The Small Builder Series E1 - Neuhaus Metalworks and Their Solstace Mullet Hardtail - First Look

[@hardtailparty]

A lot of people aren't familiar with what a custom bike is, or what a custom builder does. It goes way beyond the color, or the grips. A custom bike means the builder can accommodate almost any feature you want. Want more tire clearance? Tell your builder. Want a press fit bb, tell him. Want sliding dropouts, a longer reaxhz a slacker hta, lower stack? Tell your builder and he can make it happen. A custom bike means you can have (usually) whatever you want. That's a huge departure from factory bikes. Lately I've been feeling like 90% of the hardtails i receive these days are all coming out of the same 3 factories in Asia and there isn't much that differentiates them apart form geo. But not today. I'm really impressed with what Nick is doing, his skill, his design cues, and his approach. $1600 sounds like a lot of money for a steel frame, unless you've been shopping around from custom builders, then you realize it's one of the best prices out there. Nick wanted to make sure his bikes weren't just attainable for the dentists and layers out there, he wanted a custom build experience for the everyday rider. There are some things in life worth paying extra for, and a custom built steel hardtail like this is one of them.

[@chriskimber7179]

I spent about that much on my custom Peyto in 853 in 2007. Aside from perfect fit, Paul added features such as a Bushnell eccentric BB and a dragon claw bottle opener brazed onto the chainstay and fangs on the head tube badge. If I'd gone with an equivalent priced off-the-shelf bike I'd have replaced it 3x over the last 14 years. Even with the outdated geo, 26" wheels and straight 1 1/8" steer tube I LOVE this bike and am having a really hard time justifying a replacement (thanks for the advice Steve, maybe I'll convince myself in the spring! 😉) That is the true value of a custom frame. It has saved me thousands!

[@andyeunson270]

Yes. A thousand times yes. I read about many riders who claim their bike is custom. But usually the fame is off the shelf standard with standard parts with couple changes and special decals. Woohoo. Decals. Being an older road guy, in the 70s and 80s custom meant difference top tube length or angles or tube sets built for the rider. That’s custom. Upgrade gets thrown out a lot too. More often than not the “upgrade” is simply a change. Being a Whistler resident I’d love to ride Chromag but their super steep seat tube angles don’t work for me. So I’m considering a Mike Trulove custom. Actual custom. Slacker seat tube angle and longer rear centre. Not a fan of short stays either. Mike builds some of the Chromag frames in Squamish. Nice details on this frame.

[@William.N]

Brilliant! Can't wait to see how it rides! Great job spotlighting the smaller builders and brands!

[@pauls3616]

Sweet looking bike. Gotta love the small shops run by guys who just love biking.

[@dkubarek1]

So stoked for this series. Hardtail Party's videos are always on point but it's great to spotlight all these people passionate about building bikes. This is what you get when you don't become a KZbinr and get sponsored by all the bigs: Honest videos that are always interesting.

[@isaacbrooks5999]

This is a great idea for a series! I'm excited to see all of these small company bikes! Edit: That may be one of the coolest/intriguing bikes I've seen on your channel. I wish I had $1,500!

[@carymcreynolds]

Just a shoutout for Nick. His frames are beautiful in person and he is a gifted rider. It also doesn't hurt he is an extremely nice guy. If I didn't already have a Waltworks, I would be buying one of his frames (and may still to replace my Son's Ibis DV9).

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed on all accounts.

[@johnnydoe66]

I am normally not a fan of pink, but I would ride that....Definitely the coolest paint job yet, the Pipedream Surius with that Starlight paint job was my second favorite. A friend of mine who use to ride custom painted a hardtail once and it was pretty cool also. It was a lime green w/ a purple metallic clear coat, in the shade or indoors it was green, but out in the sunshine it had a purple glow.

[@bingoberra18]

YES this is a great idea for a series and I´m exited for the riding impressions and seeing the other builders bikes. Hopefully in all this exitement we will still be able to critically examine the good and the bad parts of each bike as this is a great learning experience and because of these builders fast turnaround, continous improvement is the road to perfection, and that doesnt come from the first or second frame. What would be interesting is to hear the builders intention and if he had some specific components in mind when designing the frame, for example stiffer or softer wheels and fork, certain tires etc.

[@jeffkidd7448]

Great looking bike. I think it would be the perfect frame for those purple ignite cranks.

[@jonmac1]

That may be the best looking bike yet on your channel. Stunner.

[@drujenssen5444]

I love the color of my prickly pear Surly Ice Cream Truck. Looking at it right now while making dinner.

[@baddriversofcolga]

This guy clearly has an eye for design all the way down to the logo. The seat tube bolts are genius like you said. I am kinda surprised it doesn't fit bigger tires, though.

[@hardtailparty]

This bike was built for one specific purpose: to fit 27.5x2.4 in the rear. The beauty of a custom frame is that you tell him what you want and he makes it. If you need more tire clearance, request it from the builder.

[@baddriversofcolga]

@@hardtailparty Ahh, okay. Cool.

