Neutral handling is the key to a great hardtail. Speedy descents, tight switchbacks and long climbs are all a part of most every ride. That is why we design our Option 3 mountain frame to handle well in all situations, not just excel in one. SOULCRAFT owners agree that the design is right, as the Option 3 was given an mtbr.com choice award for "best hardtail frame". With Freedom Of Choice custom fitting and top notch design execution, your smile will be ear to ear aboard your very own SOULCRAFT.
Submitted by
Jim Dietrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Novato, CA USA Date Reviewed: January 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Pine Mt/Tamarancho loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Soulcraft, Petaluma
Strengths:
Sean actually put a new front triangle (top tube, head tube, down tube) on my 1996 Salsa Ala Carte frame. I biffed incredibly hard and actually brok my beloved Salsa. I called Sean and asked if he could fix it. He obliged and it turned out that he had originally built my frame when he worked at Salsa (he had the S/N records on hand). It was fitting that he would fix it. He adjusted the head tube angle slightly (better suited for a suspension fork than the original frame) and put a 1.125" head tube on in place of the old 1". I call the hybrid fram my "Soulsa", but I more acuarately call it the smoothest, most nimble, incredibly built frame on the planet. It climbs like a mountain goat and eats up descents like a starving grizzly bear! Kudos Sean - you build THE BEST frames. If you're riding something else, it's inferior...PERIOD!!
Weaknesses:
It makes everything else look pathetic by comaprison and therefore spoils the rider!
Similar Products Used:
Salsa Ala Carte, Ibis Mojo, Trek 850
Bike Setup:
Head Set Chris King, Whit Ind Bottom Brckt/Crank, Race Face Rings/handlebar, Look Moab Pedals, XTR Shifters - V Brakes - Derailleures - Cogset, Thomson Stem, Ergon Grips, Chris King Hubs, Marzocchi Corsa World Cups SC
Bottom Line:
It does not get better!!! If you're serious and you want the best, this is it. There is no way to emphasize enough in this post!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Per Johansson
a Cross Country Rider
from Gothenburg, Sweden Date Reviewed: December 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Sandsjöbackaleden
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
Soulcraft
Strengths:
Rear end stiffnes, comfort, ballance, The expert help from Sean Walling.
Weaknesses:
Low BB height, not a big issue.
Similar Products Used:
Rocky Montain Blizzard, Kona Explosif, Bridgestone Mb-1, DB apex,
Bike Setup:
Thomson, Fox Float, race face, hope, etc
Bottom Line:
Excellent fit, and a incredible ballanced ride. Everything is easy on this bike. Me, 175cm and 68 kg.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicagoland, IL Date Reviewed: November 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Kickapoo
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Absolute Bikes, Flagstaff, AZ
Strengths:
-Custom fit, even for weirdos. -Custom tuned to your preferences.
Weaknesses:
-Waiting period is long... perhaps longer then they claim. -Not SUPER light
Similar Products Used:
Nothing custom: Salsa Ala Carte, GT Zaskar, etc.
Bike Setup:
Fox F100X, 950 series XTR, King hubs/headset, other good stuffy
Bottom Line:
I had a great ride on my Soulcraft this week which inspired me to write this review.
The Soulcraft guys listen to my (rather lengthy list of) concerns, and this bike fits me perfectly. They gave me a longer then normal top tube and the seat tube is set back a degree further then normal. As a result this is the first bike I've ever ridden that didn't require my saddle to be all the way back on the rails on a setback seatpost and still having me feeling I was too far forward on the bike. They even set it up so I can run a slightly shorter (100mm) stem for quicker handling. Oh, and I got a strongly sloping top tube too, leaving me 3 inches of standover clearance (about 2 inches more then any other HT I've ridden) means I don't crush my junk during those emergency dismounts. This alone is worth the couple hundred extra for a custom frame.
As for the handling, it will vary depending on what you ask for. I asked for a quick handling bike because I knew I'd be moving back to the midwest where the trails are tight and twisty. I got exactly that. This bike carves corners better then anything I've ridden before. It really acts like an extension of my body. On the other hand, Linden (see her review below) got her Soulcraft about the same time I did. The difference in handling between our bikes is striking. She asked for a bike that would be stable on the downhills. Her bike handles more slowly (and thus is more stable) and she loves it since she's used to DH rigs. My point is, they take your input and use it give you a bike that handles perfect for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from Santa Rosa Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Soulcraft
Strengths:
When I received my bike and got a chance to look at the attention to detail up close, it became clear that many years building custom frames has left Sean with a finely trained eye for what works well. There was no fluff, every thing was done with a specific goal in mind. Sean was patient during the whole design process; incorporating all of the benefits I wanted, eliminated all of the excess and still was able to keep it a Soulcraft. I asked for a fast race bike that I could also use for endurance races (8-12-24 hrs). Something that would be fast, responsive but also still behave once my reflexes have slowed after many hours. The bike seems to respond to what you put in to it, the harder you go the more aggressive it gets, back off a little and things settle down. In addition to the handling, my fit was a little tricky. Not a problem, we made a couple of adjustments and my issues I've had with other bikes were gone. The bike fits perectly.
Over all this is a bike I look forward to keeping for a long time, I see no need "trade up". Sean's years building bikes becomes very clear after one ride. As far as the price is concerned, if you want a beautiful, professionally build custom frame the price seems more than fair.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff Date Reviewed: May 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Oldham/Rocky Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Purchased At:
Absolute Bikes
Strengths:
Thi frame is custom built and rides like a dream. It reacts really well on the downhills and is light enough for the climbs. Has very well done welds and the builders were on time delivering the frame.
Weaknesses:
None that I can find....
Similar Products Used:
Sycip Unleaded, Coconino, Trek Carbon
Bike Setup:
XT with Avid brakes. Carbon seatpost with Easton riser bars. Mavic 717 wheelset with XT hubs.
Bottom Line:
Great price for a durable beautiful custom frame. I will never go back to stock again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Linden
a
from Flagstaff, AZ Date Reviewed: May 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Weatherford/Lookout
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Direct from Soulcraft
Strengths:
My Soulcraft is the most fun to ride, balanced bike I have ever been on. It climbs like a mountain goat, and descends tight, rocky Flagstaff singletrack at top speed without getting squirrely. It handles exactly how I asked Sean to make it, and it accelerates pretty ridiculously fast. I've been racing on it all spring, and I adore it. It's light, quick, and absolutely a blast to ride.
Weaknesses:
None that I've found so far, or expect to ever!
Similar Products Used:
Nothing I've ridden is comparable...an Epic and a crappy Kona.
Bike Setup:
Reba team fork, Formula disc brakes (best hydro discs ever), WTB cockpit, DT wheels, Panaracer tires, and SRAM XO drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
This is the bike for anyone who wants the perfect ride. Sean can build your frame to behave however you want it to, which means that a Soulcraft=your dream bike. It's an awesome race bike, and it does surprisingly well in gnarly rocks too. I've been ditching out on road rides and dh-ing with my friends to go ride this thing for hours on end...and oh yeah it's gorgeous too. Flawless welds, sparkly blue powdercoat. I get hit up with "nice bike" on the trail all the time. The bottom line: this will be the best hardtail you have ever ridden, or ever will ride. Get a Soulcraft!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Alvin, Texas Date Reviewed: November 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Jack Brooks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
MTBR classified
Strengths:
The feel of steel.
Weaknesses:
Keeping up with the rock chips etc. to prevent rust spots.
Similar Products Used:
2002 Bianchi Grizzly...another steel ride
Bike Setup:
Fox Vanilla fork, King headset, and front/rear disc hubs, Avid Mech. front and rear, all XT drive train, Thompson post and stem.
