if i wanted to buil...
 

  You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more

[Closed] if i wanted to build a pretty lightweight steel hardtail, would a soul be the ?

47 Posts
33 Users
0 Reactions
212 Views
Posts: 0
Free Member
Topic starter
 

ran out of characters there.

id like to build a relatively light steel hardtail, i wouldnt say that im a weight weenie but i just fancy something fast and spritely.

really like the look of the soul.

I would likely build with a 1 x 10 setup and a 120 fork.

as much as i like the soul i find the £500 pricetag a little hard to swallow but would also be happy to pay that if im convinced its the right move.

so what advice if any can you offer ?


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 5:29 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
Topic starter
 

also if any one has a soul built up in green id love to see a pic


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 5:32 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Yes. Buy one.


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 5:37 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I'd say grab a second hand Soul if you can.. there's often one or two floating about as people upgrade to the latest model..

not green, but this (near) mint example set me back £200

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 5:38 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
Topic starter
 

bargain yunki, i would love a second hand frame, but they are never around when you want one,lol.


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 5:41 pm
 br
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

A steel framed hardtail is never going to be light, you need alu, carbon or Ti for that.


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 5:44 pm
Posts: 1398
Full Member
 

maybe like this

http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/genesis-core-frame-and-bits-build-yourself-a-cheap-fun-hardtail

not steel but almost identical geometry to the soul and lighter!


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 5:49 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
Topic starter
 

cheers ceepers looks a bargain but the dent puts me off otherwise i would have been interested.


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 5:52 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

They are lovely to ride, I would buy another 🙂


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 6:42 pm
Posts: 3131
Free Member
 

Sanderson Life.
No idea how they compare weight-wise but mine rocks with a 120mm fork - and the frame finish is immaculate. A Breath weighs a wee bit more but is cheaper.


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 6:56 pm
Posts: 12467
Full Member
 

b r, go on, I'll bite.

How light does a frame need to be before you can build it into a "pretty lightweight" bike?


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 7:03 pm
Posts: 97
Full Member
 

Decent spec Soul with 120mm Rebas & 1x10 won't exactly be heavy.


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 7:15 pm
 rob2
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Nice bike yunki 😉

Soul would be my choice. Mine is 1x10 130mm forks. It will only be a 1lb ish more than say a scandal.

I also had a Sanderson. Really nice but very very long.


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 7:43 pm
Posts: 1398
Full Member
 

That's a shame! The dent is pretty small actually, my lbs were sure it hadn't affected the integrity of the frame. It looks worse cos of the paint scuffing which is from my knee pads rubbing while pedaling, the top tube is undamaged in that area. I'm selling cos I got bad advice and should b on a 16" frame!


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 7:46 pm
 mt
Posts: 48
Free Member
 

What size soul frame you looking for? May consider selling as I have a Soda and can't decide which one to keep, you could help make the choice.


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 7:49 pm
Posts: 677
Free Member
 

+1 for the Soul -

[img][url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8476303280_280c5d42c9.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8476303280_280c5d42c9.jp g"/> [/img][/url] [url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/78747112@N04/8476303280/ ]2013-02-15 13.34.48[/url]

This medium frame weighed in at 1990g - when I originally built it up as a single speed with 120mm SID's it weighed in at a shade over 10kg. It's now 2 x 10 with Fox Talas 140's so about 11.2kg. You may feel that's light (or not). The ride quality is great in either guise.


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 8:16 pm
Posts: 618
Free Member
 

When you say "sprightly" what is it you mean?

I have a classic soul, 120mm reba and some hope/crest wheels, USE sumo and fizik gobi, XT drivetrain (3x9) so pretty light(24lb approx) and comfy. Set up for xc duties. It does have that steel feel but if you want something that shifts quick when you crank hard maybe look at something else.

They are the lightest steel hardtail and lots of fun mind so they are great but no ultra quick race bike


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 8:26 pm
Posts: 45
Free Member
 

853 frame. On that there's plenty superlight bits to add, ti/mag forks plus careful wheel & tyre choice you'll be surprised.

