A BIG Win from a Small Builder - The Neuhaus Metalworks Solstice Mullet Hardtail Rreview

[@hardtailparty]

Here's some followcam footage of me riding this bike down hiline with @shreddingspree kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJeaqn2QoNRghZY

[@jasoniannone9675]

That was sick. The trail is a list of features strung together, big move after big move. Crazy.

[@Joshuakoffmansculpture]

Nice alternative view. It’s great to be able to see you riding the trail. Thanks for sharing it.

[@sixate]

I remember watching that vid. Was very curious what bike you were killing it on because I didn't recognize it. Figured it was a test rig, now I know which one.

[@ShreddingSpree]

Awesome to watch your review on this whip Steve! We didn’t talk about it much but I could tell you were getting on pretty well with it on our ride! Also the pink alone gets MEGA style points in my book. 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@felderosa]

im addicted to your hardtail frame review vids.. i need to go to sleep.

[@markifi]

that water bottle mount is genius

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed. Such a simple solution. It's crazy that a one man operation can solve issues that entire design teams at the big companies can't. But that's the beauty of many small builders: they're often more passionate and they don't have to run everything by a committee.

[@hansonwang2121]

Even though something like this is out of my reach I learned so much from this review. Thanks for keeping your videos so educational!

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks Hanson. I hope people see this channel as an education channel as much as a hardtail channel.

[@oldshovel]

Sounds like an awesome deal for the customization you can get.

[@belliott4213]

Thanks for highlighting this builder and this steel bike… I wouldn’t have considered steel.

[@pauls3616]

Great review. Nice to hear that it isn’t an overbuilt tank. I ride pretty hard but at only 160lbs I like a lighter frame with a bit more compliance. The smaller shops are definitely able to build bikes for individuals rather than the masses. I also like that it can be ridden on a variety of trails and that it doesn’t need to be always shredding hard to be enjoyable. I am definitely going to look at the 29’er model. Thanks for the review.

[@buckroger6456]

That's often some of the best things about a small builder, they often want to build a bike that's for you and not everyone else. Lots even let you change the geo numbers before they build the frame.

[@johnq7731]

Finally the pink bike is out for review

[@hardtailparty]

These things take time. I don't like to rush my reviews; i really like to put these bikes through their paces on a variety of trails before reviewing them.

[@austindean4035]

Makes we want to buy a Neuhaus. Great review.

[@mortlow6688]

Respect to all this amazing small brands that produce in EU or US premium cool frames and parts....!

[@shaunroach7829]

What a review!!! Great detail Steve in describing how the bike build can fit the individual and the trails they ride!! Always great seeing a review when the bike contains the special sauce!!! 💪💪💪👍👍👍👍

[@Cotictimmy]

Weird thing - I'm old and unfit, and I just don't ride the kind of trails this bike is so good at, but even so (from Steve's description) I still think I would get on with this bike love & love it if I owned it. Having said that the full 29er that's a bit less slack sounds more my thing. Something a bit close to the Ionic Johnny Rotten (with some Neuhaus flourishes) sounds like my ideal bike.

[@TheTomlight]

This is a great bike. Thank you Steve for bringing this bike/frame builder up. Just got my Solstace Mullet 3 days ago and 3 rides in. Love it. And Nick, the frame builder, is such a great guy and excellent to work with. Got to ride with Nick on my first day on the bike. Highly recommend Neuhaus Metalworks for anyone looking for something special!

[@scoc253]

_legit looks like a big brother of a bmx frame. that short chain stay is rowdy. real talk beautiful bike and build. kudos g._

[@buckroger6456]

These are my favorite reviews that you do. I'm a big fan of the small bespoke builders, I'll have to add this guy to my list to look at. I can see it's getting frosty up there. I'm having a hard time getting out for a ride now that the tempts are staying in the 60s down here in southern AZ.

