2008 Redline 925

Aug 8, 2007 By Julia Posted in The Archives Tagged with Commute by Bike

We’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)

0 thoughts on “2008 Redline 925”

Fritz says:

August 8, 2007 at 12:01 pm

It’s a pretty bike. I like bullhorns better than moustache bars. Is that a chain tensioner I see? And does it come with the bike?

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jeff says:

August 8, 2007 at 12:24 pm

I love the new paint job, but I really liked the mustache bars. Bullhorns? Not so much.

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Logan says:

August 8, 2007 at 12:53 pm

You’ve been riding the moustache bars right? WHat do you think about the change? The paint change is an improvement for sure though.

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Eric S says:

August 8, 2007 at 12:57 pm

It looks like a great bike, but I have a 32 mile R/T commute on very congested roads with many rolling hills and frequent stops. I couldn’t imagine riding a fixie through that – and how does a single speed do with hills and straight-aways? The majority of my commute is up and down hills – some are so steep and long that occasionally I opt to walk them rather than stand up and climb them loaded down with all my gear and having cars whiz by… How do you manage hills? And when I do have a level part, I want to go at a good speed. Currently I maintain anywhere between 16-21 mph. Can the single speed do that? I guess I am just going to have to try to find one to test out some day…

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Logan says:

August 8, 2007 at 12:59 pm

or you could just try finding a comfy gear and not switching out of it all day. boom-instant single speed.

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Jim says:

August 8, 2007 at 2:22 pm

I have a 2007 and replaced the bars to have bullhorns so I like that change. Don’t like the color. I like the fact that it now has 2 bottle mount points where the 2007 only has the one.

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Keith says:

August 8, 2007 at 2:26 pm

Sweet!

I like the paint job a little better. I was sort of grooving on the moustache handlebars, but would like to try the bull horns too.

Can’t argue with the price. The only thing I would swap out is for a nice set of spd pedals.

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T says:

August 8, 2007 at 2:38 pm

My only complaint with my current ’07 925 is the paint (boring) and the moustache bars (weird and wide). Looks like they got it all figured out.

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rachel says:

August 8, 2007 at 2:53 pm

In response to Eric’s comment, the answer is yes. It’s totally feasible to ride a fixed gear bike 32 miles. I have converted an old Fuji Espree into a fixed gear and my gearing ratio is 48-16. I’m from East Tennessee originally and I picked this ratio specifically for the hills. When I get tired, I just flip the wheel around and use my freewheel on the other side. I love this bike and ride it everywhere.

If your interested in buying a fixed gear or converting one I highly recommend you check out Sheldon Brown’s website. He has a gearing calculator which helps a lot.

If I could afford to buy a fixed gear I think a Redline would be ok, but I think I’d rather save my money and buy something more expensive like a Litespeed ( I know gears are bad, but on a century ride in Chattanooga I want some options).

Best of luck Eric and I hope you enjoy riding a fixie.

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Fritz says:

August 8, 2007 at 3:59 pm

I think the 925 has 42×15 gearing, right? If so, 16 to 21 is exactly the speed range for that gearing.

Distance isn’t a problem with fixies and singlespeeds (I’ve done a couple of unsupported centuries on a fixed gear), but if you have many steep hills and stops a SS may not be the best option for an everyday commuter. That really depends on the individual, of course. If you’re already walking hills on a geared bike, I would not recommend a singlespeed. Rachel’s 48×16 is too steep for my old knees 😉

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sygyzy says:

August 8, 2007 at 5:58 pm

Rachel,

How do you flip the wheel on the road? Do you carry a wrench? Wouldn’t chain length requirements change depending on which side you are using?

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Chris says:

August 8, 2007 at 6:15 pm

If this had a 5+ speed internal hub it would be my perfect commuter bike. I have hills, stop lights and signs, and straightaways to deal with and a single-speed, though currently trendy, is simply impractical for a large number of commuters. I wish that they would at least offer the option for an internal gear hub. As it is I had to settle for the much dorkier REI Novara Fusion.

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Logan says:

August 8, 2007 at 6:34 pm

I would have purchased a fusion but it hasn’t been offered in anything other than “small” in months. You can always purchase a wheel with a gear hub and throw it on.

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Chris says:

August 8, 2007 at 9:22 pm

“You can always purchase a wheel with a gear hub and throw it on.”

I thought about doing that and talked to two bike shops but after parts and labor it would have been at least two to three hundred more than simply buying the Fusion for $600 (on sale).

Nonetheless I’ve been pretty happy with the Fusion, with the exception of the handlebars/large light and the general look of it.

