Just wondering what people's thoughts are of the Soul as it seems to have been forgotten a little with the Bfe hype? The latest one that is about to be discontinued. Thanks. (I've just purchased a frame so tell me the good bits 😊)
I just got one of the ex-demo fleet after a few years off, used to have an mk 1(.5)
It's a different beast to the original, but whereas i thought of that as an XC machine that could handle some hooliganism. The final version is a hooligan that youd be able to ride all day... not that I have due to my location and the current situation.
I'm new to "progressive" geometry- thought that a 67° head angle was very slack... but rather than steering ponderously, you can just push the front wheel into turns as hard as you like.
I'm on a medium - I find theres loads of room to move and weight the front or back wheel as needed. Really feel in the bike.
I'd say it's not as peppy a climber (Hunt Endurowides might have something to do this) as the original, but it's still fine. But heading downward is a hoot! Again, surefooted, but it can tackle stuff I'd have bailed previously. It likes being airborne too - which really isn't something I'd have entertained when I was younger!
I've only been able to get out as far as Epping forest so far, I'd say theres a lot more potential/fun to be had further afield.
It's running endurowides, 120mm helm and a 125mm dropper - the dropper is a bloody revelation!
It always was a classic. I dont think you'll be disappointed!
Thanks that sounds encouraging! I've gone for a large as I have a large flaremax and it fits well. I've hardly got any parts to build it yet so it will be staying in its box for a little while. I've always wanted one as I had a chromag samurai years ago and loved it so I'm hoping this feels similar. As they are being stopped it was now or never.
I’ve got one and it’s bloody lovely. More capable than I’ll ever be and works for pretty much all the riding I do. Quick blasts around Macc Forest and Marple/Mellor, occasional epic all day rides, riding around the Peak District and the rare visit to a bike park. Pretty much 90% of the MTB’s I’ve owned have been hardtails and without hyperbole I can say it is one of the best I’ve owned. Unless I get another daft full suspension itch it will be the last MTB I have for quite some time.
Running SRAM Roam Carbon wheels, Fox 34 at 130, Hope and Burgtec finishing kit and a Fox factory dropper. Can’t remember the drop length off hand though. Picked it up second hand, barely used for a great price.
I like my full sus bikes but deep down I always prefer a good springy steel hatdtail with about 120 forks. I seem to connect with them more for some reason.
I keep trying full sus, last one was a Flare, but always come back to hardtails. I just like the ride style and the fact you have to pick your lines carefully. Can only have one bike too and a HT just seems to make more sense in that regard.
Well I'm looking forward to delivery and seeing how long I can hold off before the parts buying starts. Thanks for the info 👍
Post some pics when you get it 👍🏼
I bought one of the final batch also after a demo ride in 2019.
Just built up and ridden last weekend for first time, see picture in the other Soul thread.
Loving it so far 😀
Got one here. Love it, as others have said, downhill it just wants to go faster.
It'll happily handle anything I can throw at it. Running 2.6 tyres and the xfusion hlr set to 140, it just about keeps up with my mates on full suss bikes
Swapping wheels to some smaller cross country tyres, and it's great for local bridleways/ canal paths if you just want to bimble around.
I'd be interested in how much of an overlap there is with the flaremax. I tried the rocket but that felt a bit much bike for me.
I’ve had 3 different versions, the latest one is by far the best , get it set up right (tyre pressure and forks ) and you’ll love it.
I had a one of the earlier Flares before this. I found the Flare very odd on climbs, not sure what it was tbh and a bit boring on flat or undulating terrain. Great when pointed down though. The Soul is just more fun all round for me. As I’ve mentioned above though I prefer hardtails and to be fair the Flare had more basic kit than the Soul.
Im jealous...only realised how the Soul would make a great build for me now there's no mediums left. Cant find any frames that compare ...all steel 27.5 hardtails tend to be more like the bfe and a nice 853 xc/trail 27.5 frame is hens teeth.
Done over 3000 miles on mine. 130mm forks. When it was my only bike it was set up with enduro wheels and big tyres but when I got a rocketmax I put it on a diet and made it into a lighter xc bike. It absolutely nails being both. If I ever go down to one bike again the soul will stay and I'll just get a second pair of wheels.
Best bike I've ever had bar none
You're convincing me I need one...
You’re convincing me I need one…
You do - I bought mine in Jan 2018, since then it's been my most used bike, it even overtook the T-130 as the bike to take to Bike Park Wales.
Cy convinced me too - I've just bought the last one ever. I really like the fact that the owner/designer talks to customers directly. Better make it a good build then!
I'm debating fork and wheel combo now. I don't want to waste the frame on light but too flexy, or stiff but so heavy it loses the 'light and lively' part.