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
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!
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!
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
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Submitted by
Per Johansson
a Cross Country Rider
from Gothenburg, Sweden
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2006
Strengths: Rear end stiffnes, comfort, ballance, The expert help from Sean Walling.
Weaknesses: Low BB height, not a big issue.
Bottom Line:
Excellent fit, and a incredible ballanced ride. Everything is easy on this bike. Me, 175cm and 68 kg.
Similar Products Used: Rocky Montain Blizzard, Kona Explosif, Bridgestone Mb-1, DB apex,
Bike Setup: Thomson, Fox Float, race face, hope, etc
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Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicagoland, IL
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2006
Strengths: -Custom fit, even for weirdos. -Custom tuned to your preferences.
Weaknesses: -Waiting period is long... perhaps longer then they claim. -Not SUPER light
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.
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.
Weaknesses: Still trying to find one...
Bottom Line:
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.
Bike Setup: Full XTR, Crossmax SL, WTB, Formula Disk brakes
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2006
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....
Bottom Line:
Great price for a durable beautiful custom frame. I will never go back to stock again!
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!
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!!!!!
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.
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Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Alvin, Texas
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2005
Strengths: The feel of steel.
Weaknesses: Keeping up with the rock chips etc. to prevent rust spots.
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.
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.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Perry Bertsch
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunnyvale, CA USA
Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
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
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.
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).
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
ken hall
a Weekend Warrior
from san bruno ca
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2005
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
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Submitted by
tony eason
a Racer
from san francisco, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2005
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!
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
Submitted by
umatic
a Cross Country Rider
from London UK
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005
Strengths: Refined, smooth, intuitive, impeccable fit outrageously quick
Weaknesses: none
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.
Bike Setup: XTR, XTR Wheelset, Race Face, Fox F80 RLT, Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
mike gerlach
a Cross Country Rider
from hartland
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2005
Strengths: light..quick..smooth..strong..cool..
Weaknesses: none
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 !
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
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Roy Underwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Henderson, NV.
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2005
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
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!
Strengths: incredible fit, from the get-go it just felt right and now it feels even better!
Weaknesses: not a one
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!
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
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!
Hey guys,
Came across this new company making 3-piece cranks for the BMX/DJ crowd...
Just like the Profiles, but about $100 less!
[URL]http://www.deitycomponents.com[/URL]
I em Read More »
Just wondering if this increased air volume propedal answers the only problems I kept hearing about the last propedal vs. the swinger - air volume. Everyone seems to say the old p Read More »
So I've got a line on a 9r fork and wheels and have all the other goodies laying around to slap together a HT SS 29r...whatdayasay? Whats your opinion on the best/cost effective 29 Read More »
Hi
New here. I have a question on the advantages and disadvantages if any on using a xm-l bike light kit system with a 3.7v 4x18650 I see on the market as opposed to 7.4v 4x18650 Read More »