Bottom Line:
Sweet ride!! I thought I liked my Bianchi Grizzly...before it was stolen, but this thing has improved my riding. Got a heck of a deal on a nicely spec'ed bike. New frames are out of my price range but if your in the market for a steel bike, and can find a used one, seriously consider this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Perry Bertsch
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunnyvale, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Not trail, place - skeggs
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Petaluma, CA - Soulcraft Direct
Strengths:
This bike climbs like the wind. It descends with pride, confidence, and incredible agility. I keep looking fo rthe shock in the back, for when I ride narly, technical rocky sections, it just floats over it! I have a Maverick ML7 that sits, and sits. Why? This bike kicks ass!
Weaknesses:
Only when I glitch
Similar Products Used:
Yokota Yosemite Pro, Ritchey P-21
Bike Setup:
Mavic 819s with XTR rear hub, Chris King front hub, XTR derailuers, SRAM rocket shifters, Chris King headset, Thompson Elite stem, Monkey Lite 70 aluminum bars, Formula brakes (these are new to US market, Sean himself turned them on to me).
Bottom Line:
No regrets will be had if you get one. EVERY ride is an adventure, and a dream come true with this frame/bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ken hall
a Weekend Warrior
from san bruno ca Date Reviewed: September 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The single track im on
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
soulcraft (petaluma ca.
Strengths:
This bike is worth every penny. quality number one. Climbs like a goat, can go as fast as you can handle. the bike is straight. does exactly what you wish for it to do.
Weaknesses:
have not found one price if your on a budget Buy the bike and sacrifice steak for top romin
Similar Products Used:
Gary fisher parigon, scwhinn series 70
Bike Setup:
full xtr group except cris king headset, thompson stem and seatpost. monkey bar carbon 90,wtb pure ti rail saddle mavic 819 rims
Bottom Line:
This Bike ROCKS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tony eason
a Racer
from san francisco, ca, usa Date Reviewed: September 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Petaluma?
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
American Cyclery, San Francisco, CA
Strengths:
I've been hit twice by cars and have ridden my Soulcraft Custom Road Bike for 6 consecutive years from San Francisco to Los Angeles ...and it's still rides like a BMW!
Similar Products Used:
Salsa
Bottom Line:
If you want a custom fit. If you want to spend your money at a location that will give you attention to detail. If you want to help out the smaller business owner. And, if you want to meet a bunch of dudes that are "good people."
Get a Soulcraft Bike!
9th Year, AIDS Life Cyclist Iyengar Yoga Teacher, tony Eason http://ynottony.com/cycle3.htm
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
umatic
a Cross Country Rider
from London UK Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
Soulcraft
Strengths:
Refined, smooth, intuitive, impeccable fit outrageously quick
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
DeKerf Team SL
Bike Setup:
XTR, XTR Wheelset, Race Face, Fox F80 RLT, Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Bottom Line:
It was a tough call between sticking with DK and going out on a limb based soley on a load of great reviews I'd read about Soulcraft. At the end of the day I'm happy with the decision and found the level of service offered by Matt and Sean to be exemplary. From the start the build process was fantastic. You fill in a detailed measurement sheet and have a few conversations on the phone with the guys to determine what you want out of the project and to iron out any niggling problems you might have experienced with your previous ride. Also your riding style is factored in and the minute I took it out I was simply blown away. The refined whippy quality of the ride is just outstanding in a way one would only expect from a world-class steel rig. And it's quick - really quick. I couldn't bring myself to get off the thing and paid for it with aching limbs for the next week! Obviously the sense that the bike fits you like a bespoke suit stands to reason given the amount of information Matt and Sean expect from you. It also forces you to analyse how you ride and how, with their help, you can improve that. I could bang on forever about how great this bike is, but you just have to look at all the reviews here to know it makes sense. In a mountain biking world of corporate aluminium mediocrity it feels good to know that you've supported the work of true independent artists who are at the top of their game and love what they do. A cool memory I have is being in my local shop getting it built-up and, when it was done, the entire staff and customer's in the shop just standing around it in awe! Nice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike gerlach
a Cross Country Rider
from hartland Date Reviewed: April 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
muir
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
soulcraft
Strengths:
light..quick..smooth..strong..cool..
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
cannondale v1000(junk.. beat me up!)... bontrager racelite(sweet.. still have and ride)
Bike Setup:
full xtr disc.. even the wheelset is the xtr. fox f80x.. king head set (of course) thompson post/stem.. monkeylite carbon bar.. wtb saddle (very nice).. panaracer fire xc
Bottom Line:
my story: ride a cannondale life ok.. then found a bonty racelite.. love it.. changed my life.. STEEL ROCKS !!! but nothing is better than a "new bike".. bontrager is gone so where to go? my buddy who owns the LBS suggested Soulcraft and another custom bike maker.. did some reserch.. Soulcraft is from cali and powder coats and the other guys are on the east coast and paints.. Hmmmm ? my gut was right.. they (sean and matt) picked up where keith left off. the story in the story: my wife had a medical confrance in san francisco and petaluma is about 40 miles north so i am going to rent a car and shoot up there to meet the guys see the shop and get measured. was going to be there by 1pm friday. plane left late.. missed my connection in denver.. i won't get to san fran till 4pm.. upset i called matt and told him the story.. he talked with sean and they figured a plan for a saturday meeting @ seans' parrents house (which is closer to san francisco) after a single speed race he was racing in.. they gave me a time, directions and phone numbers to make the plan run smooth.. after thinking about it with the wife i called them and said that that would be unfair to my wife since our time there was limited and cancelled the meeting.. i am going back in 2007 for the same reason and will be calling the guys to finally meeting them.. These guys ROCK !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roy Underwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Henderson, NV. Date Reviewed: February 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1450.00
Purchased At:
Soulcraft
Strengths:
I sold my Trek 5500 to get this Soulcraft cyclocross frame, and i couldn't be more happy with it. This bike feels great out on the road and an absolut blast on the trail. I dont think i could say enough about the fit of this frame, it just feels right. (for lack of a better word)Plus the bike built up sexier than a playboy playmate.
Weaknesses:
I dont think anyone could say anything bad about a Soulcraft frame or the crew at Soulcraft
Similar Products Used:
Mongosse Ti cross
Bike Setup:
Soulcraft Groundskeeper/Dura-ace drive train/Crank bros. egg beaters/Mavic Open-Pro wheelset/Pauls Neo-canti cantis/Thompson seatpost and stem/Chris King Headset/Salsa Cyclocross bars
Bottom Line:
This is my first cross bike so im still getting use to it in the dirt, but its just as fun as my 29er to ride. My first ride was on trails i ride on a regularly and i was really surprised at how much i was clearing on the new bike. Now as soon as i stop hitting rocks pinch flating my rear tire i'll be good to go!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob
a
from chapel hill, nc Date Reviewed: November 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
those trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
soulcraft
Strengths:
incredible fit, from the get-go it just felt right and now it feels even better!
Weaknesses:
not a one
Similar Products Used:
a steel cove handjob set up as a s/s with an eccentric hub a '95 steel specialized stumpie
Bike Setup:
fox vanilla 100mm fork, avid juicys, king front hub, white industries s/s disc rear with mavic 717 disc rims, w/i freewheel, race face crankset
Bottom Line:
like everyone else, i was a little uneasy about spending this much on a frame...not about the money, really, i ride an indie fixxed gear crown jewel, so i've indebted myself and restructured lifestyles over bike frames before. i was just worried about throwing down for a custom mtb frame, where falls will be run of the mill. would it feel the same falling down that 8ft rock face with a custom frame as it did on my $600 cove? that one dented my right chainstay, well barely...see my ad in the 'marketplace'... anyways, cupboards stocked with rice and pasta, i made the call and got the process underway and haven't regretted a moment since. i only wish i had called earlier to get it in time for the solstice race...oh well... these guys are amazing, the nicest folks to work with and kept everything moving along steadily to get me the sickest s/s frame out this way. built up quickly (save for my assuming that it would be a 27.2 seatpost...what do they say about 'assuming' again?) and was trail smooth from the start. i only had it for a couple of weeks when i rode in the 'off road assault on mt. mitchell', a 55-60 mile offroad race with way too much climbing...well, not really, but she rode smooth with no ill will by the end, even after the nasty spill i took... anyways, a great frame from a great company, thanks guys!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Racer
from Nevada City, CA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe rim Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
SOULCRAFT
Strengths:
Custom Build! Handles and looks great.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
I also have a Soulcraft plowboy Singlespeed
Bike Setup:
fox 100x, avid ultimate brakes and levers, monkey lite bars, FSA cranks and BB, Sram XO, speedream wheels w/king hubs, SLR saddle
Bottom Line:
I have 3 MTB bikes: a full suspention bike and my 2 Soulcrafts, one with gears one without. Matt and Sean make an incredible product! I used to have a Ti hardtail and the Steel Soulcraft rides 10x better then the old Ti bike. BTW, I did all of my racing this year on the Soulcraft and have no regrets!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenny
a Cross Country Rider
from South West Scotland Date Reviewed: September 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Red/Black route @ Drumlanrig Castle
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Soulcraft
Strengths:
Personal service from Matt - Attention to detail, Quality of workmanship , The satisfaction that comes from knowing the frame builder is paying your frame just as much attention as he would his own. The ability to swing a leg over the frame for the first time and instantly get a feeling that the frame is hardwired to your subconscious - It just feels Right!
