Mono isues.

[Garnet]

I am casualy shoping for a monoshock RS or RT.

One I looked at a while back had some play in the rear wheel. It was out of my price range so I never asked what was up.

Does a mono have rear wheel bearings in the wheel or are they inside the rear drive? Are they easy to adjust or shim?

[DonW]

There is a massive bearing in the rear drive, but none on the wheel. The rear drives can be re-shimmed, though I've never done it.

Don

[dougie]

Garnet.
I have the same concerns with my Mono.
3-4 years ago I noticed some slight play in my rear wheel. I also noticed that when I checked it after a ride there was no play when the FD was nice and warm.
Recently I am able to detect a little play even when warmed up by riding, but still no handling issues. I think it is something that wears slowly rather than fails suddenly.
Last year I purchased a supposedly "good" FD (Ebay about $125) but haven't tried it yet.
My Haynes manual says that rebuilding the FD should only be done by a shop, but maybe they were just too lazy to write it up. This winter I intend to delve into it anyways, and use the spare unit in the meantime if necessary. I will also checkout the Clymer manual.
Regardless, I am happy I bought a Monolever bike. It seems generally accepted that the bike is more rigid and stable. I can truthfully state that I have had no handling issues at all. My front end has been apart a few times, and I have never had to go through all of that "alligning the forks" stuff. The forks (and axle I think) are beefier and I just reassemble carefully and ride off. I did check them once with a piece of plate glass (they were right on) but now I don't bother.
Good luck with the search.

[Garnet]

After posting my question last night I found that my Haynes manual covers Monolever bikes, but as Doug says, they don't cover the bearing play isue.

Anything else late model specific (aside from the great circlip debate) that I should be watching for.

I'm keeping my eyes open for one as they are getting affordable, to the point that a mono will be cheaper than trying make my /5 handle that well.

[DonW]

Here's a link to a mono rear drive that is apart. Hugo is the leader of the ST forum on Yahoo.

http://www.pbase.com/r80ks/image/21831767