steel 456 vs soul?

I’d go for soul – 456 is a bit of an unforgiving lump that handles really well.

I ended up with a choice between carbon 456 and soul and I went for the carbon. Mainly because I’d had about 6 steel hard tails in a row and wanted to try something different – I loved the handling on my steel 456 but not the beatings up on long rides.

I have a 456 and a Cotic Simple

the 456 is a holigan of a bike and the Simple is er well it makes me ride in a safer manner, it just handles differently

But yes the back end of the 456 is HARSH compared to the simple ( with the same tyres)

I would love to have a Soul but I cannot afford / justify it, but between a Carbon 456 and a Soul

Sorry the soul would win again

If the soul’s too much dosh have a look at a decade versa – I’ve just got one of those (cyclesurgery had a few at £240) – fabulous frame, really can’t praise it enough – great handlign but a really forgiving ride as well. Probably better with a 120mm or less fork, tbh – my 130mm TALAS was just too long.

I’d say unless you needed the longer travel it handles as well as a steel 456 but with a far better quality of ride.

oh, and Cotic’ve got BFe’s ‘cheap’ at the mo too I think…

gratuitous shot;

er no I think my 456 is harsher than my old inbred

I’d go for a Soul if you can afford it. Whilst the 456 is undoudtely a great bike I’ve always felt it looks a bit rough with the ugly seatstay welding, whereas I’ve always liked the look of the Soul.

Mind you, I’ve ridden neither so ignore my comments.