03/12/2015 - Soul 1x11

First Soul bike using our new 11spdXT/Raceface/Hope build...

• Shimano Deore XT M8000 1x11 with 11-42 Cassette
• Race Face Turbine Cinch 175mm Cranks
• Race Face Direct Mount 30t Chainring
• Hope Hoops Tech XC wheels
• X Fusion Sweep RL2 120mm, 15mm axle, taper steerer
• Deore XT M8000 Brakes, 180/160 rotors

All properly thought out. The Tech XC wheels are plenty tough, but nice and light to suit the Soul's character.

30t chainring to give a good climbing gear, without running out at the other end. This is based on Cy and Paul's experience in going 1x after many years being perfectly happy with a front mech. 30/42 gives you a similar bottom gear to a 2x10 for spinning comfortably up big hills and for long days in the saddle. We have yet to spin out the 30/11 top gear offroad, with Cy even clocking just under 30mph on that gear riding his Rocket at Steel City DH practice this year. That's PLENTY fast enough offroad thank you very much!! When you do the maths (and we like maths around here) 30/11 is actually a touch taller geared than 38/15 which is big ring and 8th on most popular 2x10 setups.

And remember, all the features we have built into our bike spec over the last couple of years are all there. Your choice of 60mm or 70mm stem length, your choice of flat 720, 12mm x 785 or 38mm x 740 bars to get your fit just right, or for an upcharge the Joystick 20 x 800mm carbon bars to save a bit of weight. It's all about getting you fitted just right on the bike.

Bike as shown weight just over 25lbs without pedals.

It's winter, it's perfect hardtail season. Get some Soul in your life!