Weaknesses:
You must be joking!.
Similar Products Used:
No bike i have ever rode comes close, so cannot really compare with similar products.
Bike Setup:
Fox F80X fork/Thomson stem/post/Gobi saddle/Easton monkeylite bars/Hope mini mono brakes/Hope hubs/mavic rims/Middleburn uno crankset/Convert chain tensioner.
Bottom Line:
I was a bit apprehensive as i waited the 8 weeks from my initial e-mail to Matt enquiring about soulcraft frames, and subsequent decisions on frame size and geometry before i received the frame in my hands. As i had read so much about the ride quality and unsurpassed fit of Soulcraft frames, i felt my riding style or lack of, would somehow take the shine off a jewel of a frame. I shouldn't have worried , As soon as i built it up to Matt's detailed drawing regarding stem height / seat height etc and swung a leg over, a grin started to appear on my face and as i rode it over the trails for which it was intended and designed for, the grin turned into whoops of joy and laughter as i cleared sections that would usually find myself being kicked from my previous bike ungraciously, I was activly seeking out the most gnarly twisted rooty sections of the trail and the confidence that the frame exudes carried me through and out the other side almost as if the frame was hardwired into my subconscious...It takes absoulutly no mental effort at all to ride this bike fast!.
I have been riding MTB's for 16yr's and even though i owned a salsa back in the early 90's, nothing i have ever rode can be compared to this frame.
Allready started saving for a Soulcraft Plowboy singlespeed so i can have a geared Soulcraft and a singlespeed Soulcraft.
Everyone should own one of these frames!.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ram Mettu
a Weekend Warrior
from Hanover, NH, USA Date Reviewed: June 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
norwich blue ribbon
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
1000
Strengths:
sooo stable and at home in singletrack and descending
Weaknesses:
not at home on the dual slalom track, see below
Similar Products Used:
ritchey p-21, trek 950
Bike Setup:
shimano xt + syncros cranks
Bottom Line:
So I reviewed this bike more than 3 years ago (see 6th review from bottom). Coincidentally right after I reviewed it, I had such a euphoric ride at Rocky Hill ranch in Austin that I attempted land a double jump on the dual slalom track there -- and separated my collarbone. Well, the Soulcraft held up and was no worse for the wear, the damage was limited to a dent on the top tube, which remains to this day and is still sealed up by the awesome powdercoating.
Fast forward through almost a year of recovery (spent a lot of time on the road bike) and lots of rides in Austin to here in picturesque New England. I rode a lot at the end of last season and now am riding a good bit this season. I went out on some awesome singletrack a couple of weeks ago, and everything I felt on that ride reminds me of what I felt the first couple of times I rode my Soulcraft: agile, stable, fast but not twitchy. I thought I would chime in again and say how glad I am to have this bike. The bike has treated me very well, I don't beat on it as much as I could, but if you like to ride for smiles, then do yourself a favor and get a Soulcraft.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roy Underwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV. USA Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
cottonwood/red valley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
soulcraft
Strengths:
The big 29er wheels on the Holy Roller really make the perfect singlespeed. This bike flies down hills and shoots up the other side. With the extra tire on the ground I have better traction for climbing and manuevering the twisty stuff.
Weaknesses:
The Soulcraft Holy Rollor has no faults. For riding single speed the big wheels roll over and up far better than my Kona Unit single speed ever did. The one concern I have heard from other riders was the slower turning in tight slow spots. It took me just a few rides to get used to the bike and now I clear more than I did on my 26er single speed.
Similar Products Used:
Kona Unit Singlespeed
Bike Setup:
29er Holy Roller fully rigid singlespeed, Truvativ cranks, Bontrager wheels, White Industries rear hub, Chris King front, Thompson post and stem, Easton bar, Chris King headset and a "I love my bike" bell.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line: anyone who wants an amazing hardtail or singlespeed, Soulcraft is the way to go. When my riding buddy Mark Howard got his Option 3 I knew I wanted a Soulcraft. When he had them build a Holy Roller single speed, it was all over for me. I dont think I could ride another 26er bike again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cory
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Canada Date Reviewed: March 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Jumpingpound ridge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
Soulcraft
Strengths:
Fantastic build qulaity, awxome paint job, tasteful decals, but most importantly the fit and the ride quality.
Weaknesses:
Weakness? what's that?
Similar Products Used:
Klein Attitude Race, Intense Tracer, SantaCruz Superlight
Bike Setup:
Option 3, USE seatpost, Thomson Stem, Answer Protaper 1" riser, Hayes disk, XT laced to 717 rolling on Kenda Karma 2.0 rubber, Truvativ Team crank, XO derailer/7.0 Shifter, XT front. CK headset.
Bottom Line:
I have a stable of bikes...all pieces of art in their own right. The soulcraft is the top echelon of hard tails. This steel frame is fantastic! I can spew off a million cliche's about how well this bike is built but, bottom line; Matt and Sean will make a bike talored for you, and the bike will ride like...it fits, and feels right. Can't wait to put more Km's on it. It may cost a little more than your average bike frame, but...this bike is far from average.
Nice job Soulcraft!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom, Ca Date Reviewed: February 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Soulcraft
Strengths:
Fit, feel, function, fast and other adjitives that start with f.
Weaknesses:
Keeps me daydreaming while I'm at work. Makes my other bikes jealous.
This is by far the best frame I have been graced to through a leg over. I've put a lot of miles on this puppy in the past couple months and I can honestly say there hasn't been a single short-coming.
Buying experiece was supurb. Matt and Sean will go to any length to get your questions answered and make you happy. They put up with my constant revisions and were very responsive to all my calls and emails. They have a very cool CAD application that produces .pdf drawings detailing your build spec. Great way to be involved in the build!
I was hessitant at first to drop that much coin on a frame but now when I think of all the money I spent in the past on non-custom frames I feel ridiculous. This is the one frame that I'll ever need (not that will stop me from buying more). I have three wheelsets for this this bike and I can quickly convert it from a race bike to a backcountry machine to an SS'r or commutter-- unmatched versitility and performs equally well in all areanas.
As far as the ride goes, expect instant power transfer and superb tracking. Having ridden Ti, steel and AL bikes over the years I can say that the Soulcraft build obtains the best qualities of all these building materials just using steel! Stiff, light, and smooth. I paired the F100x up front and it's a wonderful mate.
Lastly, I want to comment on the asthetics of the bike. The best way to describe it is simple flawless beauty. There's no fancy wishbone or s-curve stays, no silver headbadge. Just harmonic culmination of everything a hardtail should be.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MARK HOWARD
a Cross Country Rider
from HENDERSON, NEVADA Date Reviewed: February 17, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
BICI SPORT
Strengths:
Quality, Fit, Finish, Geometry, Handling and Power Transfer. Take a good look at Soulcraft welds. They are seamless, almost invisible...a thing of beauty.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
I've always owned full suspension bikes. I wanted a light weight hardtail for XC racing & Dirt Crits.
