I'm surely biased, but it seems the Steezl is just the easier, more practical option.

 

I've got a Geometron G1, which is a close cousin to the S16. The build quality is great and I'm incredibly happy with it. I went with that because its basically the only bike on the market with the geometry I wanted (I'm 6'7"), but it was impractical in a few ways (i.e. price, lead time). The Steezl just doesn't have the chainstay or stack that I want from an XXL though. It's a shame because Reeb is local to me, and all the promo videos on their website are shot on trails I ride.

Pros for the Steezl:

• Cheaper
• Faster to get
• Steel
• Supporting US manufacturing
• Fits a water bottle

Pros for Nicolai/Geometron:

• Customizable geometry via the chainstay/seatstay mutators
• Wow factor (about 50% of my rides involve someone telling me I'm on the coolest bike they've ever seen)
• Fits a wider range of heights better (at least in my opinion)

Is this going to be your only full suspension? If so the Steezl's travel range might be better suited for every day riding. But if you're dedicated brawler you might as well go big.

 

I've got a Geometron G1, which is a close cousin to the S16. The build quality is great and I'm incredibly happy with it. I went with that because its basically the only bike on the market with the geometry I wanted (I'm 6'7"), but it was impractical in a few ways (i.e. price, lead time). The Steezl just doesn't have the chainstay or stack that I want from an XXL though. It's a shame because Reeb is local to me, and all the promo videos on their website are shot on trails I ride.

Pros for the Steezl:

• Cheaper
• Faster to get
• Steel
• Supporting US manufacturing
• Fits a water bottle

Pros for Nicolai/Geometron:

• Customizable geometry via the chainstay/seatstay mutators
• Wow factor (about 50% of my rides involve someone telling me I'm on the coolest bike they've ever seen)
• Fits a wider range of heights better (at least in my opinion)

Is this going to be your only full suspension? If so the Steezl's travel range might be better suited for every day riding. But if you're dedicated brawler you might as well go big.

I'm currently on SC Bronson V4 and it suits my needs pretty well. I'm in UT and travel to CO on a regular basis so local manufacturing is big for me. I loved how quiet my SST was. I'm pretty average at 6'2 and bikes within 500mm reach work great for me

 

I would prefer the geometry of the Nicolai personally but if you like the geometry on the Steezl, no reason not to get that IMO. They are local to you, they make quality stuff, they have a good reputation for customer service after the sale.

In case you go the other direction, let me try to reassure you. I have a Saturn 14. I got it for the custom geo option. I did not find dealing with Nicolai or overseas shipping challenging. They speak English better than most Americans. They let me adjust the geo in their computer program in real time on a video call. I did have to wire money via my bank which is a bit more work than using a credit card or PayPal. For my raw aluminum custom geo frame I paid way less than a Reeb, about $3k shipped to the East coast via their German dealer Bike Components. But you're going to incur a tariff at this point and I'm not sure if Customs is running as efficiently.

I would have loved to buy a Reeb if they would have taken my money and made a custom frame to my specs. But they don't do that, at least for me. If you like what they're selling, I say buy.

 

I'm just here for the metal bike love. Did the same and picked up a Knolly. Not in the US, so can't comment on US shipping and customs, but only advice is buy what you really want so you are never left wondering "what if"!

 

Steel is a feel

Especially Reynolds 853

 

Nicolai won't ship the frame to the US and Steezl looks like even more attractive option now. I wish it wasn't so bloody expensive though

 

Will Bike Components (Nicolai dealer) ship, or are they all just sick of our **** at this point?

bike-components | Online shop for bicycle components and accessories

High-quality bicycle parts and accesories for Mountain Bikes, Road Bikes, Gravel, Trekking and E-Bikes at low prices. ✓ Best Service ✓ Large Selection ✓ Fast Shipping

www.bike-components.de

 

There are a lot of great frame builders in the U.S., just pick one that's close to you and/or builds the kind of frame you want. Can't go wrong, really, if you do a little research. There's a forum under bike brands for customs and small companies I think. I bought a custom Curtlo Softail back around 2010 and I still love it! But there's lots of options out there.

 

There are a lot of great frame builders in the U.S

Really? Can you name three frame builders in the US that are making full suspension bikes that aren't single pivot? I don't think there are many of those right now...

 

Banshee frames are gorgeous and priced well in the US.

 

I have 3 Banshees...Phantom, Prime, and Legend. Great bikes!

That being said, I am jonesing for the following so I can have a full suspension singlespeed. So far, I am resisting the temptation:

Hijole deposit — MONē

This is the place to make your deposit on a bb-pivot single speed capable full suspension frame. Also deposit and leave a comment if you’re after a complete build. Frames will be avaiable in s,m,l,xl. Let me know what you’re after in the comments. Geo and sizing will be similar to a La Roca. Built

www.monebikes.com

Starling Cycles Beady Little Eye Frame - Starling Cycles

The Starling Cycles Beady Little Eye is for the freaks and the geeks. 90mm travel, single speed, single pivot, cult following.

www.starlingcycles.com

 

Nobody has mentioned Frameworks here yet

Frameworks Bicycles

Frameworks Bicycles

rideframeworks.com

 

A bit on the radical side geometry wise.
Should have mentioned that I was more interested in AM category vs full Enduro sled.
I had Canfield Tilt which was great trail bike and Lithium could be a contender if it had longer chainstays and a bit steeper ST.

 

What size/geo are you looking for?

 

64 HT, 77-78 ST, 495-500mm reach, 440-450 CS, 29er with mullet capability if possible but not mandatory. Most of my rides are 2-3 hours long and would prefer to have a bottle cage mount.

 

Nicolai and Foes spring to mind straight away for metal FS bikes.

 

Chromag if you count Canada.

There's also Cotic, Dawley (T6 ), Howler, Stanton and Starling in the UK. Not sure about shipping to the US for those though.