I stopped at my favorite LBS in Alpharetta for a couple of things and got on the subject of 29er single-speeds. The fine proprietor said, "I happen to have just finished building a One 9 demo in your size. Carbon fork. 23-ish pounds. Want to take it for its maiden ride?"

Some laps around Big Creek and suffice to say that it is HUGE fun: stiffer (but definitely not straight aluminum stiff) and quicker than Connor's steel Vassago (no doubt from the three pounds that it lacks). Climbs as well and readily goes where you point it.

My very short list for what to do for myself for my 50th just got one bike longer. Thanks, Michael! (I think.)

I'm a fan of that fork.

HFS, Milhouse! When did you do that??

Picked it up from Addictive yesterday morning. Makes for a pretty sweet setup, IMO.

Hmmmm.....planning on upgrading the SS to a One9 in the spring. I was gonna go with the Reba SL though.