I was confused as well by the width of the axle, took the bike to Skyline Cycles, where one of the mechanics has an early Soul frame.

He runs a 113mm bb width, but could clearly see the problem.

118mm does have a "perfect" chain line, but its very close. Could possibly try a 115mm, but for the moment the 118 will more than do.

Its the lockring on the spider that fouls the bb shell.

I've got a 2010 Soul and Middleburn RS7's.

Bought a UN53 113mm x 73mm, as Middleburn say this is the correct width b/b axle.

Fitted it and the righthand (driveside) taper pulled up the taper and just catches the internal splines of the b/b. This fouling of the splines undoes the right hand bottom bracket cup.

Fitted a 118mm and all is fine.

The 113mm will foul the drive side crank spider.

I've got a brand new 113mm in the spares box now, because it won't fit.

~~
Its the spider which fouls the internal cutouts on the b/b (where the tool fits), so it won't make any difference whether you run one/ two or three rings. I've measured the chainline and its 48mm from centre of seat tube to middle ring.

Still undecided, so I'll have a play with the settings and see what it does.

Thanks for the replies.

I can understand the "over forked" comment for the Soul, and I suppose this is what is holding me back.

I really liked the Fox Van fork, but at 140mm, its simply too long. I liked the linearity of the fork, and can't seem to get that plush feel. The Revs have been serviced by Skyline Cycels and given a clean bill of health – so there's nothing wrong there.

Can't seem to find the right pressures, I use the same for the + as the -.

Reba Maxle looks to be the right fork for the Soul though, but afraid to take the gamble if I find out that I don't like them.

Then there's those DT Swiss 130mm forks on CRC – coil negative and air positive. £400 , but fixed 130mm travel – suppose I could tun them a tad soft with a little bit more sag than normal though.

120mm coil would be fine, but need to be plush (whatever that means, but I'm sure you know what I'm after).

Wish I hadn't sold my Pace RC40's now…….

You'll need a 118mm width for the new (2010) soul – I originally fitted a 113mm – but it will foul the crank arms.

UN53 if it makes any difference.

Square taper Middleburn's on 2010 Cotic Soul

I tried a swift for a couple of months.

Ultimately I didn't think it was suitable, I liked the shape etc and it fitted ok.

What I couldn't put up with was the way it held the water when wet. Once wet it stayed wet all day and ended up being uncomfortable (because I was wet all day).

Tried proofhide underneath to try and protect it etc, even put a small saddle pouch with speare tube on the seat post to deflect as much water as possible – but it didn't work (for me).

Can't bear a rear crud guard (but again, thats me).

Be ok for dry rides though.

dave1980
Yes, standard quick release Revs.

There's been quite a bit of discussion lately about what forks for a soul, the majority seem to be in the 100 to 120mm area.

I can't comment too much at the moment, as I'm off the bike with some leg problems – but from the limited riding I've done , it seems to suit the Reba 100-120 Maxle really well.

5 10 tall , with 32 inside leg on a medium 2010 frame.

Have a look at the images (see link), forks are Revelations set at around 120mm.

Spot on sizing really, I was facing the same issue – medium is the right size.

http://www.pbase.com/denis99/cotic_soul_2010

hairy

no problem – just use them

drop me a pm detailing the images you want, i'll burn the full resolution images and put them on a cd in the post for you.

the web images have a reduced resolution, so they look ok on the web and save a bit of storage space

They'll look much better at full resolution, my email in in the profile.

hairychested

have a look at the link, don't mind you using any of the photo's – just credit me etc.

you might not think they are any good though.

Link is to the complete site, so you'll have to sort through the different albums – quite a bit of speedway (for speedway fans)

http://www.pbase.com/denis99

Interesting thread,I recently bought a 19" P7 (2010), I'm 5 11 tall with a 33 " inside leg.

I felt it was too big a frame with not enough stand over – didn't measure how much post was sticking out – but it looked enough. Just didn't feel right on it (lack of stand over , more than anything else). The P7 doesn't have much in way of a dropped top tube.

Since bought a new medium Cotic Soul – 250mm of seat post to the saddle rails, but feels much better (and definitely more stand over).

As others have said it depends on the frame and how individuals like the ride – probably the best in terms of fit that I've had was a large Turner Flux.

I've got a Canon 7D and shoot in raw for the majority of the shots.

As others have said its the ability to process where the advantage is.

I've switched to using Canon's own DPP software for the processing of the images. In my opinion its better than any of the other software avaliable Ie Photoshop in any of the editions.