Edit: http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/pipedream-sirius-r853-a-couple-of-months-in ]


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 8:37 pm
 br
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[i]b r, go on, I'll bite.

How light does a frame need to be before you can build it into a "pretty lightweight" bike?
[/i]

Guy I ride with was a bit taken aback to find his 'lightweight' 120mm Soul weighed within a pound of a other buddys' 150mm heavier built Dialled Alpine and BFe...

IME You'll be pushed to build it below 26lbs c/w pedals, even a small. But picture evidence is always acceptable 🙂


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 9:49 pm
Posts: 2740
Free Member
 

IMHO the Sanderson rides better than the Cotic.


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 9:54 pm
 hh45
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

My Soul weighs about 26 lbs or just under when clean and with SPD pedals fitted. But it cost nearly £3,000 to build up so maybe not what you are after. I bought kit I liked and wanted a trail bike so I know its still not a race machine, i just like being able to climb nicely. Elixirs, SLX drivetrain, Float 120 RLC, Crest on Hope hubs, 2.25 Nobby Nics, carbon post, Alu Easton bar and stem. Its good!


 
Posted : 27/02/2013 10:52 pm
Posts: 2808
Full Member
 

[img] [/img]

cotic souls alright for racin' (crests on pro3 hubs for the 8th place).


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 12:39 am
Posts: 1398
Full Member
 

I should add, I now have a small size soul and it is ace! Mine is best termed a cheap build deore, Alex rims that came with the genesis, recon coil fork, answer bars and v8 flats. It's about 29 and a 1/3 lbs with a reverb but prob would have cost half hh45 3 grand.

It climbs fine and is a joy downhill


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 7:53 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Alternatively..... might I suggest:

[url= http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=explosif ]Dare to be different![/url]


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 8:09 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I am on my second soul now and could not be happier. I would not say that it is a light build (Revs, 819s on pro 2s, Conti RB UST, XT etc) but is really nice to ride. The build quality of the frames is really good, great material, great customer service and up to date spec. The are expensive for a steel frame, but spread over the years of enjoyment you will get, it works out at good value. The resale price is also pretty good if you later decide to sell on.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 8:46 am
 cp
Posts: 8928
Full Member
 

A steel framed hardtail is never going to be light, you need alu, carbon or Ti for that.

They're only ever going to be 1-2 lb heavier than alu, ti or carbon unless you spend mega money


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 9:37 am
 LoCo
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[url= http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/8032322970_5060d67bc8.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/8032322970_5060d67bc8.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/55204994@N03/8032322970/ ]DSC_0241[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/55204994@N03/ ]Loco Tuning[/url], on Flickr

Albert Classic, 853 reynolds?


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 9:39 am
Posts: 1398
Full Member
 

The weight thing is interesting, I'm sure how much water u carry on a ride makes more difference? Does it matter that much unless you're racing a stopwatch? (Or strava I guess!)


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 9:39 am
Posts: 28475
Free Member
 

My soul is 28lbs with a relatively cheap and chunky build - Flows, heavy tyres, 3x9 deore and slx, recons etc, so 26lbs wouldn't be out of the question, even without a mega budget.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 9:41 am
 LoCo
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

The albert with pro3/crest wheels and a few other lighter bits I'm putting on now should be about 27lbs, it 's a large frame too with 3x9 and 150mm revs spaced to 120mm


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 9:44 am
Posts: 10340
Free Member
 

If you're drawn to the Soul, then buy the Soul. There's no point settling for something that's 'nearly a Soul' and saving a couple of hundred £.
If you build up a Soul yourself, it will be a pretty timeless-feeling bike. Those are always going be more satisfying.

Of course, if something takes your fancy more than the Soul, then explore that.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 9:49 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Lightweight steel...I dunno. I love a good steel frame but they all fall within the the old 'Light. Cheap. Strong: Pick any two' saying.

