15/01/2008 : What Mountain Bike review the Soul again, as part of a "Steel Frames" grouptest
"Designed around 853 maintubes arranged in a radically sloping top tube 'Ultra Compact' chassis, the Soul was ready to take 130mm forks long before anything else. The steep seat angle puts you right over the front for nailing traction, while the tight back end whips round immediately when you need it to. There's enough stretch in the top tube to be comfy all day with a short stem, though, and with a surprisingly low weight the Soul climbs really well."
"As usual for the 853 there's a real purpose to the 'ping' of the frame in the rough, rather than slightly sketchy ricocheting off every rock. There's good power delivery to the cowled dropouts."
"Despite it's low weight, the Soul is definitely designed for technical trail use with masses of standover clearance plus huge UK-friendly mud room from the bridgeless chainstays and broad, stumpy wishbone seat stays. Little gussets behind the broad bottom bracket and a disc post between the stays increase strength, although Cotic has created the altogether beefier BFE for 'roughians'."
"Various colour and graphic combos are available to help you stand out, and Salsa's super neat QR seat collar is included as standard. A price tag of more than £400 looks steep though*."
"Iconic lightweight, lively long fork-ready technical trail hardtail."
*For the first time we were marked down on value, due to a couple of other 853
frames coming in a bit, and very much cheaper than ours. When we first launched
the Soul there were no frames like it, it was the only choice if you wanted
a steel frame that could take long forks without messing up the handling, along
with that it was also seriously cheaper than many of the 'old style' 853 frames
that were around. Now that wasn't because we were aiming for that price point,
just that once we'd made all the decisions about the design, manufacturing, finish,
and delivery of the frame, that's where we ended up.
That was then, this is now, and there are now cheaper options than the Soul.
Now we could start cutting
back on what we deliver (custom machined parts, mainland UK delivery, tough powder coating,
frame protecting panels, chainstay protector, Salsa seat QR) that some others
don't, but we don't want to compromise the design/build/finish
of "our baby" or disguise the true cost of the end price to you by charging
extra for things we feel are essential.
Finally, we do feel that there is a significant performance benefit to our no
compromise approach. The
Soul was one of only 2 frames under 2kg (4.4lbs) on test, a clear 1/4lb lighter than anything else
even close to it's capabilities, and yet is still tough as old boots and
takes 130mm forks. It's designed carefully and properly, which is what
Cotic is all about.