[@hmosier1]

This bike unexpected jumped to the top of my list, I have a lot of rolling xc terrain in my area though less steeps and tech but definitely have the option to find it when you're looking for it! I'm guessing the 29er would rip on flowy trails, while still feeling confident about a bike I could travel to rocky southwest trails with.

[@rainbowhiker]

Wow! If I had money--I would be making the call.

[@William.N]

Great review! Thank you for also pointing out limitations and why those limitations are there.

[@fenum_design2461]

This looks like what one would keep for a lifetime. It would be a bargain if it can keep one stoked for twice or even longer. I can feel the suppleness and refined feel from how quiet and smooth the ride is!

[@renereyes4634]

Yes indeed, deep inside we are hard tail enthusiasts even if we don’t ride one otherwise why would I spend almost 1/2 an hour watching this. Your videos and reviews are something else man!

[@gr1809]

You really sold this hardtail, great review. I just wish I had the money to buy one 😭 I cannot complain though because my Orange is only 4 months old 😉

[@vindeta360]

This bike is absolutely what I want out of a bike. I would love to get one!

[@danieldoble7674]

Steve, Great review as always. I purchased and built up a Banshee Paradox because of you and love it. The group I ride with are amazed that I bring it to rides that they would only ride their full squish bikes on. I believe they would not think that if they threw a leg over it. I'm amazed at how good this bike rides on technical s.t. I ride this more confidently on the steep rollers we have here in New England. Ok, enough ranting on. Just appreciate your technical knowledge and sharing it with the viewers. Love the color of the Solstace Mullet. I want one now. Happy Holidays.

[@hardtailparty]

That's a special bike too.

[@koolbrizzz]

I also bought a banshee and built it up because of Steve's awesome review!!! I'm really enjoying mine also. Thanks Steve!!🖖🏽🇺🇲

[@chawkins45ify]

Redding trail alliance is doing a raffle on this bike right now, I never heard of them and came here for info. Super impressive what this small company is doing!

[@sixate]

Sounds like an amazing bike. I laughed very hard when you said this is one of your favorite bikes for power punchy moves up "little" 3 foot ledges. Stepping up 3 foot ledges are not little moves. Lol! Takes some skill to do those. Amazing review as always, can't get enough of your reviews. Think this is the first bike that you wouldn't change a thing. That says a lot. If I lived out in Arizona I'd really want one. Not quite the machine for my trails.

[@hardtailparty]

There are a couple other bikes I wouldn't change a thing on. The spot rocker comes to mind.

[@Allan_Varcoe]

I just rode with Steve yesterday and he does 3 foot ledges like I do curbs! Haha!

[@JimmyRadloff]

I friggin love the design and geo of this bike. That long dropper is a game changer for guys like us with short legs too.

[@hardtailparty]

100% agree.

[@wesleywermuth9545]

Fantastic review!

[@partmowtow9745]

Waiting for the roscoe 2022😁

[@jkeiffer]

Such a glowing review, but more importantly (like you always do) you give great details. I really appreciate when you talk about who a bike is for and who it is not. Based on your feedback, this is not the bike for me, however, Neuhaus Metalworks might be my builder. Unless I maybe get a Stanton.

[@Cassienope]

I have a singlespeed Solstice 29er from Neuhaus Metalworks. The bike rips. Great to see this review. I have been loving it.

[@hardtailparty]

It's really a special bike. Nick is doing great things out there.

[@JD-oe5uc]

Super review as always! A custom bike would probably my next one (in 10 years 😉). Also jealous of that amazing environment and trails. I have been to Moab once and rode slickrock…amazing experience! Looks like a moon landscape for somebody from the Netherlands 😉

[@zoranspirkoski1342]

Great review, thank you!!! Very tempting😬

[@stevencole7331]

I am on year 4 of my first real MTB HT . I like the concept of a forever bike . You save money not buying a bike every couple years . Now what's a forever bike ? Maybe 10 years as with cars . My bike is long so it's planted but that's a problem on technical climbs and tight corners . Your attention to detail is quite helpful as my ride is maybe 5 percent of what your ride so less rowdy is more appropriate . I am leaning to sticking with a hardtail as my only bike . I am less and less attracted to a full squish and tell experienced squish riders to move up your progression on a hardtail . For me the decision is should I go shorter on my next bike and you definitely make the case I should . Well done Steve .