You'll get a Soul and immediately begin the process of buying costly lighter parts, and eventually you'll have a faily light bike. But even at its lightest, it'll still be heavier than the average CF XC hardtail. Then you'll sell the steel frame and go CF, only to realise (two years and probably thousands of pounds down the line), that what was so great about the steel frame had nothing to do with weight, and everything to do with materials.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 10:00 am
Posts: 13942
Full Member
 

IME You'll be pushed to build it below 26lbs c/w pedals, even a small. But picture evidence is always acceptable

The last time you said something like this I put up these photos but you ignored them:

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

And that's built strong and more gravity oriented - wide rims, big tyres, big brakes, dropper post... Its frame is a massive 0.8lbs heavier than a Ti equivalent or 1.1lbs heavier than carbon.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 10:02 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
Topic starter
 

just for the record im not weight obsessed, it doesnt have to be mega light just "relatively light", i know that its never going to be as light as an alli frame or carbon.

i would consider chief's bike above to be light enough at 26lb.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 10:56 am
Posts: 3845
Full Member
 

The Soul my lad just built was 12.5 kg with pedals and tubes. It has Magura Thor AM 140s, SLX bouble and bash, Pro2 with EX500 rims, and Nobby Nic 2.25 snakeskins. Take off the pedals (SS Nanos) and run it tubeless, we'll save 750g at least.

Mine, Reba 120, Arch EX on Proii evo hubs,SLX converted doule and BBG bash, Nobby Nic Snakeskins run tubeless and with a Reverb weighs 11.7kg without pedals. Light tyres and a lighter chainset would put that in and amongst the 24lb class with a standard seatpost.. Struggling to get below 26lb isn't strictly true!


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 2:32 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Why weigh it *without* pedals?

When do you ever ride your bike without pedals?

🙄


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 2:46 pm
Posts: 10340
Free Member
 

Because that's the standard way of measuring bike weights.
Why?
1) Because most new decent bikes don't come with pedals
2) Because pedals are a personal choice and vary a lot in weight.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 3:13 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Because pedals are a personal choice

In contrast to the rest of the bike which is chosen for you by a magical hat.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 3:22 pm
 mt
Posts: 48
Free Member
 

paulo6624

Still after a medium Soul frame, one careful owner (on the Steve Peat scale)?
Its orange and looks lovely and weighs about 26lbs clean, built up. May sell with fork.

Alternatively a Soda frame.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 3:38 pm
Posts: 3845
Full Member
 

We're talking industry standards here. Quoted weights for off the peg bikes are always without pedals. Magic hat? How about bean counter with a list of oem component costs.

Tell you what, I'll weigh mine with all the different pedals I own and post the results, will that help?


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 3:46 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Got a soul for sale 16" frame in kawasaki green powder coat. frame weight is 4.2 lbs
complete with hope seat QR seat collar, generic post.
£140 plus post packaging transactionfees
phwill77 at gmail dot com


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 4:14 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Soul weight
My 17.5 inch Cotic frame with 9 speed 120 mm fox forks, flight saddle 710 carbon bars thompson stem, on stans crests goldtec hubs( lighter than hopes) with tubeless 2.25 tyres front and back clipped xt pedals is 23.6 lbs. on documented Medical scales.
most parts bought 2nd hand off here !!!!


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 4:22 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Wow catvet that is a light soul.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 4:34 pm
Posts: 54
Free Member
 

Hi
Latest Soul here in large.
2x10 SRAM, Float 140, King wheels with Olympic rims, tubeless but big tyres and a Reverb=26lbs
Cheers
Steve


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 5:23 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

My Solaris is ~23lb.

Making most bikes light is do-able, just depends on your budget.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 5:34 pm
Posts: 0
Full Member
 

MTB Rob of these parts put a nice one up for sale yesterday.

In the classifieds on here.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 5:39 pm
Posts: 13942
Full Member
 

My 26.5lbs Soul would be a 25.5lbs bike without the pedals. Without a dropper post (-200g), bash (-100g) with skinnier rims (-300g) and smaller tyres (-400g) it would get down to under 24lbs without any serious bling. Wouldn't be as much fun for me though!


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 5:51 pm
 jruk
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Buy a Soul if you want one - they're ace. I'm 95kg in my kit so a pound or two on the bike will make sod all difference.


 
Posted : 28/02/2013 8:47 pm

6 DAYS LEFT
We are currently at 95% of our target!