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Neuhaus Metalworks Hummingbird

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#403 · (Edited)
How do you guys like the hummingbird setup as SS? I'm a heavy guy at 270lbs and wonder if the frame will flex a lot. I only say that because Steve at hardtail party mentioned it might be too flexy in one of his review vids. I would think it's fine but my only experience is with my current ride, a japhy, which is wonderful setup SS.
 
Discussion starter · #404 ·
It will not. It's a ton of fun as a singlespeed. If you are concerned about flex NMW can use heavier gauge tubes.

I forgot my derailleurs battery on a recent ride and made me re-remember just how great singlespeed on these bikes is.

Then my lower back told me I need to do more yoga if I want to ss.
 
#405 ·
cassieno said:
It will not. It's a ton of fun as a singlespeed. If you are concerned about flex NMW can use heavier gauge tubes.

I forgot my derailleurs battery on a recent ride and made me re-remember just how great singlespeed on these bikes is.

Then my lower back told me I need to do more yoga if I want to ss.
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Good point. I guess I can always ask for that. I'm guessing there aren't too many heavy guys buying $ frames so I might be the minority.
 
#407 ·
so.single said:
I only say that because Steve at hardtail party mentioned it might be too flexy in one of his review vids.
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In the pinned top comment of that video Steve clarifies that he reached out to Nick and confirmed that the tube sets are size-specific, so ideally the ride feel will be the same for everyone.

I do think that the stock sizes are designed for an average rider weight for that size, so if your weight is dramatically different than what average might be for your size, I would talk to Nick about it. You may have to pay extra for custom tubes, I’m not sure.
 
#408 · (Edited)
Hey all, I found this thread last fall as I scoured the internet for more info about Neuhaus and the Hummingbird, after first learning about it from Steve/Hardtail Party's video review. Long story short, I received my size M+ Hummingbird in mid-February.

With all the California rains, I haven't been able to go off road too many times (e.g., our monthly ride was canceled last weekend for rain), but I'm fitting in rides when I can. I had it out on familiar trails at the end of February, and had a great time on it. Assured cornering, good speed; when I caught some air, the landing felt so perfect.

Neuhaus' stock SRAM GX build except I had Nick upgrade the brakes to Paul Klampers. 30 lbs holding it on the bathroom scale.

Color is Midnight Shadow: dark midnight blue with sparkling blue metallics; glossy finish. Less sparkly in person than I expected, but a little more stealthy.
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#409 ·
How are you liking the Klampers? I’m planning to put them on mine.
I’m also curious of what you think of those tires. I’m thinking Rekon/Forecaster but I should learn more about other brands.
 
#410 ·
Thanks for asking! In the near term, I'm liking the Klampers. On my first ride, it felt as if there were NO brakes—so much so that I stopped after 2 minutes to turn each adjustment wheel a bit. But as promised/described by Paul, by the third ride, the brakes settled in and have smooth stopping power without being too strong. I might experiment later with tightening them enough for a true emergency stop without throwing me. In the long term, I love them for not using fluid, for adjustability, and for being bombproof. This is a long-term bike for me (gods willing and the creek don't rise), and the Klampers' durability dovetails with Neuhaus' approach to longevity.

I spent more time considering tires than anything else (including frame color :)). Where I ride, it's primarily sandy and loose when dry. I finally put Minions on my vintage 26 bike and loved the planted feeling and assured grip. But for the Hummingbird, I thought they might be too heavy. I thought the bike's speed should be favored more with fast-rolling tires than exceptional grip. The Rekon/Forekaster and Minion/Forekaster were in the running. I finally asked Nick about a combo of Teravail Kessel/Specialized Ground Control. He said the Specialized was unavailable because he's not a dealer for them, the Kessel was too heavy (like a Minion), and the bike was better with fast-rolling tires. He's been riding and racing the Vittoria Syerra combo on his bike for 5 months and has had no issues. I thought that was a solid recommendation from the guy who knows what works on the bike he builds.

So far, they've been excellent. The terrain here has been so wet that I haven't tested them in loose dry conditions, but the Hummingbird feels so solid overall and the tires are part of that equation. They've also done well on my pavement loops. Nick was great to talk to about this. (y)
 
#411 ·
Managed to squeeze in a ride late this afternoon. Three hours total: half on pavement there and back, and half on my favorite singletracks. The bike revealed more of its capabilities. I got a better sense of how well it can accelerate when I stand and start pumping. And, it likes to go fast on the trails, without me feeling as if I'm putting lots of effort into it. It doesn't absorb ALL the trail chatter—I got bounced around in a few places. I had fun lifting the front over puddles and took a couple of small jumps, again with such great landings. I had one corner I took a little wide and fast and the rear slid slightly. I am beat from the ride but one happy new owner.
 
#412 ·
Finally received my new Hummingbird and got 'er built up and took it on an inaugural ride today. Bit of a dentist build but I'm pretty stoked with the result. Except for the cables which I need to shorten up some more. And will need to decide whether to keep it SS or go geared (or go back and forth).

After years of long, low, and slack, and gears, this is quite the change. 😍

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#413 ·
avidtest said:
Finally received my new Hummingbird and got 'er built up and took it on an inaugural ride today. Bit of a dentist build but I'm pretty stoked with the result. Except for the cables which I need to shorten up some more. And will need to decide whether to keep it SS or go geared (or go back and forth).

After years of long, low, and slack, and gears, this is quite the change. 😍

View attachment 2085576

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Nice! I am waiting on mine, should be shipping very soon. Also with sliders, but will initially set it up with gears (same brakes, and cranks as you). What size frame is your frame?
 
#415 ·
@nspace, it's an ML+. I'm 5'11" (or used to be, but still pretty close to that). The Hope Tech 4 E4's are really good. Much better than the Tech 3 E4's I have on a different bike. So glad I didn't go with mechanical brakes which were a strong contender for this build. I'm sure you'll love them if you haven't already tried them.

@asollie lol, yes those valve stems are pretty gross. I failed to mention they will be replaced. Either purple or just polished silver. The black seat clamp will also be replaced with polished silver (originally spec'ed purple, but they were out of stock and I've since changed my mind on the purp). Frame color is Honey Amber with gold color decals and brass badge.
 
#420 ·
LithiumMetalman said:
Heya. For those singlespeeding, eccentric bb or sliders for the hummingbird? This is def ticking high on my list for a more modern SS replacement.
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Nick makes them with sliders as an option (and all the Ti models use Paragon sliding dropouts). Having seen them in person I recommend them - very functional, good looking, and unlike the standard hummingbird, it gives you the option of UDH/Transmission if you switch to a geared setup.
 
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