If you've got a Canon give DPP a try, using RAW.

5 11 with 32 inside leg : medium with 90mm stem – 2010 frame if it makes any difference.

bikerbruce

I've got a spare removal tool for sale if you're interested?

Nostalgia ain't what it used to be

Cheers Chris (cycleworlduk), have to say Cycle World gave me excellent service (I bought the frame from them last week).

Just a bit of advice if anyone is thinking of a similar build (2010 frame with Middleburn cranks), the normal 73 x 113mm Shimano square taper b/b isn't long enough. I've got a 118mm fitted and this works fine.

Haven't ridden for six months due to an injury, first ride was yesterday, nothing more than riding along fire road but I was suitably impressed with the Soul.

Still haven't fully recovered from the injury, so this might take sometime till I'm back riding properly.

Here's mine , built up yesterday

Medium 2010 Soul

Cotic Soul 2010

Recently bought a orange P7 – see a couple of threads back, but the frame was too big for me – felt like a tank (stand over height was the issue).

Stripped the P7 frame and sold it on, bought the Cotic Soul (medium 17 1/2 inch), finished building up earlier today.

First ride tomorrow.

I rode with a speedhub for over two years and like(d) them alot.

Sold my Nicolai with the 'hoff on thinking that I would have to give up riding (but thats another thread).

So I've recently bought another bike (currently being built up), and I've got conventional gears.

I think the 'hoff works well on a hardtail, and particualrly a frame which is designed for it (Endorfin Spped R, which I had, and wish I still had).

Although I had the 'hoff on the Nicolai (specifically designed for the speedhub) , I'm still not 100% sure (which doesn't mean I don't like it).

It just seems that the hardtail seems to suit it much better. No chain tensioner and the weight seems to be coped with better on the lighter hardtail, than a heavier full suss.

Drag is there, depends on how much climbing is involved where you ride.

Expensive – yes
Excellent means of changing gear once you get used to it.

Probably will buy another (not just yet though) on a hardtail frame though.

I used to race in the late '60's.

Never understood why it wasn't more popular, not that great to watch really – but great fun to race.

back in the 60's there was alot more physical contact allowed.

I'm not 100% certain, but I think Aspire sell White Industry b/b in 73 x 113.

Might be worth a check – probably a tad expensive though.

Defroster wasn't particularly water proof either – in reality little better than a "summer" riding shoe.

The Shimano MT90's were much better, but heavier, warmer and drier, but eventually the water would come over the top.

I liked the MT90's, but they were physically big, and you could notice the extra weight.

After a bit of a lay off, and still not actually riding yet (physio work needed), I'm going back to Sidi Dominators all year round, with thick socks for winter.

There is no perfect answer for riding in the winter really, just different options.

Can't speak for the other shoes, but I had a pair of Defrosters, I didn't think much of them and sold them.

They felt cold no matter what socks I wore – maybe it was me, but I didn't like them.

Good to hear this, I've just bought a Middleburn RS7 square taper – yet to be fitted. Could you confirm my installation please.

Will be fitted to a 68 x 113 White Industry b/b .

Smidgen of copper slip on the square tapers.

Middleburn crank arm bolts with some Loctite 222 and torque to Middleburns recommended setting. Leave to cure overnight, and re check torque setting.

Periodically (once a month?) re check torque and adjust as necessary.

Very sad news.

I knew Iain through the sale of my last bike Nicolai Helius CC Rohloff, and he also bought some other spares off me as well.

Talked on the 'phone quite a bit and was a really nice bloke, condolences to his family.

Sutts , if you need any help describing the white Nicolai, drop me an email, its a little different from the run of the mill frame.

RIP Iain

oh, I must have had the last pair of 46's then.

I've got a pair of Dominators (size 46), normally would fit into a Shimano 46, or Specialized 45.

Dominators can be bought for cheaper at Leisure Lakes at the moment.

New (to me) Orange P7

what about contacting Curtis, discuss custom frame options.

Sorry to hijack, but if mildred isn't interested , then I could wll be if they are square taper.

View from "The Gap"

Aberavon beach – evening

Flying at Cwmcarn

Speedway action

see attached

40D + Tamron 17-50 f2.8

Strange about the retro components usage, then he has used a Thomson seat post……..

Helmut Pink – one of our German colleagues

this is the other image that i sometimes use, from cwmcarn

I've got a very good condition Canon G5 for sale – pm me if you're interested.