Minneapolis stands out as an ideal location for cyclists, seamlessly blending urban landscapes with accessible trails. The city’s design allows riders to transition effortlessly from city streets to wooded paths, often on a single bike. This spirit of versatility is deeply ingrained in the philosophy of All-City Cycles, and it’s perfectly embodied in their Log Lady, a singlespeed mountain bike designed for 27.5 wheels and a rigid fork.
Recently, I had the opportunity to test ride a custom-built Log Lady in Los Angeles. While this isn’t a comprehensive, long-term review, my initial experiences have been overwhelmingly positive and enjoyable. It’s been the kind of fun that challenges you, pushing your limits while leaving you with a grin.
The Log Lady begins as a frameset priced at $899, with complete builds available for $1,499. The model I tested was specially assembled by Jeff at All-City for review purposes and featured notable upgrades such as a RockShox Recon fork, SRAM XO cranks, Velocity Blunt SS wheels, Thomson components for the seatpost and stem, and Guide brakes.
Gearing Considerations for All City Bikes and Beyond
While a singlespeed mountain bike (SSMTB) is arguably at home in a relatively flat city like Minneapolis, tackling the varied terrain of Los Angeles presents a different set of challenges. Finding the right gear ratio is crucial for managing both sustained climbs and efficient pedaling on flatter urban streets. After some experimentation, I settled on a 32t chainring upfront paired with a 22t cog in the rear. This combination proved effective for conquering steep mountain ascents. For purely urban riding on the Log Lady, an 18t cog felt ideal, provided the route avoided any significant inclines – otherwise, walking became the more sensible option.
ACE Tubing: A Key Component in All City Bikes
The Log Lady frame is constructed from All-City’s ACE tubing. ACE stands for Air-Hardened, Custom, Extruded, and it’s engineered to deliver a ride that is both lightweight and responsive. While further in-depth analysis is needed for a definitive assessment, my initial rides suggest a noticeable difference in the ride quality attributed to this tubing. It might be partly psychological, influenced by marketing, but the bike genuinely feels lively and nimble under pedal power.
Flickable and Fun: The Geometry of All City Bikes
With its XC-focused geometry, featuring a 70.5º head tube angle across all sizes and a 72.5º seat tube angle, the Log Lady provides a ride that is zippy, responsive, and undeniably fun. This is particularly noticeable with its short rear end, enhancing the bike’s agility. All-City’s decision to equip the Log Lady with 27.5 wheels is a smart move. This wheel size strikes a balance, maintaining a light and flickable feel while still providing ample clearance for larger tires, up to 2.8″. Although I haven’t yet tested the Log Lady with 2.8″ tires, the frame clearly offers sufficient room. Upgrading to wider tires is definitely on my list for future rides. The added volume of fat tires enhances the bike’s capability for playful maneuvers on rocks and trail features, and if you opt for a rigid setup, your body will appreciate the extra cushioning.
Notable Design Details in All City Bikes
A standout feature of the Log Lady is its singlespeed track end design integrated with disc brake compatibility. This detail simplifies adjustments while ensuring secure wheel placement with 135mm spacing and a quick release system that resists slipping thanks to integrated tensioners. The rest of the frame design reflects All-City’s practical and straightforward approach to bicycle engineering. The red, black, and white paint scheme is consistent with All-City’s aesthetic, and the frame pairs well with both black and silver components.
Initial Thoughts on All City Bikes and the Log Lady
Coming from a background steeped in hardtail and rigid mountain bikes, I was excited to see the Log Lady offered as a rigid complete bike, and equally pleased to test ride one equipped with a front suspension fork. While I’m still developing my skills as a dedicated singlespeed rider, I’m quickly adapting to the unique rhythm and demands of this style of riding. After several local rides and a more extensive ride in the mountains, I’m eager to spend more time exploring the capabilities of the Log Lady.
Priced at $899 for the frameset, the Log Lady presents an accessible entry point for riders looking to venture into mountain biking without a significant financial commitment. Singlespeed setups can be built economically, offering a uniquely minimalist cycling experience. Moreover, riding a rigid singlespeed bike is an excellent way to refine bike handling skills and connect with the trail.
I anticipate many more enjoyable rides on the Log Lady, especially with a rigid fork and without the added weight of camera gear.
For ordering information and further details, visit your local All-City dealer or explore All-City’s website directly.