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Logan says:

August 8, 2007 at 10:27 pm

Still a lot less than a car 😉

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rachel says:

August 8, 2007 at 10:28 pm

Sygyzy, no the chain length does not change when you flip the wheel. You determine the chain length before you put the cog/freewheel onto a track hub. Since you don’t have a derailleur, the chain line has to be straight. That means if you have a wheel with a flip-flop hub (i.e. a track side for a cog and on the other side you can place a singlespeed freewheel) you’ll have to have a cog and freewheel that are the same size.

I usually carry an adjustable wrench since most fixed gear wheels are not equipped with quick releases.

I hope this clarifies some things, but as I mentioned before check out sheldonbrown.com. He’s got a lot of stuff on fixed gears and a glossary, just in case I confounded some of y’all.

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Mike in Florida says:

August 8, 2007 at 10:48 pm

Nice bike. Bullhorns + carpal tunnel syndrome = no 9-2-5 for me. 🙁

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Fritz says:

August 8, 2007 at 11:50 pm

Sygyzy, most fixed and SS bikes aren’t equipped with Quick Release, so many of us carry a wrench for the inevitable flat tires anyway. Flipping a rear tire is done pretty quickly. I carry a small monkey wrench as seen in this photo. At home I’ll use a regular 15 mm wrench but standard wrenches are too long to fit in my saddle bag. There are short purpose-built 15 mm wrenches available specifically for carrying in a saddle bag.

Rachel, the 925 does have different tooth counts on the fixed and freewheel sides, but the fork end is long enough to accommodate the difference. Most people put a bigger cog (for slower, easier cycling) on the freewheel side.

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Eric S says:

August 9, 2007 at 7:45 am

To Rachel and the others who responded to my questions: Thanks! I look forward to trying it out one day…

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lawrence says:

August 9, 2007 at 8:21 am

That figures!!! I just bought a 2007 model and now redline puts out a nicer model…

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Jared H says:

August 9, 2007 at 11:00 am

Paint looks great. I can’t say I have a preference on the handlebars. Switch to some clipless pedals and maybe a more gnarly looking saddle and I’ll put both thumbs up.

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Duderonomy says:

August 9, 2007 at 1:41 pm

Isn’t this blog partially sponsored by Redline?

Did they fix the dropouts so they’re forward facing for easy wheel removal with fenders? I couldn’t tell from the pictures. Ok, I guess when you click on the pictures you can tell the dropouts still face backwards. Any willingness for Redline to reverse direction (heh, heh) on this?

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Logan says:

August 10, 2007 at 2:41 am

For some reason semi-horizontal drop-outs (as opposed to full horizontal is in this case) aren’t in vogue, even though they’re far more practical.

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Scott says:

August 10, 2007 at 9:59 pm

The Salsa Casseroll is very similar to the 9-2-5 frame, except that it has semi-horizontal forward facing dropouts (ideal for fenders).

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CJ says:

August 11, 2007 at 7:09 am

Hey, that is a really cool looking paint jobby to me!!! I have a RL MC 29er that I commute on 6mi round trip. I also do local group rides. I have yet to do a century, but I have logged around 4-6 50mi days this year on the bike. I just put on 30mi other day running errands all over town. With all that said though. I live in a fairly flat area of the country (Lincoln,Ne). So, running a 34×16 works well for me. I am going to convert an old C’Dale roadie to SS soon and I think I will run a 42×16 to start, and if that is too easy for me then I will move up to a 48×16, or even a 52×16. Yeah, that 52×16 sounds pretty steep, but like I said it is very flat here. A big hill in Lincoln is about 3-4 blocks long.

So…Eric, you might want to take the advice of leaving your bike’s gears set to one certain setting for the commute to work some morning to see how it works for you. If you like it then it is very easy to convert your exsisting bike into a SS. If you find it too hard, or not very fun, then just put the SS project idea in the back of your mind and forget about it.

But that is just my advice!!

Peace out

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Quinn says:

August 11, 2007 at 11:34 pm

Much Improved paint job! I only test-rode the moustach bars but I liked them although the bullhorn are now an alternative to the SE Lager! (thank god)

is it a Fixie Spec. now? In Reno (where I am) Fixies are suicidal!

Cassette or freewheel?

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Tom says:

August 16, 2007 at 12:47 pm

But isn’t the Casseroll bare frame $100+ more than the complete 9.2.5?

BTW – Even at retail, a Sturmey SRF3 hub, 36 SS spokes, a Sunrace CR18 rim, a trigger shifter and some zip ties shouldn’t run more than $125.

If you wanted drops on an ’07 9.2.5, you could get some drops. If you want drops on and ’08, you can get some drops…and some brake levers.

