine.

So here is the list:
Dawes Bullseye
GT Peace her
Redline Monocog
Nashbar Single Speed
Surly 1X1 (probably would be used)
Surly Karate Monkey (probably would be used)
Convert old Stumpjumper or Rockhopper (or similar)

Thanks.

I'm a big fan of Redline bikes. (from back in the day)

Redline monocog.

Any particular reason why you like the Monocog?

karate monkey all the way. perfect for commuting, touring, racing, bike polo, and the apocalypse.

normally the best way to get feedback is to stand facing the amp while you play the guitar. i guess you can try riding the bike facing the amp and see if that works. good luck.

I have nothing useful to contribute to this topic.

That could very well be my next bike.

unless the OP's an Umpa Lumpa...I think he may need some more leg room for his style. (judging from his listed options)

I think I accidentally posted a thread in the failed comics section............

The Redline is a heavier bike, but not crazy and lots of folks who have owned better bikes have plenty of praise for them still. Bet you could find one upgraded already or a used Monocog Flite in your price range.

I would lean to the SKM out of your choices just cuz I think it would do all the things you listed OK.

I converted a Rockhopper with the slider dropouts and like it alot, but it was more than your max. You might find one of the older ones on CL and build it up though.

Yeah I like the Karate Monkey but it is expensive. If I could find a used frame set and build it myself I might be able to get it around $500 bucks.

I need to be on the lookout for a used one for sure. I love that Surly makes their bikes with both a performance/utility mindset.

The Monocog is also interesting. Redline seems to make many varieties of it and I have heard good things.

I actually was debating selling my Cross Check to get a Karate Monkey. It might serve as a better winter bike as well. They are both jack of all trades bikes.

Keep an eye out for feedback from your Amp then.

Alright, I'm sorry, done with the failed comic thing. I had a friend who rode a Monocog and liked it. It put up with his abuse pretty well too, considering what it was.

I just got the Nashbar 29er SS for $375 shipped on-sale last week. Other than the brakes needing a little time to set up compared to BB7s, it has pleasantly surprised me.

I had plans to use it as a winter commuter here in MN, but I am hitting the trails this weekend with it completely stock, as it shipped. I may change the rear cog to a 19 or 20 tooth depending on the terrain though.

Oh, and it is an aluminum frame.

Will see, I kind of have it between the AMP and the Diety Cryptkeeper and Diety StreetSweeper.

I bought a Redline Monocog at the end of last last year to dabble in the 29er market - it is definitely heavy! I feel the build quality is excellent, but plan on upgrading to some avid bb7s if you want to be able to stop...the rim brakes are just not cutting it where I ride. Compared to my HT Giant Revel 1, I am slow on it, but I am still only scratching the surface. Im taking it for a few hour jaunt this weekend, so I should have some more data points soon enough.

I have two SS bikes, both steel, that I use on the trails and occasionally commute on. I don't ride any of my steel bikes in crappy weather, even with them being protected with Wiegle framesaver or T9. Those days I ride one of my aluminum bikes, which both of my mtb commuters are alu.

One thing to look into is the way the frame tensions the chain. My GT Peace uses an EBB and the Salsa Ala Carte has swinging drop outs. I ditched the 2 pinch bolt set up on the GTs EBB and installed a Bushnell EBB which, IMO, is a much better EBB tensioning system. The swinging dropouts on the newer Salsas are pretty much bombproof. Dare I say, one of the best SS tensioning systems out there.

Neither the Peace nor the Ala Carte have fender/rack mounts on the frame so that's another consideration if you intend to ride in adverse weather.

At your budget, I'd shop around for a fleabay/craigslist alu frame and do a cheap conversion. It may not be brand new, but it's satisfying to take bits and pieces and building a bike from the ground up with your own hands.

I never checked out the Salsa. Looks like an interesting build.

I've got a '11 Monocog that I've been using as both a trail bike and a foul weather commuter. The 33/20 gearing it came with was a bit spinny for me, so I upped it to 33/17. It's pretty slow getting to work (which helps me to slow down and be less sweatier), but the gearing seems right for the kind of off road riding I do. To be honest, some of the parts seem a bit cheap. The rear hub, in particular. The brakes are okay. They get the job done. Love the wide handlebars. I believe they're pre-marked for easy cutting, but I've been enjoying them. What else? The bike is super stable. It's heavy, sure, but rides smoothly. Great tires. All in all, an awesome value that can easily be upgraded. Erm.. If I had the money I'd go for the KM. That is a sweet sweet bike.