[@dennismiller1602]

Sweet ride! ….and now I see a custom frame, custom paint…. in my future(;

[@djroyal23]

now you need to get and review the Solstice 29 to compare Steve! Great video.

[@hardtailparty]

I'd love to.

[@Adonis2115]

It took me a while to make the switch to SS, but now my primary mtb is a Surly 1x1, the simplicity is just liberating (for lack of a better word). Winter I do ride a geared Ice Cream truck, but that might find it's way to being single speed at some point. recently I have had a craving for a new bike. I think it will be a more modern SS with dropper and squishy front end tho. The 1x1 will still have a place in the stable tho.

[@UpHillWill]

Another great review buddy!

[@mikejones420]

I haven't ridden a good hardtail yet, my experience on hardtails is with a Marin San Quentin( terrible bike, very heavy, and rides extremely stiff, and beats you up) I still ride fully, but hopefully will try a good hardtail one day soon.

[@ktom300]

Sliding dropouts would be cool, he's making some interesting frames for sure.

[@hardtailparty]

That's the beauty of custom builders. You get exactly what you want.

[@jasoncass8771]

Wow, the perfect bike.

[@GokkunGuru]

That’s a beautiful pink!

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed. It's even better in person.

[@christophersullivan6405]

Are you going to get to test the Hummingbird? I am looking at that and the Chumba Sendero.

[@hardtailparty]

That's my plan

[@techjeeper8800]

Hardtail nerds unite!!!

[@christophersullivan6405]

I live in SoCal, a world of long long long fire road climbs just to get to the fun stuff. How does this bike handle the boring stuff?

[@hardmtnbiker]

As you probably recall, I’m a huge fan of steel and Ti frames, especially custom. One of the main reasons I gravitate towards custom frames is the attention to details when matching the build with the rider. What’s truly awesome with choosing a smaller builder that helps design a frame for your riding is that they have the flexibility to custom select the perfect frame tubing to fit your body weight and measurements. You mentioned that noodle feeling in frames. At 160 pounds with gear I can’t imagine that nor any unwanted flex but my heavier weight friends may feel different. Again, custom is definitely something to think of, especially with a smaller builder. I’m excited to see his SS design and hope he keeps that flat mount brake and is 142x12. I just don’t see any reason for getting Boost 148 SS hubs nor any benefits for dedicated SS riders.

[@hardtailparty]

The main benefit is availability and cross compatibility. But that's the beauty of custom, you can get whatever you want.

[@infoatnorcal2304]

Great review, I am considering buying a Solstice. It seems like a very well built frame, and I would like to support a local frame builder. Have you thought of doing a review on the Wren sports inverted fork? I have it on my hardtail and enjoy it quite a bit. I am curious to see how you would get along with it.

[@hardtailparty]

I hope to review that fork soon

[@hambo76]

Any plans to release some videos of you just sessioning things with other hardtail riders? I really enjoyed those and it got me into your channel in the first place!

[@hardtailparty]

Yes

[@hambo76]

@@hardtailparty Excellent!

[@daringries]

I like your shirt 👍👍

[@mr.steebs5070]

Thanks for the review, always want to do my own build on a steel frame. How does it compare to say, ohhh...a Blue Pig?

[@hardtailparty]

I compare specific models against each other in my bike consultation service over on Patreon.

[@devinbyrnes8058]

I hope he patented that reverse stud water bottle mount. What a great innovation.

[@nj-zl7ot]

It's a standard part available to any builder. Surprised no production bike companies use these.

[@devinbyrnes8058]

@@nj-zl7ot true, but sometimes you can get a patent for the simplest things if you are the first to do it.

[@MMcG25]

It's been done before. Engin Cycles for one. Probably others as well.