TCS

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JL says:

August 16, 2007 at 1:22 pm

I have an 2006 and love it!!
I love the moustache bars and the color is my favorite so far.
The 42 x 16 gearing is quite good for my 6 mile one way commute.

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Dingbat says:

August 16, 2007 at 1:46 pm

How wide are the bullhorns? I’ve got bullhorns on my fixed-gear, and I often wish for a nice wide mustache for more leverage pulling out of stoplights (especially when I’m hauling a trailer!). Narrow handlebars + fixed/ss = don’t stop, it’s a PITA to get going again!

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Quinn says:

August 16, 2007 at 1:58 pm

Dingbat,

Have you tried Easton EA riser bars? I have the 50s on my XXIX and I get Monster grip! Great for hauling my trailer.

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2Wheeler says:

August 16, 2007 at 3:08 pm

Yuck, Thumbs down on the new 925 paint job and bar change. This is a different bike, it is now looking like it wants to be a track bike. Keep it simple, the paint job is not urban enough for me. Bullhorn bars can be made from chopping some old drop bars, but the moustaches were uniquely special. Good luck finding them now if this one doesn’t come stock with it. The RL with moustache bars reminds me of the bikes I saw in Copenhagen in the mid-90s (SS, 700c x25 tires, very agile). A frame with road geometry and fenders does not equal track usage, so why not flip around the rear axle slots in the dropouts to face forward. The point about needing new brake levers if you switch to drop bars is well taken too, it simply decreases the inherent versatility of the off-the-shelf model to equip it this new way. I like the ’06 paint job best. Don’t need no contrasting paint on the down tube, etc.

Raleigh One Way has my alternative vote for a contender in this same niche.

Otherwise I am going to convert one of my old steel raleigh road frames from the 60s for SS use. I have plans to test ride an 07 925 tomorrow at my LBS just to see what I’m missing if I go that route.

My commute is 4.5 miles each way, pretty flat, so I’m thinking I’ll be digging a SS if I can get the gearing right. I too average 16-21 mph most of the way.

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Dingbat says:

August 17, 2007 at 10:43 am

Thanks, Quinn! I’m sticking with the narrow bullhorns on my fixed for now, since I’m (slowly but surely) building up a geared bike (with drops, since that’s what I’ve got around) to haul Bat Jr. around with, particularly in the winter.

I saw some mustache bars for sale cheep somewhere online in the past couple of months: probably excess stock from the manufacturer that was supplying Redline, is my guess (of course, I didn’t put two and two together and realize that the only production bike with mustaches would be changing its configuration!).

Do you suppose more people would be more comfortable (physically, not necessarily aesthetically!) if they mounted the brake levers further inboard on the M-bars, a la http://www.stanford.edu/~dru/moustache.html ?

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Quinn says:

August 17, 2007 at 10:51 am

Dingbat,

I don’t know about anyone else but, mounting the levers inboard like that, would bug the shit outta me, have to bow arms out just to hit the breaks.

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Hillbert says:

August 22, 2007 at 1:20 pm

I actually like the subdued colors of my 2007 with muted charcoal/black. I don’t mind the mustache bars once I got used to them. I see a lot of bullhorns now, which made the mustache bars unique. I don’t care for the ’08 color. I do like however that they added a other set of bottle braze ons. 925 I still think its the perfect bike for someone who wants a affordable foray in SS/fixed gear urban riding.

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tad says:

August 29, 2007 at 8:07 am

Oh sweet. I want one now! Please tell me that bike is still $500.

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Gee says:

August 29, 2007 at 8:12 pm

I have been riding a 2007 almost daily, including for some longish rides out of town to visit friends. I am not sure I would like the bullhorn bars over the mustache bars. I also like the old paint job although the new one also looks good. I think I also like the old full coverage chain guard over the new style. Props to RL for going to high flange hubs with the new one .

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Dave says:

September 16, 2007 at 8:11 pm

I’m about to pull the trigger and get an ’07 925 on order.

The ’08 appears to have 32 spoke wheels, where the ’07 has 36. I’m 200lbs, plus my messenger bag, and like the security of a 36 spoke rear wheel for my 14 mile commute on a bike path with plenty of tree root bumps.

I know the mustache bars look goofy, but the sure seemed comfortable to me on my test ride. I have a set of 42cm bull horns in the shed if the need arises (but they probably aren’t wide enough for fg).

I test rode the ’07 925 back to back with the Raleigh one way, and for some reason, the 925 seemed much faster and more lively. Certainly, the Raleigh comes with huge tires, and that might have been the only thing holding it back.

Anybody else have thoughts on the one way vs. 925? I could have picked up the brand new one way for $399, if you can believe that.

