2012 Redline 29ers
Those who know me, know I am a fan of the big wheels. For my style of riding and the type of terrain I seek, the advantages of the larger wheels just get the job done better. I would define my “style” as all mountain/trail/xc riding. I need a bike that can handle steep ups, rocky, rooted, slick stuff, tight cornering, fast sweepers, flicking through the trees. I like to ride natural terrain, and for me, the fun is the challenge of cleaning a tough section of trail.
Enter the Redline D series hardtail 29ers. I have had a ball riding a few different models from Redline, including the $949 D620, and the $1899 D660. Ride characteristics are similar in both machines. Balance, control and efficiency are a few words that come to mind. Both bikes like to go hard through the trails. Keep on the gas, steer between the big hits, and those big wheels will get ya through it!
Tested on the singletrack at West Branch recently, the D620 held its own against other brands ridden in our group that were lighter, fully suspended, and far more expensive. Equipped with SLX/Deore mixed 2×9 drivetrain, a Rockshox TK 28 fork, she weighed in at 28 lbs. respectable for the cost, but not super light… The only time I notice the weight was up longer hills, where MY weigh was the real issue! The D 620 handled the fun, new trail loop, as well as the Bit o Honey, 2 lakes, and the reservoir trails easily, and helped me not only keep up, but set the pace on much of the ride. Reliable, predictable, fast and fun. Enough said. Great ride.
Well, I had a 2011 D-660, last season, so I kind of knew what to expect from the new model. However, this year, Redline went with Larger diameter hydroformed frame tubing, a tapered steerer tube on the Reba RL fork, and Sram 10 speed X-9 drivetrain. Weigh is a nice 26.5 lbs. Off to West Branch with Todd, Brian, and a couple new acquaintances for a quick ride! Everything I had to say about the D620 was there, but the lighter weight and stiffer frame/fork combo made some of the roughest sections more easily managed. The bike responds instantly to weight shifts, and split second corrections, keeping you headed in the right direction even on the “brown ice” leaf covered trails. Climbing is a joy on this baby… the larger diameter of the wheels equals longer contact patch of the tire on the trail, thus more traction, Ride through tall grass, sand or mud, and the wheels have a shallower angle of attack to the obstacles, thus less rolling resistance. Logs, big rocks, ruts, etc? again, big wheels roll over and through them much, much better.
Since Redline has always been a dirt oriented company, they make great handling dirt bikes. Go figure! Anyhoo I like them. Chances are, you will too. We have 3 different models in the house.The D-620,D-640, and D-660. Sweet bikes, worth a good look.