New Mexico-based Mone Bikes just launched a new twin-top-tube klunker called the Small Batch Straight Bar or Mone SB2. Available in limited numbers, it’s optimized for coaster brakes, 29 x 2.6″ tires, and is handmade in Mone’s breadtruck. Learn more here…

Mone is at it again with some new straight-bar klunker frames. Founder Cjell Mone is no stranger to batch production after his experience working with small bike manufacturers in Taiwan, which we highly recommend reading about here. Cjell has been at both ends of the spectrum with made in Taiwan stock frames and many handbuilt frames featuring custom details. This new venture into small batch hits the mark both in style and price.

Monē is calling the new klunker frame the SB2, short for Small Batch Straight Bar, and it features the twin top tubes reminiscent of the klunkers of yesteryear. Cjell is also tipping the hat with the coaster specific-ish brake allowances, which is a very Monē choice.

Mone SB2
  • Mone SB2
  • Mone SB2

The frames feature a mix of butted and straight-gauge tubing for a claimed sub-five-pound weight. For reference, Cjell tells us this is around half of what an old Schwinn frame weighs. The fork is also SB2 coaster-specific, featuring skinny 7/8″ chromoly blades setup as a unicrown for a ride quality Cjell describes as “maximum supple.” We’re told the fork is optimised for no front brake, which sounds a little sketchy because it is. Monē is also offering a breadtruck-brazed version of their bi-plane fork for folks who want to run disc front and rear.

Monē SB2 Specs

  • Clearance for 29 x 2.6″ or 27.5 x 2.8″
  • Mounts for coaster torque arm or rear disc
  • 2 sizes: S/M and L/XL
  • 1 1/8″ headtube
  • 450mm axle-to-crown
  • Optional handbrazed handmade copper/brass headbadge with coin details
  • Avaiable raw-raw, rattle-cleared, or gunblued and powdercoated in “Turbo Midnight”
  • 27.2mm seatpost
  • Mone SB2
  • Mone SB2
Mone SB2

We asked Cjell about bikepacking on the SB2, and this was his response: “No handbrake bike tour is a refreshing take on an old pastime. I get asked all the time where my brakes are, which is a fun segway and connection to people along the way. Single speed loaded touring isn’t for everyone, but if you’re not in a hurry, it’s much less crazy than it may come off. Our coasters are certainly up to the task. I’ve had good luck touring coaster with friends on the Colorado Trail as well as a trip in the Himalayas, which I wrote about here.”

  • Mone SB2
  • Mone SB2

The Monē SB2 costs $2,150 USD for a frame and fork. “Not for everyone” is obvious, but for those in the market for a handmade, breadtruck-brazed Monē, the SB2 is all the bespoke detail at two-thirds of the price, which has got us thinking… maybe coaster-brake-packing is worth a second look. Once the current batch sells, Cjell estimates around six to eight weeks for the next batch. Learn more at MoneBikes.com.

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