Bike Setup:
Fox F100 RTC, Chris Kings laced to Mavic 517s, Avid Single Digit Ultimate brakes, Easton Carbon XC bar, TruVativ Stylo SL Crankset, TruVativ Team SL Stem, Sram XO shifters/Der.
Bottom Line:
I wanted a XC race bike that I could use for Dirt Ctiteriums too. So, I needed a light weight, sturdy hardtail that carves. I read the reviews and listened to the riders I met at XC races. I considered Steel and Ti. I concluded that Steel was going to be the best choice and began to investigate many of the top custom frame builders. Soulcraft proved to provide me with the best answers and worked with me to design what I was looking for. I rode the bike and was immediately struck by how efficiently it pedalled. All effort is directed to propel the bike. Nothing is wasted. I could feel the difference right from the "get go." At the same time, I noticed the vibration dampening effect of a finely crafted steel frame. Don't misunderstand what I mean. You still feel them but the sharpness and severe jolt is gone. Over the course of a hard ride or race those sharp vibrations and jolts cause fatigue. I didn't fully understand where the other reviewers were coming from when they commented on the Soulcrafts ability through the twisty singletrack until I rode Red Valley at Cottonwood in Nevada which was my 2nd & 3rd rides on the bike. I followed a rider who always leads in the climbs and leaves me way behind in the decents. I made him real nervous when he could'nt shake me the entire ride. As we headed back he was asking a lot of questions about my new Soulcraft. I wanted to ride an extra loop and he pleaded with me to take the short cut back to the cars. The bike climbs. It's super fast throught the singletrack. I noticed for the first time that I didn't oversteer or understeer ever. I've never come down so fast and with so much control and confidence. If felt like the bike knew the trail and all I had to do was feather the brakes and hang on. It is fast, smooth and predictable. I'm about to build a singlespeed 29er and Soulcraft is my choice again. I almost forgot to mention the weight. My 19.5" Soulcraft weighs 22.2 running 2.1 Huchinson Pythons. Soulcraft frames are light and stiff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony M.
a Cross Country Rider
from Beachwood,N.J. Date Reviewed: January 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything in Fruita,CO
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Soulcraft,Petaluma,CA
Strengths:
After purchasing many high end bikes over the years,this past fall I treated myself to the Soulcraft Plowboy(option 3,but a singlespeed).I have been mountain biking since 1989 and this is absolutely the finest bike I have ever owned or ridden.Every detail is perfect,the welds ,the tubes, the custom geometry,the paint.Truly an artisan product,mobile art.
Sid fork,xtr brakes,race face cranks with a spot ring,phil wood hubs with white freewheel, moots,easton and thompson.
Bottom Line:
I really can not say enough good things about Soulcraft.The frame is wonderful and inspiring.Matt and Sean are truly part of a dying breed,the nicest guys around creating beautiful art.If you care about quality and want to help support artisanship in America,stop buying cheap ,corner cutting bikes built on assembly lines by big corporations that try and talk about custom and high end and caring.Talk with Soulcraft for an eye opening experience-GREAT GUYS,GREAT BIKES.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: January 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I have the plowboy singlespeed with pauls dropouts and disc brake only. When you pull the frame out of the box you will spend a long time admiring the welds and attention to detail put into this frame. The frame has perfect alignment and the welds are awesome. My frame is blue with silver specks in the paint very cool in the sun.
Weaknesses:
Could use one more cable guide for the top tube. Also check your brake line dia. I could not use my formula brakes b/c the hose was too thick to fit through the guide. But a lucky break (pun) b/c the XTR's are lightyears better in power and modulation than my formulas.
Similar Products Used:
Ibis (still have as spare), Homegrown, Jamis Dragon (great frame for the money), Turner XCE (still have)
Fit is everything when it comes to bikes. So getting a custom frame that is made for just you is something you have to ride to fully understand. These guys have a lot of time in the bike industry and really make bikes for people who know what they want. Soulcraft does not disclose the tubing they use and really some people get way too caught up in the marketing hype. I used to be a metal "wh*re" but have come to relize through trial and error how the bike is made and who is making it is much more important than the tubes used. I have ridden a lot of steel bikes and the best ones so far are the Soulcraft and my old Ibis (who also do not disclose tubing metals, well it's called Moron!)
The Soulcraft is stiff in the rear when laying down the power and forgiving in the seat going over rocks. I have a Ti post which also helps. The best feature is the way the bike tracks downhill and in turns. The bike is smooth and easy to handle going fast and slow. I have Turner XCE and still pull the Soulcraft out b/c it is so much fun even in rough terrain.
A friend of mine hopped on my bike the other day and said it accelerated like a road bike. I have to agree. No power lost through the frame. My Ibis has some frame flex when pedaling and would cause brake rub. But no such issues with the Soulcraft. Nice to see people who make such quality products!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt wills
a Cross Country Rider
from lincoln, nebraska Date Reviewed: January 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
cycleworks, lincoln, ne.
Strengths:
i had soulcraft build me a frame and rigid fork for a 29er singlespeed mountain bike with disk brakes. they call it the holy roller. it has been built only a short while, but long enough to say the bike handles great. they used a very steep headtube angle to make the handling feather light. but, the big tire adds the stability back. the bike flies on our local trails and on extended gravel road rides.
Weaknesses:
no weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
i have no bike like this. nor have i owned another single speed or 29er. my other bikes are: a tracer, a shockabilly, a bonti. cross, a slim chance road bike and a trek beater commuter. i wanted my soulcraft to be simple. and it is, since i've had it, it's been my first choice for rides. no question.
Bike Setup:
pauls disk hubs to mavic touring rims. avid mechanical disks. truvativ isis 180mm cranks. king headset. ritchey stem. raceface bar. thompson post. flite. old 737s. acs freewheel.
Bottom Line:
i think soulcraft is doing the 29er thing and the single speed thing just right. their pauls dropout accepts disk wheels easy. no need for an eccentric bb. their geometry is aggressive but stable as heck. i didn't think that combination existed until this bike came into my life. their tubing selection feels great. it's a custom bike, as all soulcraft's are now. so it better fit great and it does...simply perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce
a Cross Country Rider
from Cambria, California Date Reviewed: December 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fantasy Island (Tucson)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
Recently, I Purchased a Soulcraft Plowboy Single Speed from the fine boys at Soulcraft and well...I gotta say it is the finest riding Hardtail (geared or not)that I have ever ridden. I have been working in the bike industry for 15 years and I can fairly say, that i am not just rambling on here "just because I own one". I ridden many bikes over the years and this tops them all, period. If you want a simple bike that tears it up in every aspect, this is the ONLY way to go. More people need to get back to their roots and ride a hard tail especially a single speed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord Date Reviewed: November 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Boggs Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At:
SoulCraft
Strengths:
excellent workmanship on the welds, incredibly fast climber, you feel yourself excelerate with every pedal rotation. The bike loves to be ridden on single track.
Weaknesses:
NONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Salsa ALA Cart
Bike Setup:
Option 3 frame, Marzocchi Marathon SL, Chris King SP Hubs,Mavic 317 rims, WTB Ti lazer saddle,SoulCraft convert,Thompson stem & seatpost, Azonic 1.5 rise bars, XTR cranks.
Bottom Line:
This frame is the Porche of the mtb world. If you want a bike that makes you feel like you can climb anything, and fly through single track. Then this frame is for you! I tried doing the free ride movement for a while, its fun, but there is nothing like riding a steel hardtail frame that was hand built.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SteveP
a Cross Country Rider
from Petaluma Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Annadel
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Where do you start...top notch workmanship, amazing ride, nimble & smooth. This is my first new MTB in nearly 10 years. This bike makes an old clumsy man feel young and tatlented
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
My old steed is a early 90's Salsa
Bike Setup:
XT, Marzocchi MX Comp, Avid discs
Bottom Line:
My family now owns 3 Soulcrafts with no end in sight. nuff said
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
corey
a Racer
from norcal Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Petaluma, CA (where it was born)
Strengths:
Awesome frame, great attention to detail. It truly does everything well, it is stiff where you need it to be with the feel of steel. The very top of the food chain for hardtails. Matt and Sean @ Soulcraft will do whatever it takes to get you the frame you want. I got mine w/ top tube cable routing, disk brake mount and no V-brake studs.
