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2008 Redline 925
by Tim GrahlWe’ve reviewed the Redline 925 before and it’s my current fixed gear bike of choice. For 2008 Redline steps it up with a much cooler paintjob and switched out the mustache handlebars for some bullhorn.
What do you think?
(Click the pictures to see them bigger)
You may want to check out this online forum before you try adding that Nexus 8: http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-176594.html
I have an older 925 (I think 06) and really like the changes they’ve made. The major change I see is the bullhorn handle bars, which I think is great. I ended up taking off the mustache bars in exchange for bullhorns when I got my bike. The mustache bars were ok, but felt way to wide for city riding. I also like how they added the chain tensioners. They’re not totally necessary, but its a nice little addition. One minor complaint is that they took off the half-toe clips on the pedals. I ended up putting clipless pedals on anyway since it’s a nicer ride when riding fixed. I really enjoy riding this bike, and for the price I don’t know if you can beat it. So far the bike has taken me through 2 Chicago winters and has held up quite well.
Originally I liked the monotone paint of the 2007, and was hoping to get one used from eBay, but that new paint job is really growing on me. I saw one in a store, and it’s got a more orangy hue to it. Looks nice. Also, the brake levers on the bike are nicer than what is shown on Redline’s website — shorter and aluminum, more like a regular road brake lever that’s been cut down. They’re 2-finger levers. I’m going to go with one with the stock setup for starters, but will probably convert to a mustache bar and road levers later.
Also note that the Redline runs small. Normally I’d fit a 55 or so, but the equivalently-sized 925 is a 52.
[...] reviewed and posted 2008 pics of the Redline 925, however they are now showing the new “Chick” specific model (with [...]
Re: Quick release and horizontal dropouts and singlespeed:
My understanding is that quick releases just don’t have the leverage to reliably stay put in horizontal dropouts with the force of a singlespeed, much less fixed-gear, drivetrain. Derailleurs allow you to run with less chain tension without risk of throwing a chain. And i suspect couldn’t run with as much chain tension even if you wanted to, without the rear derailleur cage binding. So using a quick-release skewer in the rear wheel of something like the 925 could/would lead to wheel slippage which is at best annoying, and at worst dangerous.
And those little setscrews in track ends aren’t really sturdy enough to keep the wheel in place, they’re just a guide to make it quick to put teh wheel back in the same place every time–it’s the clamping force of the axle nuts that keeps the wheel in place.
Seeing as how i’ve shifted wheels in horizontal dropouts with an internally-geared hub when i had failed to tighten the nuts sufficiently, and i know that quick releases can’t be tightened as much (smaller screw, so less leverage, plus smaller thread, so fails under less force), i’m inclined to believe the claims that quick release skewers and horizontal dropouts are a bad combo with non-deraileur bikes.
“Also note that the Redline runs small. Normally I’d fit a 55 or so, but the equivalently-sized 925 is a 52.”
Um, that’s running large: for a given size designation, it is bigger than another bike of the same size designation, apparently.
925 frame size confusion_Mine
“Also note that the Redline runs small. Normally I’d fit a 55 or so, but the equivalently-sized 925 is a 52.”
“Um, that’s running large: for a given size designation, it is bigger than another bike of the same size designation, apparently.”
I just got a used 07 925 that is 56cm. I am 6′ tall and I think it fits well but since I didn’t ride a 58 or 60 cm frame I have no comparison. I also ride a Giant Cypress hybrid that is a 21″ frame = about 53.5 cm and it fits great but seems like a tank after riding the 925.
Any thoughts on the frame size would be great.
This 925 came with drop bars, the brakes and the freewheel and fenders, chainguard had been removed so I got a good deal on it. I put on Bontrager Crow bars, a front brake and bought a 16t freewheel. I like to ride it fixed, (my first one) so I haven’t put on the freewheel yet and I might not. Also came with clipless pedals which I like and I already had the shoes.
I want to try the Trek Soho 1 to see if it’s something to think about for the future.
Anyone ridden the Trek?
I do like the color of the 07, with black bars and black and gray Bontrager grips it looks very nice.
PS,
I also put a stem on with s steeper angle to bring the bars a bit higher so does that mean the frame might be too small?
Thanks
I have a first year 925. I like the bad graphics and paint because it doesn’t attract attention. I gave up on the fixed gear and put that on another bike. Now I run it with a 8 speed Nexus hub. I also ditched the mustache bars for some Nitto Albatross bars, an improvement over the mustache’s.
It is my main commuter, but here are my complaints:
There is no clearance for larger tires or fenders that accommodate larger fenders. Redline could cheaply increase clearance for greater versatility.
The bike came stock with fenders but has track ends. It has a flip flop hub stock, so why not horizontal drops? Changing the wheel or fixing the tire becomes a slight pain with the track drops, it’s not a racing bike, I’d say the track ends were purely a marketing/aesthetic choice, and a bad one at that, horizontal drops need to come back across the board in a major way.
Redline, put a fork with a lot more rake on future models as well.
These aren’t expensive considerations, they just make sense. Most of these components and specs are probably achieved on more expensive frames that are built in the same Chinese factory and I think Redline stands to sweep the market if they adopt them.
That said, I love my 8-speed 925. I ride it all year, I live in a big city with a bad case of fashion bikes and requisite thieves, and it gets nary a look, when it does it’s usually a sneer or eye roll. Perfect.
They should go back to the subdued gunmetal color, the new logo is tacky and the colors garish. Carlton and Raleigh were able to pull that off in the 70’s, Redline today is not.
Just a few thoughts. I know I sound like a bitch.
I bought this bike about a year ago and have put at least 1,000 miles on it. Some longer distance rides, but mostly urban commuting in Jersey. I must say when I first got the bike, I thought it was a bit heavy and “cute”. I actually bought it for my wife and I had a light, fast and racy Cannondale Capo. One time out on a ride, we switched bikes to try each others out. This was the day I feel in love. Sure its got a few lbs on the Cannondale, but my god what a good ride. The bike feels alive rather than just like an ON/OFF switch. I love the bullhorns, and the gear ratio is perfect. I mostly ride it freewheel. The bike is quick, don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t feel like its rushing you. You can aggressively zip through traffic and it will respond nicely, OR you can leisurely cruise while taking in the scenery. Needless to say, my wife now has the Cannondale Capo, and I’m on the Redline. I did take off the chain guard and the fenders though. Makes the bike look a little cooler.
In the end.. this bike stole my heart. If your thinking about buying one.. do it. It will repay you back for many many miles!