I’ve had both, and a Soul. I thought the BFe was the worst of hte three, it’s a great bike but a bit… solid. You end up using words like “capable” which are good words but you want great words really.
C456 I had a like/hate relationship with. Rides really nice, feels quite big and long- well, it would, it’s a 456, handling is decent but not great, master of nothing. But the general feel of the thing is lovely, like light expensive steel done well. Reminded me more of the Soul than a steel 456 actually. Attention to detail and build quality was poor but the overall package worked well. Also, it’ll take an angle headset, which gives it a lot of options. But, then lumps of paint fell off and they finked out of the warranty, so I’d rather eat my own toes than give them any more money.
Soul, I loved. Best of the 456, best of the BFe, proper masterpiece of a thing. Just constantly inspiring, it lifted my riding hugely. Only my Ragley Ti’s had it beat for hardtails, and even then only because it does things different, not because it’s better.
All good bikes mind but I could own a Soul again, not the others.