Weaknesses:
None, you have to pay to get the best. Not even much of a wait.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager, specialized aluminum, and a plethora of full suspension.
Bike Setup:
Full bore: XTR, Marzocchi Marathon SL, CrossMax SL disk wheels, the best of everything.
Bottom Line:
These frames scream. Just look at all the racers on the podium wearing Soulcraft jerseys.
Truly the best ride I have experienced. You can't ride an aluminum hardtail in the local park without pissing blood the next day but the Soulcraft is as smooth as silk.
Buy a work of art from the guys in Petaluma. If only the rest of the industry could be like Soulcraft. . . .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Gardner
a Cross Country Rider
from Carbondale, CO Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Loma
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
N/A
Strengths:
I have a plowboy-- (singlespeed equivalent of an Option 3 with styly Paul's horiz. dropouts.)This is the most balnced bike I've ever been on. Elegant welds, rockstar good looks...I can't believe how perfect a frame this is.
Weaknesses:
Disc only braze on's accept only 5mm housing so running Hopes requires changing hose. Not too big a deal.
Similar Products Used:
Surly 1x1, various aluminum hardtails, Ritchey hardtail frame.
Bike Setup:
Hope Mini brakes. Marathon fork. RF lp cranks. Isis bb. King headset. Time pedals. Mavic tubeless rims laced onto Paul's hubs. (Thanks Charlie.) 32x18 setup on the gearing. Thomson post & stem. race face bar. ODI lock on grips.
Bottom Line:
This is the best (riding, looking) bike I've ever owned. So amazingly sweet. Easily the most worthwhile single speed on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Honolulu, HI Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2600.00
Purchased At:
Soulcraft/Cambria Bike Outfitters
Strengths:
Ride quality, handling, fit, "feel"
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Seven Sola, pre-Trek Klein Attitude
Bike Setup:
Singlespeed, Avid mech discs, bomber, typical good stuff
Bottom Line:
I'm totally stoked. My Plowboy rocks. Don't underestimate the value of having Matt walk you through the fitting process. The whole process was totally smooth and there really was top-notch customer service. On to the important stuff... The fit and ride quality are outstanding. I've been riding on some fairly technical trails and after 1/2 hour, I had the confidence to do anything I would have done on my old bike. Plus, you also can't overestimate the coolness factor of a totally low-key, steel singlespeed.
I recommend an Option 3 or Plowboy to anyone wanting a world-class bike at a reasonable price and with better customer service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a
from Forestville, CA, US of A Date Reviewed: February 5, 2003
Some of the parts that came on the bike aren't worthy of the frame
Bike Setup:
18.25" frame, Rock Shock Duke SL, XTR front der, SRAM 9.0 rear deraillier, vbrakes, grip shifters, Race Face LP cranks, Chris King No Threadset, Thompson seat post, WTB Rocket Laser saddle, Mavic CrossRoc UST wheels, WIDE Ritchey Riser Bars.
Bottom Line:
I feel like I stole this bike for the price I paid for it. I did steel this bike for the price I paid. Note, I paid $1500 for the complete bike with above parts, new. I feel so lucky I could kiss the feet of Mitch at SR Cyclery and Sean and Matt at Soulcraft. Well maybe that is excessive, even gross, but I really love this bike. I was a little skeptical of the magic carpet reviews the Soulcraft got by everybody, but once I rode it for the first time today, I understood. All was clear. The best way to describe riding a Soulcraft is that it feels like an extension of your own body. So intuitive. I could pick any line I wanted to and the Soulcraft would already be there, glued to that line. I could do no (or very very little) wrong on this bike. It steers and handles like a scalpel. I could flick it over on its side and it wouldn't even hint at loosing traction. This bike feels supple and planted on bumpy fast descents. this bike climbs like a f**king billy goat and accelerates out of turns like nothing I have ridden. My last bike was a 21" Schwinn Homegrown UTF for comparison (no slouch of a bike), but the difference really astounded me. The 18.25" Soulcraft actually felt less harsh than a full suspension bike,and it just ripped the Schwinn a new A-hole as far as handling, acceleration and climbing. If you are thinking about getting a Soulcraft - think no longer. You will not regret it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodinville, WA Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Ape Canyon, Mt St Helens
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At:
www.soulcraft.com
Strengths:
Handles great, nimble, great dropouts, clean welds, overall the best bike I have owned in 13 years
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Fat Chance Wicked Lite/Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup:
truvativ stylo/easton bar and stem/king headset/mavic ceramic wheels/paul hubs, xtr v brakes and levers
Bottom Line:
I own the Plowboy, which is the singlespeed version. This bike has helped me rediscover my love for mountainbiking just when it was getting boring after 13 years of riding and racing. Sean and Matt are friendly and sincere about making sure you are happy. They know their stuff and you won't receive this type of care from any big company. This bike feels like it was made for me. It's got soul, you just have to get on one to see for yourself. the bike is balanced very well, and the dropouts from Paul components are great! the bike is light, yet strong and burly and i haven't ridden my 4 other bikes since buying this one 8 months ago. Working in the bike industry, i could buy anything i want, but i choose soulcraft because of their attention to detail, experience and expertise. i highly reccommend any of their bikes if you are looking for a bike to push your limits and show you how much fun it is to ride a hand-made bike. I can't say enough about how much fun this bike is to ride, and how much personal care i received form matt and sean. My bike's got soul, does yours?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Julier
a Weekend Warrior
from Hamden, CT Date Reviewed: November 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Camp Tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3300.00
Purchased At:
Wheelworks
Strengths:
Stable, very fast, compliant. Flawless build and paint. Drop dead gorgeous.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Curtlo
Bike Setup:
Fox Float RCL 100; Easton EC 70 flat bar, Paul LPZ compact, SRAM X.O,Avid Mechanical Disc, XT crank and BB, King headset, ODI Ruffian lock on grips, Thompson 120mm/5 degree stem, Thompson seatpost,Bontrager Race Lite Disc tubeless wheels, Kenda Karisma tubeless tires, Crank Brother Egg beater pedals.
Bottom Line:
I am 46 years old, 170 lbs, ride in the east and west. For 6 years I've ridden a Specialized Rockhopper. On the road I'm on a custom Seven Axion Steel. The Soulcraft brings my off road riding to the level of my road ride. The Option 3 matches the Seven in all regards and exceeds it in paint durability. The geometry is custom: we chose a longer top tube and lowered the top tube for more stand over height, a decision Matt and I made during my visit at Soulcraft in Petaluma. The resulting fit is perfect, absolutely dead on. I am now a far better rider: the bike requires little concentration, inspires confidence, and is remarkably stable. It simply goes where I steer it. After two hours of New England singletrack, over rocks and roots, I have no pain in my hands, forearms or lower back. What a difference steel makes.
I am proud to own a Soulcraft. It'll take effort to find more concerned, honest gentlemen than Sean and Matt. Their passion for the bike and for my ride is total. It is a pleasure to support them. My advice to anyone looking for a new ride is to stop, save up your money and get a Soulcraft. You'll be out riding with big grin and over the long run, spend far less.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Olson
a Racer
from San Mateo Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
Really nice frame, nice paint, nearly invisible welds. Excellent out of the saddle both climbing and sprinting. Light weight for steel. They did a custom front end for me so of course it handles perfectly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JOEY RIDDLE
a Racer
from BUCKHANNON Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
HUCKLEBERRY
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
SOULCRAFT
Strengths:
TRACKS STRAIGHT AND TRUE. LONG TOP TUBE. COMPLIANT STEEL TUBING. SEALED FRAME. COOL SEATUBE LUG. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE.
DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS. MATT AND SEAN PROVIDED GREAT CUSOMER SERVICE. THEY ANSWERED ALL MY NIT PICKING QUESTIONS. I AM VERY PICKY ABOUT BIKE FIT AND RIDE. I HAVE TRIED TO FIND FLAW IN MY FRAME AND HAVE FOUND NONE. SERIOUSLY NONE. I SELL MY RACE FRAME AT THE END OF EVERY SUMMER AND BUY A NEW ONE FOR THE NEXT YEAR. NOT THIS YEAR. I AM HOLDING ON TO THIS BAD BOY. STEEL RULES.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Allendale, Michigan Date Reviewed: September 6, 2002
None, except that Soulcraft still charges a $75 upcharge for IS disc mounts on their frames...I thought that discs were the standard now???
Similar Products Used:
'95 Cannondale F700, Seven Sola Ti, Seven Teres (ti softtail), various MTB tandems
Bike Setup:
Plowboy frame (single speed version of the Option 3), RockShox Duke SL 80mm fork, Chris King headset, Thomson Stem, Salsa Pro-Moto flat bars (25"), Avid SD-7 brakes/levers, RaceFace XY post, Flite Gel Ti saddle, Surly 1x1 hubs w/Sun RhynoLite rims, Coda cranks, Speedplay Frog pedals, 32:16 gearing. See photo/full specs here.
Bottom Line:
I'm reviewing the Soulcraft Plowboy model, which is the single speed version of the Option 3. I waited a good 6 months to write this review, because I really wanted to get past that new bike "crush" stage.
Bottom line...this bike is the best one I've owned (including *two* Seven Cycles ti frames that cost ~$3000 each with a HeadShok option). I sold the Sevens because they didn't have the comfortable ride quality I was looking for, although they were pretty to look at. The Soulcraft DOES have that perfect ride quality. Period. It's extremely comfortable on long offroad rides, without any tradeoff for this comfort. It handles great, and looks stunning (check out a photo).
I got incredibly lucky and found my frame use (mint-condition) for $600. Our local MMBA (Michigan Mountain Biking Association) president had this Pistachio-colored frame that he felt was a little too flexy for his 210-pound body (although I've heard other bigger guys rave about this same frame). It's perfect for me, though, at 175-180 lbs.
You will NOT regret getting a Soulcraft.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin, CA Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
whatever I'm riding on
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Purchased At:
SR Cyclery
Strengths:
Where to begin? It just feels right. Corners, climbs, and descends comfortably at any speed. It almost thinks for you. Light, but not stupid light.
Weaknesses:
I love to ride it so much that I never see my roadie friends any more. People are always asking to take it for a spin and I get stuck on their crappy bikes for 5 minutes.
Bike Setup:
XT/XTR, X-FLY, King Hubs & Headset, Avid SD 7's.....
Bottom Line:
Handbuilts are spendy, but if you love to ride and if you view a bike as more than a bunch of metal then take a look at the Soulcraft. I can't claim to have ridden all of the other good steel frames out there, but I've ridden enough to be TOTALLY happy with my Soulcraft.
I won't go into the whole dualie/hardtail debate. You know where you stand on that. If you're in the market for a quality hardtail, you're a fool if you don't look at the Soulcraft--quality product, very helpful owners.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA. USA Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bike Emporium
Strengths:
Excellent workmanship. The Option 3 makes for a fast climber and descender. It carves on the singletrack, switchbacks...etc.
Weaknesses:
Absolutely None.
Similar Products Used:
Yeti AS-3, Trek 8000
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi x-fly 100, chris king, xt & xtr, Hope Mini disc, Easton riser bar, thomson...
Bottom Line:
Matt and Sean are cool owners at SoulCraft. They were very informative and helpful with leading me to get the right size frame. Thanks guys!
This bike rides like a dream. It conquers anything that gets in its way. The Option 3 really handles extremely well on tight, technical singletrack. I feel like I'm gliding on the trail when I ride this bike. Climbing on this puppy is awesome. Steel is Real! Get this frame if want a sweet XC frame. You will not be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: March 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Ho Chi Min, Patapsco, Greatfalls
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
BikeSport
Strengths:
I purchased this bike because I was tired of all the factory hype and confusing products. I wanted something where the "Coolness" wasn't seen, but felt. The Option 3 delivered. Awesome all around performance. I'm 6'4" 235lbs rider and this bike is stable and smooth over all kinds of terrain. This is going to sound weird, but this bike takes less mental energy to ride. Unlike most bikes where you have to constantly think about the stuff you're about to ride over...The Option 3 let's you forget about all that. Just pedal! The Option 3 won’t let you down. This bike is silky smooth tracking through turns. It's extremely stable on fast descents and it climbs like a Billy Goat. This bike is really responsive too…you can actually feel small shifts in body position change how the bike handles through turns and tricky sections of single track. And to all the Clydesdales looking for a steel hardtail…look no further. The Option is stiff! No flexing just smooth power transfer from the bike to the trail. Finally, one of the coolest things about this bike that 95% of other riders never experience is that you actually talk to the people that make your bike.
Weaknesses:
No performance weaknesses. The only complaint is one of the decals on the frame was messed up. Minor problem, but for a bike this sweet, I want to show off the name.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper, Proflex 856, Zaskar
Bike Setup:
XTR, Cane Creek Crono Wheels, Marzocchi X-Fly, and Soul
Bottom Line:
Buy this frame if you're a cross country purist and you know how to appreciate a bike for the things can't see or put a decal on. Don't buy frame if you're looking for "Eye candy" to impress your friends. Wait until you grow-up first.
If you're looking for a new bike, give Matt at Soulcraft a call. Thanks Ibis for screwing up my order, I cringe at the thought that I could have been riding a mojo instead of the Option 3. Thanks Rey (BikeSport)for recommending the Option 3.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Plourde
a Cross Country Rider
from Penngrove, Ca, Usa Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
China Camp, Marin County
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Soul Craft
Strengths:
The feel of exceleration and great traction when climbing and nimbleness and speed on descending.
Weaknesses:
You'll get addicted : ) Spending less time with family : )
Similar Products Used:
Salsa Alacarte
Bike Setup:
Option 3 frame, xtr with SID cross country fork,Mavic/Chris King wheelset, weight 23 pounds
Bottom Line:
This is the most awesome bike. The thing about a this bike is that it's one of those bikes that is a piece of art. Before owning a Soulcraft I loved to ride, but after owning it I found myself wanting to escape to the bike more and more. It's truly an experience to ride such a piece of equipment and every ride is an ultimate treat. It doesn't matter if I'm ripping down single track with my pals or sitting in the saddle on all day climbs. The bike always has always taken me to devine satisfaction every ride.
You should buy this bike if the feel of your ride is critical to you. You shouldn't buy this bike if you think a bike is just a BIKE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pablo Schulz
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TEXAS Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
HoChiMinh, Bluff Creek Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
BIKSESPORT
Strengths:
Beautiful welds!! I loved the very clean work at the gusset between the headtube and downtube, the dropouts, and especially the reinforced seatube. VERY cleanly done!
Weaknesses:
Still looking. And not because I'm "bike proud", seriously --- no weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
Breezer, Ibis, steel Barracuda, Kona, C-dale
Bike Setup:
XTR, Syncros, Judy SL
Bottom Line:
Before recieving the bike, I was a bit skeptical that the bike would not ride like the reviews or advise claimed. I was wrong. The bike is responsive, REALLY stable, and predictable as hell. Keep in mind my skepticism came from being accustomed to aluminum and I'm 6'01" @ 220lbs. The Option 3 Frame does not wag or get laterally jittery at speed or on crappy surfaces (or out of the saddle pushing hard). And the thing is smooth. After riding aluminum and carbon for a long while I forgot how supple steel could be. The bike begs to be jumped. It feels lighter than any other frame I have ridden. Very nimble. The bike is a bit of a paradox because it accelerates like an aluminum frame with a small rear triangle; but without leaving your rear raw like aluminum. With the Option 3 on the high frequency studder bumps @ speed, you just stay seated and pedal even faster. In fact, once the initial novelty is gone and you concentrate on riding; then you can do just that...concentrate on the ride. None of the distractors are there. No harshness, flex, lateral wishy-washyness that keep reminding you that you are on a bike that constantly needs to be corrected or tolerated til you finish the ride. I'm impressed. Really and truly impressed with this frame's ride. Around here there are a lot of short steep drops immediately followed by short steep climbs with roots thrown in all over. It stays smooth fast and straight.
