Description:Almost 2 years in development, the Matador is our lightweight full suspension dual purpose rig. The frame lends itself to 2 different set ups (4X (6.5 x 1.5+100mm) / Mid-Travel Slopestyle (7.5 x 2.0+130mm) ). The frame features a machined scissor link for additional rear end lateral stiffness. A 6mm thick front shock mount tying the top and down tubes together to add stiffness and minimize down tube torsion and twisting.
Submitted by
Mango
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Worth Date Reviewed: April 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Oleta
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
soulcycle.com
Strengths:
Super strong frame. Nice Geo great in the air.
Weaknesses:
the only weakness is myself.
Similar Products Used:
Not many.
Bike Setup:
Fox Float, rp23, continental diesels, Thomson seat post and steam and other stuff on the bike that makes it roll.
Bottom Line:
I just recently bought the frame, but it rides amazing. Makes the technical riding way easier. Takes the drops like it should. I'm new to a freeride frame but I dont think I will be going back to a XC frame any time soon. The customer service was very good at soul as well. You cant beat the price either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mad Max
a Weekend Warrior
from grand junction, colorado Date Reviewed: February 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Man this is one strong strong frame. As the first reviewer said, it is a stiff frame. Really stiff. Cornering is sharp and precise, I have never wrote better. I havent seen a single review in any of the magazines at all but the independent reviews have got me on my feet enough to buy one! I love riding this bike, the single pivot system is really active. I do all mountain, trails, DJ, short DH courses with it and it never fails me! it pops up in the air like a hard tail but take landings up to 7 ft with no issue at all. I am a 220lbs, 6ft rider and I punish my bike like i hate it and it always smiles back at me. I love to ride and I will not think of selling its. you will be amazed at its strength and its design. I am sold on soul cycles.
Weaknesses:
Some small issue with the axle bolt thing.. that comes loose. read it on pink bike that somehow axles comes loose...
Bike Setup:
Avid juicy 7s, Dee Trax, SDG, Thomson, Marz 66, RF diabulous, Kenda Nevegals, DHX AIR 5.0
Bottom Line:
le matador deserves 6 chillis like the previous reviewer. Its an excellent frame. Its lighter than most other FR frames on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
atomicAdam
a Downhiller
from CA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
p-town / Santa C
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
from Soul Cycles
Strengths:
- Strong - Stiff linkage - Cheap ($700ish for a frame of this quality - beat that!) - Great Geo - mine is 130mm 36Float and 130mm Rear Dhx5 Coil - Very roomy in the cockpit - Very solid in the air (good wheel base - not too long - not too short) and good BB height - Super fun to ride after time on a DH rig
Weaknesses:
- Concerned about the bolted together chainstay, no problems yet, just keep on top of checking those bolts. - Wish it came w/ stainless bolts instead of the cheap steal ones - mines gotz some rust in some places on the bolts.
Similar Products Used:
Other 130mm slope/MtnX style bikes
Bike Setup:
Float 36 RC2 DHx5.0 Coil Deity Cranks, Stem, Bars Profile Chain ring Avid Juicy 7 Halo Tornado Wheels (gold colored biotches!) Crackbros POS 50/50 Gold and black pedals SDG I-Beam post and saddle
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks!
I was thinking of selling it cause I just got a new DH frame and needed the money but then I broke my DH bike and had to ride the Matador for a couple or weeks and I've re-learned how freaking fun this bike is. I love the tight springy set up, the bike just pops up lips and can take a case pretty damn well. I am not going to sell this frame and I feel crappy for ever thinking about it.
I am 6'4" 230lbs and this frame takes my abuse very well.
I did a day of light DH at Fontana and another day in Santa C and this bike rocked my socks! I've got rockin socks to begin w/, so it is a hard feet to achieve.
Soul Cycles really has a little gem here for the price and quality. And it gets lots of looks!
If there was a 6 chilis for value I would give it. This bike saved me $300 or $400 over a Transition Bottlerocket and meets the same exact needs.
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Submitted by
Kaplen Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Darwin Date Reviewed: December 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mtn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Extremely easy to ride slopestyle bike. This bike demands more challenging trails. Workmanship is above average, good gussets, even beads of welding. internal tubings are well honed, paint is even.
The frame handles amazingly well on the down trails. due to the scissors link, the rear end stiffens a hell lot. This a lot of bike for its price. Easton Tubing tubing allows the weight be a huge advantage to riders looking for a compact and nimble frame that calls out to be ridden. Service by Chad the owner is prompt and you can always call him for help and advice. No regrets at all. Independent reviews have been giving the Matador top notch for good all round capability. with 5" travel in the rear, it was more than enough for my style of riding. The rear takes hit like's there's no tommorrow. I am loving my bi!ke. its one bike i will be keeping for its excellet ride. Think its pretty hard to find someone selling this frame I had to order it in direct. it is excellet no complains at all. this bike handles predicably and it light weight design. make this a serious consideration., I do thecolor
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Overall Rating:
