Pros: Sliding drop outs make Single Speed conversions easy. Great kit out for a bike at this price point. Classic geometry.

Recommendation: Solid 29er. Versatile and ready for geared or SS riding.

Pros: Great geometry, solid ride, turns great, good components

Cons: headset is cheap

Recommendation: I have the SS version of this bike and I love it. It rides like a champ is very solid. My other bike is a Niner and the Bianchi is just and good. I did upgrade the headset to a Chris King and switched out the stem and seatpost to Thomson's. I would recommend this bike to anyone who wants a solid fun 29er.

Pros: Goes anywhere, does everything, high quality components

Cons: comes with CHEAP pedals, tall frame

Recommendation: This was a replacement for my aging '80's vintage Diamnodback Ridgerunner. Considering how often I buy a bike, I decided to invest in one I'll have for a while. The hardest part, for me, was getting used to the frame size. Once I began riding it, however, that became very secondary. I love the range of gears this bike offers. By changing the tires to something less knobby, it has become the best all around bike I've ever owned. Great on the street, wonderful as a commuter and terrific on hardpack. I'm just beginning to scratch the surface of what this bike can do on serious off road riding. I need to expand my skills to match the bike and this one makes me want to do that. For what you can expect to pay for one of these, I'd expect decent pedal to be part of the package! The stock pedals are plastic and should be replaced immediately. The WTB saddle was a little hard for my preferences, but it is a good quality saddle, so no gripes there. For me, the best asset are the disc brakes. I'm no lightweight and I can lock this bike up at any speed. What a thrill! If you are a beginner and can go the price for one, do it. That way you won't have to replace bikes as your ability grows. If you are real hardcore downhill rider or trick rider, this may not be your best choice. Only the front fork has shocks and the bike is heavier than a BMX style bike. If you want a single bike that is equally at home cruising the roads or back trails, however, this is it.