Oh, and the bike just looks classy. That's up to the individual, of course; but I like a bike that looks pretty and clean (and one of a kind!). Not covered up with a bunch of freakin' stickers by the owner or factory! One more thing, it is pretty cool to talk to the guy who actually welds your frame!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Noah Jensen
a Racer
from St. Cloud, Mn, USA Date Reviewed: February 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Milaca
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
From Soulcraft
Strengths:
Beyond Words.
Weaknesses:
I don't have two.
Similar Products Used:
Marin Team TI
Bike Setup:
Bare frame for now
Bottom Line:
I haven't actually ridden this yet. I have to save up some cash for the parts. I just got it a week ago. I'm not going to ride it in the snow anyways. I had the frame built for me with disc only mounts and I had the send it to Spectrum Powder Works for paint. That looks incredable. Powdercoated decals and Flames. They are the only people who powdercoat anything other than one color check them out at www.Spectrumpowderworks.com not much i can say about the frame yet. I scratched it already though. That's good because now i don't have to worry about scratching it for the first time on the trail. I bought it from them Employee purchase through the shop I work at so it was relativly cheap for me
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kieran
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA USA Date Reviewed: November 9, 2001
Full XT, Thompson post/stem, Mavic 517 rims, Marzocchi z2-atom80, Easton EA70 bar.
Bottom Line:
Good Lord, I love this bike. My bike is actually NOT an "Option3" hard tail. Mine is an oversized fully custom frame. To see a picture of my bike, visit http://www.soulcraftbikes.com/id26.htm It's the big green bike at the bottom, with the dark blue fork and decal. I had been shopping around for a good custom steel hardtail for quite some time, and finally decided to go with my local boys at Soulcraft. Boy did I ever make the right decision. The service Matt and Sean provided was nothing less than top-notch. Fully custom fitting and sizing, and Sean even had me come over and look at the drawings and discuss the design before he started cutting tubes (a benefit of living locally, but not necessary for getting your dream machine.) The design ended up being an extension of the Option3 geometry, tweeked to my size and style, but using slightly oversized tubing (the tubing they use for their play bike, the DelRay) for increased stiffness and strength (I'm 6'7" 220 lb.) I told them I was willing to sacrifice some weight for performance and durability, yet the frame, a 23.25 inch monster, still came in at a svelt 5 pounds. The entire bike weighs an HONEST 26 pounds. That's damn light for such a huge steel bike! And boy does this ride like a dream. People are constantly amazed at how quickly this giant bike tears up the single track. And can it ever climb! Immediately, on my very first ride, I could see that I was climbing easier, faster, and stronger than ever before. Comfort wise, it was like puting on your favorite pair of old sneakers. From the moment I pushed on the pedals, the bike was obviously mine. Also, you will not find better craftsmanship in a steel frame. The welds are un-retouched (many welders grind the weld seams to make them smooth) and yet they are perfect.
Matt and Sean chose the ideal name for their company, because they put their SOUL into their work, and you will find yours when you ride their bikes. I can not recommend Soulcraft highly enough. Matt and Sean WILL take care of you, and you WILL be exstatic with your new ride.
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Submitted by
rey cruz
a Racer
from houston, texas Date Reviewed: October 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ho chi minh
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Purchased At:
bikesport
Strengths:
craftsmanship, ride quality, simplicity, customer service matt and sean
Weaknesses:
absolutely none
Similar Products Used:
ibis, breezer, kona, yeti
Bike Setup:
xtr, sid sl, thomson, continentals
Bottom Line:
have always been a steel fan. my ibis mojo was for a long time my benchmark comparison. not anymore. i had been talking to matt about the option 3 a year before i actually got mine. money matters.....it was well worth the wait! the bike handles amazingly! accelerates well, surefooted on the trickiest of situations and extremely comfortable. i love riding this thing! i like it so much i actually called matt and told him personally. this bike is so well designed it simply disappears underneath you.....just lets you ride!
if you need soul... this bike will give it to you!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan
a
from Coronado,CA Date Reviewed: September 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Pacific Coast Cycles
Strengths:
This frame has SOUL! It tests me every time I ride it. The attention to detail and craftsmanship this frame has is a rare find anywhere these days.
Weaknesses:
The only weakness this frame has can only be in the rider.
Similar Products Used:
ibis, wtb
Bike Setup:
A sagacious selection of fine components.
Bottom Line:
Probably one of the most judicous decisions I have ever made was to purchase this frame. It was time for a new frame after ten years on my non-suspension Nor-Cal frame. It was really no contest whom would be my choice. I based it on the reputation the two owners of SOULCRAFT-Matt and Sean had, and my knowledge that turning out an inferior product would be the last thought on their minds. This frame is deeply rooted in the glorious Nor-Cal traditions. . . bearing the standard of tried and true designs, lovingly crafted, and what all other bikes want to be when they grow up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve
a
from Santa Rosa, CA Date Reviewed: September 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Customer service, build quality, solid geometry
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager, Ibis, Ellsworth truth, SC superlight
Bike Setup:
Rohloff Speedhub, XTR, Thomson, XT disc, Marzocchi atom race
Bottom Line:
Sean and Matt worked with me to make a Rohloff hub and disc brake frame that is the cleanest, simpliest design I have seen, including Jericho. There are no cables or brake bosses on the upper tubes, fully housed cables run along the down-tube in eyelets. Most people glancing at the bike think it's a single-speed. The bike is very predictable and fits perfectly with that nice balance between stiffness and shock absorption seen in the best steel frames. The perfect welds and powder-coating make it the most gorgeous steel frame I have seen. Its no racer due to the weight of the hub, disc brakes,and coil fork, but it is the perfect trailbike for maximal fun and minimal maintanence. Sean and Matt are great to work with and have a passion for what they do which is reflected in their frames.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Arnold
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, CO, USA Date Reviewed: August 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Car loop onTelegraph
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Absolute Bikes Flagstaff, AZ
Strengths:
light weight frame, great paint job, amazing craftmanship, great overall frame geometry
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Stumpy, s-works
Bike Setup:
nice mix of xt, xtr- crosslinks wheels, thompson post, easton stem, bar, yeti grips giro saddle, irc-mythos f/r
Bottom Line:
I just got this bike on 8/20/01, and have ridden it about everyday since purchased. IT ROCKS! Simply the simplist,straightforward, point and shoot frame I've ridden. If you are considering a steel frame bike, you are done shopping. The option 3 is handcrafted for YOU. The fellas at soulcraft know what is up with frame builing and it shows in every detail of the bike.I am very pleased with the purchase. It brings me great satisfaction to call a company up and speak with the fella who hand-built my frame, don't try this with a mass produced bike company!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Morris
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Or. Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Browns Camp
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Soulcraft
Strengths:
Way fast bike , just point it and go. Quick handling but not sketchy. Beutifully built no frills bike.Everything you need without the the extra junk you don't.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Santana Moda... Stumpjumper M2....
Bike Setup:
XTR drivetrain.. Avid Brakes... Manitou Mars.. Chris King HS
Bottom Line:
One of the last of the good steel hardtails out there. Great cross country bike but still comfortable on the steep. This bike really excells on technical singletrack.. Buy one today.. Great customer service.. Thanks guys..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christy Murphy
a Racer
from Cotati Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Too many to choose from
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This bike is very responsive on the downhills and tight corners. I have never had a bike that fit me so well.
