I decided earlier this year to refurbish my existing bike, rather than buy a new frame. What with this summer’s good weather, I didn’t get around to it until a few weeks ago – and here’s the result…
Bike before (earlier pic is with DT forks):
Decals sourced:
Headbadge from Geoff Moorhouse, on right (first cast of a smaller size, following feedback from others that the last one was too big):
Back from Argos, who were first choice due to being close to where I live:
Fitting the headcups with an eBay-sourced £4 tool – worked fine:
The finished article:
White is hardly original, but it’s a non-Cotic colour, tough and looks ace in the flesh – a lot better than my lousy camera shows.
Current build is as a winter singlespeed, weighing just under 22lb. Adding XT/R gears takes it to just over 24lb. Forks are 2010 Fox 32 RLCs, but bought in 2013 and now wearing 2012/13 decals. 😉
If nothing else, I hope it inspires a few more custom builds because it’s really great to own a bike that you know is a one off!
I do indeed need to take a link out of the chain – I haven’t actually ridden the bike yet! It’s a SRAM singlespeed specific chain with DX 18T cog and Hope 32T chainwheel, which I bought after having trouble with a 16T cog (too high a gear) and a 10 speed chain (duh). The tensioner is an On One Doofer, although I may change to something nicer if this setup works better.
The OCD-curious will note that the type name alignment is wrong – but for those with mega OCD, you’ll also note that the tyres are running opposite direction to one another (hence difference of “Continental” and “Protection”), plus the front rim was put on the opposite side to the rear when the wheels were build (meaning you can’t align the yellow valve caps!).
Lovely looking Soul. Agree about the head badge though. I used to ride a Soda and never liked the badge – probably something to do with the fact that it was stuck on wonky!
They are, unfortunately, £5 per decal (or £20 per rim)! The front rim is an older XR 4.2, bought at a reduced price but identical to the XR400 and now wearing XR400 decals. 🙂
The Argos Racing Cycles re-paint came in at £190. That’s more expensive than a powder coat, but the quality is very good and that includes: basic paint job (£135), upcharge for 2 pack paint (£10), remove / refit bottom bracket (£10), affix custom head badge (£10) and apply / lacquer decals (£25). I couldn’t fit a powder coater who would apply the decals.
Cotic sell decals (wrap, Soul x 2 and 853 sticker) and headbadge for £25. I also sourced an 853 “main tubes” decal direct from Reynolds (£4), because the Cotic-supplied one incorrectly states that the “main tube” is butted, rather than plural main tubes – I guess it applies to the Solaris.