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Quinn says:

September 16, 2007 at 9:00 pm

Dave

Have you ever ridden bullhorns?? Much more comfortable!

As for the wheels, order the bike and buy a seperate 36 hole, and ride 32/36

The One Way, well I can’t say much about That bike but I have owned 2 Ralieghs, an ’05 M20 and an ’07 XXIX, and love(d) them both(m20 was run over), out of the current bikes, the One Way would be the Raleigh road bike that I would buy.

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Dave says:

September 22, 2007 at 1:51 pm

Hi Quinn,

Yes, I have ridden bullhorns, and I prefer the variety of positions offered by drops, and that’s what appeals to me about mustache bars. Buying a separate 36 hole rear wheel for a new bike? Does that make sense?

Thanks for the input regarding the Raleigh. I’m still tempted by that bike.

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Quinn says:

September 22, 2007 at 3:06 pm

Dave,

I guess I am thinking from my POV, having a disability and a few injuries to deal with, No one makes the Perfect bike for me, its nothing to me to adapt. Plus you will save wait, also look at it this way, you could buy a more expensive bike, Not allowing you to buy that extra wheel.

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Mike says:

October 1, 2007 at 5:13 pm

Was there any announcement on pricing?

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Eric K says:

December 9, 2007 at 7:01 pm

For those that are concerned about long commutes on a single speed, don’t be. I commute 70 miles round trip on my ’06 925 and have no trouble. The only modifications I did was SPD’s and a 53 chainring on the front with the stock 15 fixie, works great for me!

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Fritz says:

December 10, 2007 at 10:37 am

You’re a beast, Eric! 70 mile commute RT on any kind of bike is quite a distance.

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Mike says:

December 10, 2007 at 12:48 pm

What is the reason that these bikes don’t come with quick-release? Is there some issue that prevents those from being added on later?

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Elizabeth says:

January 14, 2008 at 1:50 pm

Hi… just found this site…. I’m lookin’ to go SS for my commute. (Maybe I’ll add a 3-speed internal hub due to my one already bad knee.) I’d love the ’07 925, but my LBS sold the last one in my size (I need the smallest frame for my 5’3″ height). I could go with the ’08 which I haven’t tested yet OR an ’06 Bianchi San Jose for the same price as a Redline; I’d just need to add the fenders. But now folks are talkin’ about the One-Way which would send me to another LBS. Any consensus?

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Quinn says:

January 14, 2008 at 2:07 pm

Elizabeth-

Depends on where you live and what kind of ride you like, for a 4-season ride I would go with the San Jose, for a warm weather ride I am a big fan of Raleigh and the One Way.

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Elizabeth says:

January 14, 2008 at 2:10 pm

Quinn, thanks for the prompt reply. I’m in Chicago…. and right now contending with our cold winter temperatures and winds.

So — Bianchi… cool. I’ve heard lots of good about it, too.

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Dave says:

January 27, 2008 at 11:14 pm

I have been riding the ’08 925 for about a month and just decided to flip to fixed. I live in a very hilly area and the 15t is tougher than the 16t free up a hill, but it rides smooth as anything and I just stand, shift and pull my weight and take my time. I do not see a problem with a fixie on hills. I LOVE THIS BIKE!

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Dzave says:

January 27, 2008 at 11:48 pm

I decided to add a “z” to my name not to confuse me with the Dave prior to comment 48.
It took me a bit longer to flip my wheel than I thought. Exactly what needs to be loosened? Only the nuts on the ends of the hub or also those screws with plastic casings pointing into the dropouts? I actually messed with the fender too…don’t think I had to do it though.

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djkenny says:

February 1, 2008 at 11:54 pm

I wonder how this bike would ride with a Nexus 7 or 8 speed?

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bike_ema says:

February 2, 2008 at 10:31 am

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

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brian says:

February 25, 2008 at 2:43 pm

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.

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Dean says:

March 1, 2008 at 4:51 pm

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.

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New Redline “Chick” 925 | Commute by Bike says:

April 17, 2008 at 6:10 pm

[…] reviewed and posted 2008 pics of the Redline 925, however they are now showing the new “Chick” specific model (with […]

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nat says:

April 19, 2008 at 1:54 am

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.

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Tim says:

May 11, 2008 at 12:21 pm

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.

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Tim says:

May 11, 2008 at 12:26 pm

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

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Calvert says:

February 9, 2009 at 11:19 pm

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.

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Michael Kelly says:

June 26, 2009 at 11:36 am

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!

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AJM says:

May 4, 2010 at 6:42 am

What are the purposes of the chain tensioners?

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2008 Redline 925

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