Weaknesses:
None
Bottom Line:
When I first test rode the Soulcraft I was impressed and decided to purchase a frame. That was the best decision I made because I have never been so comfortable on a Mnt bike. Overall, the frame is the best all around frame I have owned and raced. I would definetly suggest anyone looking for a well built bike to try a Soulcraft.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Devin Boblitt
a Racer
from Sebastopol, CA Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bicycle Factory
Strengths:
Excellent climber. It goes way faster than i can. As soon as you get it rolling it starts to pull away from you and just begs to go faster. Handles high speed descents very well but shines on single track.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Ibis, Salsa
Bike Setup:
Sid XC, Spinergy Spox, xt/xtr mix, tru-vativ cranks, time pedals
Bottom Line:
This is the fastest bike i have ever ridden. They got something right with the geomtry. It ascends like the best of them and still handles beautifully on the desents. The steel ride is beautiful. The 853 makes it stiff when you need it but it still has a lively steel ride to it. If your looking for a high quality steel race bike, or just a steel bike in general, call the guys at soulcraft. They are very knowledgeable and make a beautiful product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Meyer
a Racer
from Minnesota Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the farm
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals
Strengths:
light, nimble, and it is steel
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
barracuda, bianchi, ibis, Fisher, Gt, Salsa
Bike Setup:
Atom 80, RaceFace, King, 9.0 sl
Bottom Line:
it does what a good bike is supposed to do. It disaperes from under me, makes me feel like i am flying through the trails. isnt that what a good bike should do.
I have never riden a bike that has been able to do that. It does everything I need it to do. When I am out riding I never have to think about my bike, because it works and it works well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Coby Larson
a Racer
from Cotati, CA Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Too many to pick just one.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It's top notch. Step above any other frame I've owned- I've been a customer steel smob for many years. Handles incredibly. Sticks corners. It's a sweet point-and-shoot love machine. Great on fire roads or the tightest stingle-track. It's a climber, it's a decender. Soulcraft is passionate about what they do, and it shows up in this fine work of steel.
XTR, X-FLY 80, MonkeyLite bar. It's a straight Race machine.
Bottom Line:
I am amazed every time I get on the bike. Soulcraft's passion for quality and their love of cycling really show up in this product. It handles everything. On my squirliest of days it keeps me on. When I'm on it's virutally effortless handling. It sticks and gives as if predicting my next move, and has gotten me out of a few lines that would've met with disaster on other good bikes. If you have a passion for a steel, and the duckets to live the dream then this is your bike. Hell, if you just have the duckets- it's worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn Broderick
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: April 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Foxboro State Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
Belmont Wheelwork
Strengths:
handles like a dream, climbs so smooth and easy. Sticks to the trail on those rockt descents like glue, no crazy bouncing around like my old aluminum frame.
Weaknesses:
Hmm.... to beautiful to scratch
Similar Products Used:
a whole bunch and none of them compared
Bike Setup:
Race Face cranks, Grip Shift 9.0 SL, Sun Wheelset, etc...
Bottom Line:
Its a sweet ride, that has such a feel you don't know how to describe it. The only thing that can be said is, amazing. It climbs the toughest ascents and burns through the descents. Picks its way though the trickest single track with grace and style.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ram Mettu
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: February 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
city park; rocky hill; forest ridge (now closed)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Nelo's Pro Cycles
Strengths:
grace, makes you feel like a tool for not riding smoother
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
ritchey p-22
Bike Setup:
the usual doo-dads: old xtr/syncros cranks/thomson stem/dean seatpost/etc.
Bottom Line:
I've had this bike for a few months now and I feel like I can competently review it now. I can't find anything wrong with this bike. Want to go fast ? Let her rip. Want to climb ? Stay seated and pick your way through the worst. Singletrack ? Stay off the brakes and shimmy your way through the tight spots. This bike rides like dream, the kind you don't want to wake up from. This is not a flashy bike; but the build quality is immaculate. The slightly sloping top tube gives you plenty of clearance and makes this beauty maneuverable yet stable. In my opinion, you couldn't ask for more from a bike; you ride it and you get that hard to attain feeling of being at home on a bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Merry Crankstar
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Fisher Creek Loop, ID
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Sunshine Bicycle Center, Fairfax, CA
Strengths:
Gorgeous build quality, fine details, pride of craftsmanship. This frame was immediately comfortable and accessible, while feeling noticeably faster than others I've tried.
Weaknesses:
Minor point: No rack & fender braze-ons. C'mon, they don't add substantial weight, but do add lots of versatility! Other than that, no worries w/this sweet rig!
Wow, this ride pleases me! I love to ride tricky singletrack either steep uphill or steep downhill, but I find myself doing lots of miles on fireroads as well. I am completely happy that I found this bike on which to do all of the above. I have been riding a lot and racing occasionally for many years, on lots of frames in lots of places, and I must say this product has surpassed my expectations. I am also happy to support a local business which apparently cares about its products and customers. The frame seems extremely stable and strong, but it provides such a nimble ride that it feels a size smaller than it is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aren T
a Racer
from Chico, Ca Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Oroville Knobular
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1050.00
Strengths:
Super fast, light, great fit, very comfy. Highest quality, hand built steel frame, crafted by someone who definitly knows what he is doing, what else could you want? Realy cool sparkly finish, too.
Weaknesses:
zero
Similar Products Used:
ibis mojo
Bike Setup:
sid xc, XTR, easton carbon, sun/ringle wheels
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is that this is the nicest frame one can buy. Nothing beats a light, quality, steel frame, and the option 3 tops the charts.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B. Sanders
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois Date Reviewed: November 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Perfect geometry and ride quality. Best steel frame I've ever ridden. Inspired confidence in all situations. Fast as hell. Perfect balance of compliance, stiffness and strength (gusseted downtube, too).
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Merlin, Klein, Voodoo Bizango, Kona Kilauea, Kona Cindercone, Kona Hei Hei, Sandvik 6/4 Ti, Cannondale hardtail (x3), ProFlex 756, Giant/CADEX CFM-1
Bike Setup:
SID XC, Full XTR, Fire XC Pro, RockShox post, Barflies handlebar streamers (sweeet!)
Bottom Line:
Sean at Soulcraft builds perfection. He cares about framebuilding like a father cares for his children. We're talking Old World craftsmanship. Forget about aluminum. Steel hardtails like this one will make you a believer after one ride. I've owned a dozen MTB's in the past 7 years, including Merlin and Kona Ti (flexy), Cannondale (too stiff) and Klein gradient frames (too fragile). This Soulcraft is the best I've ever ridden, hands down. And unlike brittle aluminum, this one won't snap in half when you're pushing your limits.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pete jacobs
a Racer
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: October 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Depends on my mood
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$950.00
Purchased At:
American Cyclery
Strengths:
The perfect tool for all types of riding. This is a crafted frame. Built by one of the best builders in the country. I ride all over the bay area and Tahoe mountains. This bike never ceases to amaze me. It just gets better and better.
Weaknesses:
Can't think of any.
Similar Products Used:
Salsa Al Carte
Bike Setup:
I built it up with Chris King, Race Face and XT comp.
Bottom Line:
Fanastic ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yuri
a Racer
from Petaluma, CA Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Beautiful, agile, high-quality steel. Goes where I put it and doesn't fight the feeling. Well-balanced ride.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Breezer, Ibis, Salsa
Bike Setup:
XTR, SID
Bottom Line:
This bike felt like home the first time I put a leg over it. A great, hand-crafted frame from a cool, knowledgeable builder that does not cut corners. Compliant like steel and fast everywhere, I mean everywhere. This bike is real stable on fast downhills and glides through the singletrack. Climbing is super. I just can't find fault. I built mine up with full XTR, a SID XC and it weighs in at 24 lbs., I don't need much more than that. I recommend SOULCRAFT to anyone who wants a great handbuilt frame, likes attention to detail and is tired of skimping on frames they find on sale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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