[@mkrj2576]

Missing from many mullets is a wider rim and tire set up out back. Like a moto.

[@hardtailparty]

Motos need wider tires for traction with all the power they put down. Motos steer with the throttle as much as the bars. Bikes are quite different in that regard, so I'd argue that they don't need wider rear wheels/tires. In fact, I always prefer more grip on the front tire than the rear.

[@mkrj2576]

@@hardtailparty Cool man. Appreciate the the thoughts. You seem to have you bikes totally dialed for your trails. Here, climbing traction, if you are into cleaning punchy, tech climbs, is key. Wet, greasy roots, slimy rocks, even snow sprinkled terrain with an undercoat of slime... cleaning climbs on that stuff ain't easy with out the right tire set up.

[@KEVINSEPTEMBER]

Test the Hummingbird please

[@halnogaies1256]

Awesome!

[@dayjeecuyangan9631]

Waitin 4 dis..😊

[@ellismurray9100]

This bike would be sick with the hot pink helm mkII

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed. I tried so hard to get one, but couldn't justify it.

[@Whitewater11]

I want one! Looking for a fun steel single speed HT to ride on local trails and do SS XC races, sounds like a winner in the 29" config.

[@Cassienope]

Nick Neuhaus got third at the California state single speed Champs on his. So it's definitely something he does!

[@Whitewater11]

@@Cassienope just wondering if this new Hummingbird model might actually be a better XC race machine.

[@hardtailparty]

@@Whitewater11 Definitely

[@Cassienope]

@@Whitewater11 yep, the Hummingbird is intended to be the XC / Marathon race machine. I have asked Nick about it and he is planning on finalizing the geo (prototypes are out now) in early January.

[@Shred_Tube]

I live in Colorado, how do you think this bike would do with all the chunk around here and at places like Moab and Kokopelli

[@hardtailparty]

absolutely

[@jeremyatkinson4976]

Is the geometry at sag?

[@Cassienope]

No, unsagged. /a happy customer

[@frostycubed8748]

Will you be reviewing the hummingbird?

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, but it's going to take a little while for Nick to build one and send it out.

[@garrettsmith8286]

Nick sounds like a guy that likes to _Party!_

[@hardtailparty]

100%

[@lostman65]

i think i might like it!

[@hardtailparty]

You'd love it

[@dennisduran8500]

My frame breaths.

[@kevinw791]

Any plans to get the new Yelli Screamy?!?!

[@hardtailparty]

Yes.

[@jamessher6956]

Sorry but totally off topic, any chance for a future review of a Surly Lowside SS ?

[@hardtailparty]

That's up to surly. I'd love to feature their bikes though.

[@jamessher6956]

@@hardtailparty Thanks I will make my request to them. Your reviews are important to Hardtail enthusiasts when making a purchase.

[@mellissanash7517]

Did you review this after or before the Sirius?

[@hardtailparty]

I can't remember. I had both at the same time though.

[@mellissanash7517]

@@hardtailparty oh. I noticed the comparison to the sherpa and had me wondering how this stacks up to the Sirius. Either way a sweet looking bike.

[@hardtailparty]

@@mellissanash7517 Very different from the sirius

[@jasoniannone9675]

It's so pretty

[@tombowman9463]

Do you like it better than your MC?

[@hardtailparty]

For some things yes, for other things no

[@carlosnordt3109]

As ever great review, very well explained.

[@chriss8375]

But you did not compare it to the Sirius! 😀

[@hardtailparty]

It's very different from the Sirius. I do my more detailed comparisons individually over on Patreon. As much as I'd love to compare every frame to every other frame, there's only so much i can do in these reviews. I feel like this compares closer to the chameleon MX than the sirius.

[@moonrabbitshuttles]

Wow!

[@billw_mtb5333]

so, you're saying this bike takes it to 11!

[@hardtailparty]

In some aspects, yes.

[@sattvicvelo3506]

It needs sliding dropouts 😭

[@johnnykramolis7469]

👌👍🤘🤙