test ride, redline monocog "cross" bike

Today was the perfect morning to finally take Stompy (version 2.0) for an extended "test ride". Mid-40's, fast-moving fog giving way to brilliant sunbreaks, no breeze, not much traffic. In order to commute one day each week on this bike (as a way of adding acclimation time), I slapped some Cross Terra tires on -- the solid center ridge is fine for roads, and the knobs on the corners make gravel and light mud manageable.

The bike DOES fit me better than the my old bike did, mostly because of the deeper main triangle (Stompy version 1.0 was built around a mid-90's Kona "Fire Mountain" frame that had Kona's old-school squashed triangle, and made fitting hard for a shrt-waisted, very long-legged gal like me). However, the wheel base on the Redline is noticeable shorter, making for slightly more nimble handling in spite of the additional half-pound of weight. I jumped driveways and bunny-hopped curbs easily, and the beefier construction of the Redline made for a more stable ride, even with the shorter wheelbase.

Suitcasing over barriers isn't too bad (though my arm DOES notice the extra weight!). I haven't yet tried much running and carrying the bike, though I suspect there will be an adjustment because of the stouter downtube diameter (My hands can still grab and carry it). Because it's a mountain bike, I still can't do the "classic" carry method of looping my arm through the triangle and laying my hand across my bars -- but I'm not worried as I already got used to an alternate carry style on the Kona.

The Monocog comes stock with Truvativ cranks and a square-taper cartridge bottom bracket, and a gear selection of 16 x 33. It also comes with a "Syncros"-branded flat handlebar and stem (31.8 clamp size). To save weight and smooth out the ride, I swapped over the Misfit FU-2 bars and slightly shorter stem, BB/cranks (Truvativ Stylo), and my Crank Bros 5050xx pedals. Also added new cog and chainring (both Surly, which of course adds weight but lasts longer so I don't have to change them as often), and a bash guard. I sold off all of the stock parts and made a little money back on my investment.

I also swapped out the stock V-brakes (which were pretty underwhelming) and installed a high-profile Tektro canti set in front and low-profile [used] Shimano STX canti set in rear. I had to use low-profile brakes in rear to avoid heel-strike while pedaling. (I may eventually swap in low-profile brakes up front to match but for now this is what I had on hand.)

Basic assessment is that I like this bike a lot because it fits me SO much better than the Kona. I stress a little bit about the weight, but there's not much I can afford to do about that just now so I'll live with it. (I would welcome recommendations for a lighter-weight but sturdy 26" ATB rear wheel, ideally w/dedicated singlespeed cassette hub, but again I'm in no rush).

I'd say that the Redline Moncog is a good value in a singlespeed ATB, for a really good price. (MSRP is around $420.00 for the 2010 version with 26" wheels.)  I'm really looking forward to doing some short-track practice out at PIR this spring.