Diamond frames are boring
State 650b Klunker
- Thread starter macncheese
- Start date
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For cruising and compared to the myriad of other options (especially vintage), agreed.
For dealing in the dirt, just about anything after the advent of the diamond compact geometry wins every time in every department except style.
My go-to in the dirt the past couple of years is a weighty/overbuilt $300 Nashbar (gasp) rigid 29er singlespeed that was modded with select parts in the right places to withstand the onslaught. Even with a Chinese gaspipe-tubed tank, it handily outperforms anything I have that's not a diamond frame in the dirt, or at the paved pump track.
My only disclaimer to the above is that until I have enough money to pop for a custom frameset by Curtis Inglis or Steve Garro, I will not know how a full custom non-diamond frame will measure up. Then again, a full custom diamond frameset has a good chance of outperforming a non-diamond custom Retrotec or Coconino.
Disclaimer: 90% of my riding will be pavement riding, 5% long, straight fire road riding, 5% trail riding.
I'll make to my local trails (25 minute car ride) 3-4 times a year. Just don't have a lot of extra time in my busy schedule. The 90% is cruising with the family and for exercise/ fitness. It's just easier To go for a ride from the house.
Is the Monocog a good bike for my type of riding.......with bmx bars of course.
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I'll make to my local trails (25 minute car ride) 3-4 times a year. Just don't have a lot of extra time in my busy schedule. The 90% is cruising with the family and for exercise/ fitness. It's just easier To go for a ride from the house.
Is the Monocog a good bike for my type of riding.......with bmx bars of course.
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MattiThundrrr
Rattus All Terrainus
Not all Diamonds...
Monocog is good for any and all types of riding. My 29'er I posted gets used for rail trail, xc, gravel, paved bike paths,.........
If you want a one speed mountain bike buy the monocog if you want a Trail cruiser buy the Klunker. Its been my go to bike since buying it, trails and jumps are no problem.
On our group mellow family rides, my first inclination is to take one of my Electra 'strandies', due to the combo of comfort and the Nexus 7.
However, my Wife usually claims the black one (Garcia), and the red (Malone) one usually gets loaned to whoever is bike poor. So, I usually end up riding the Monocog or Big Ripper...and honestly, I find both to be my most comfortable bikes.
That is probably because I stopped riding ~13yo, and that was all BMX. The proportions on these 26" and 29" BMX cruisers transport me immediately back to that 11-13yo self. Capability wise, my BMX'd Monocog gets me some strange looks when I'm out on the trails...but, I have no problem keeping up with most everyone. Well, until the inclines
.
However, my Wife usually claims the black one (Garcia), and the red (Malone) one usually gets loaned to whoever is bike poor. So, I usually end up riding the Monocog or Big Ripper...and honestly, I find both to be my most comfortable bikes.
That is probably because I stopped riding ~13yo, and that was all BMX. The proportions on these 26" and 29" BMX cruisers transport me immediately back to that 11-13yo self. Capability wise, my BMX'd Monocog gets me some strange looks when I'm out on the trails...but, I have no problem keeping up with most everyone. Well, until the inclines
.You got some nice bikes there. I recently sat on a big ripper at my LBS and just loved it. I'm 6' with a 34" inseam and it's like the bike was made for me. The 1st thing that I thought of though was that the bike needed taller bars. Looks like you thought the same thing.On our group mellow family rides, my first inclination is to take one of my Electra 'strandies', due to the combo of comfort and the Nexus 7.
View attachment 157370
View attachment 157371
However, my Wife usually claims the black one (Garcia), and the red (Malone) one usually gets loaned to whoever is bike poor. So, I usually end up riding the Monocog or Big Ripper...and honestly, I find both to be my most comfortable bikes.
View attachment 157372
That is probably because I stopped riding ~13yo, and that was all BMX. The proportions on these 26" and 29" BMX cruisers transport me immediately back to that 11-13yo self. Capability wise, my BMX'd Monocog gets me some strange looks when I'm out on the trails...but, I have no problem keeping up with most everyone. Well, until the inclines
I'm excited to get the monocog. It's going to be my all purpose bike. Having that bike might prompt me to get out to the trails more often.
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Any pics of the Monocog and Big Ripper next to each other?On our group mellow family rides, my first inclination is to take one of my Electra 'strandies', due to the combo of comfort and the Nexus 7.
View attachment 157370
View attachment 157371
However, my Wife usually claims the black one (Garcia), and the red (Malone) one usually gets loaned to whoever is bike poor. So, I usually end up riding the Monocog or Big Ripper...and honestly, I find both to be my most comfortable bikes.
View attachment 157372
That is probably because I stopped riding ~13yo, and that was all BMX. The proportions on these 26" and 29" BMX cruisers transport me immediately back to that 11-13yo self. Capability wise, my BMX'd Monocog gets me some strange looks when I'm out on the trails...but, I have no problem keeping up with most everyone. Well, until the inclines
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I'm heading out on a big vacation tomorrow...if I have chance I'll try to arrange that shot 
.
.Thank you sir. But if not, have a GREAT vacation!
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MattiThundrrr
Rattus All Terrainus
Some people hunt out, and relish that shocked response. Proud to be under gunned but still a better shotcapability wise, my BMX'd Monocog gets me some strange looks when I'm out on the trails...but, I have no problem keeping up with most everyone. Well, until the inclines
Not great pics, only had a small window to get them in as I've had to sort out airbags and make a 48" hitch extension.
Ignore the dirt and such...they weren't cleaned up after the last couple outings. Hard to get a good comparison pic. Monocog is probably nearly 2" taller at the grips, and the seat 2" higher to keep the relationship the same. Bottom brackets are similar height, tad higher on the Monocog.
The Ripper lives in the house, the rest of these live in the dungeon...
All ready to close up again...
The 48" long hitch extension...
Ignore the dirt and such...they weren't cleaned up after the last couple outings. Hard to get a good comparison pic. Monocog is probably nearly 2" taller at the grips, and the seat 2" higher to keep the relationship the same. Bottom brackets are similar height, tad higher on the Monocog.
The Ripper lives in the house, the rest of these live in the dungeon...
All ready to close up again...
The 48" long hitch extension...
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MattiThundrrr
Rattus All Terrainus
Quite the rig, RG. Bikes look good too. Especially the bars on the PK, love the asymmetry. Now I'll spend a few minutes sifting through your hoard, there are a few nuggets in there...
Thanks for all of the great pics RG! This solidifies my decision on the Monocog. I'm getting "the cog" for $550. I'm ordering bmx bars and a stem as soon as I'm done typing this.
I dig the dungeon! Enjoy your vacation!
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I dig the dungeon! Enjoy your vacation!
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The amount of comparative ease in handling trails compared to your other option should make trail riding much more enjoyable. Once your skills have improved the other option may be something you wish to revisit. One can never have too many bikes.
So what you are saying is that once my skills improve on the trails, the klunker would be more fun?
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I think he's saying you may find trails far more enjoyable on the cog. Explore the klunker later on
Lots of people go underbiked and never get to appreciate what some proper equipment can bring to the situation