[@JD-oe5uc]

Very nice series and very interesting story behind the frame. Great work to give those builders some exposure and show/test their products for us! Really love the pink color as well.

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Love seeing these small builders. There's so much passion and attention to detail. Thanks for sharing them!

[@ianfurqueron5850]

Nice looking frame. Personally, I don't think $1500 for a custom steel frame is a bad price at all. I paid not much less than that for my IF Deluxe way back in 1997. Drew at Engin was part of the T47 development quite a few years ago. He has also been doing the "stud" bottle cage mounts for a while as well (although in Ti). It would be cool if you could review an Engin frame/bike but my guess is since he already has over a year waiting list for frames, the best we could hope for is if you could make a trip to the Philly Bike Expo next year and maybe ride his personal bike since you are about the same height. And it would be fun to show you around some of our local trails in Philly.

[@bigmikeshooter]

First time hear about this company and looks great. Very interesting review. Cheers from Greece...

[@jg2wheels]

That bike looks rad! $1500 isn't bad, considering frames like the Nimble 9 and Norco Torrent S are $900 now.

[@daniels6997]

Can't wait for the ride review! Looks like its gonna be a lot of fun

[@jst_luz_it]

Love that color. Might have to get one for the wife in the same color and one in a different color for myself.

[@just_memep494]

That is a beautiful frame and I can't wait to hear how it rides!

[@79Markhicks]

Brilliant!, can't wait for the next video. The small frame builders getting the exposure they deserve 👏

[@mjl325is]

The color is absolutely banging !

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed. It suits the bike so well.

[@user-lc2mu9jk2b]

As usual, a pleasure to see another video on a sweat bike. The small manufacturers deserve all the credit! What I can’t understand is why it is so hard for larger manufacturers to pay attention to the details and come up with smart solutions. Being large means they probably have a group of engineers, which are probably not less capable. So what is “stopping” them from implementing simple solutions and being innovative? Being big also means they can influence the industry standards and the accessories manufacturers.

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed. I think most big companies have too many committes to run everything by. Most big companies aren't passionate about hardtails. You won't find anyone more passionate about their hardtails than a small builder.

[@heywood165]

I've just fitted a 29er Pike and front wheel to my 27.5 BTR Ranger and it feels amazing as a mullet. Completely different on the descents with a bigger front wheel, doesn't get slowed down by bigger rocks and still keeps the fast handling with the smaller back wheel. I think it helps that the fork offset is 42mm instead of 51mm too, but not 100% sure it makes a huge difference. Mullets are great!

[@timdean909]

Just wow love the geo and rowdy color just the ticket to send gnarly descents

[@okelleyappraisals]

The paint choice of your studio/shop is perfect for making this frame color pop.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I love it that you are highlighting small builders. They definitely have the advantage of sourcing tubing and fine tuning the design and feel of a frame on a more custom level. Also they don’t have get branded tubing that is not necessarily a better choice. I think some people overthink the name brand tubing when it probably is only used for the main triangle and doesn’t really matter when it comes to the feel of of the frame.

[@fasterwheels]

Super cool looking in the pink. Also can't w8 to see the ride characteristics report!

[@ktom300]

Been waiting for this one!!!

[@bkranich]

Huge fan of pink. This has rapidly become my favorite channel here. Keep up the awesome work!

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@geoffsimons1235]

Reach check,stack check, angles check, second water bottle on the seat tube priceless

[@hardtailparty]

Right? All it took was a little thinking outside the box. Int REALLy impressed with Nick. We're going to be seeing more great things from him in the future. Keep an eye on him

[@geoffsimons1235]

Your right about the price too, he takes the time to get your input about what you want and would like it’s custom built for your riding style and terrain

[@hardtailparty]

@@geoffsimons1235 yup, $1600 is a fantastic price for a custom built frame like this. Nick really wanted to make sure his bikes were affordable to the everyday cyclist, not just the dentists.

[@koltface]

Just a heads up 13:25 , 9point8 makes the Slack-R angle sets for integrated headsets. I have one on my gravel bike hahahaha, it worked great!

[@hardtailparty]

Yes. I've made a video about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoO8eq2Plpygrsk

[@amhtxc2960]

Holy moly what a beauty!! So neat.

[@Perception_]

When paying more equals more satisfaction, I always go that route. It's too easy to add lots and lots of disappointing items into one's life, and you're not saving money if you're disappointed. All the disappointment adds up, and then you end up doing more impuls shopping for things you don't need instead. That's why it's better to commit to a purchase that will make you satisfied from the get go. Paying for quality is what will save you money in the longrun, because when you're satisfied, you tend to keep those things for longer as well as taking better care of it. I'd rather have less, but quality things in my life than lots and lots of less good things I literally don't care about. Pay once. Cry once.

[@benediktmerl4510]

I fully agree with your logic. I’m just a stupid exception. I love my steel bike so much that I’m now building up another one, just because I want to savor it for longer. Utterly pointless I know, but I’m stoked about the next build nonetheless

[@englishman805]

Love your channel, thanks for the great content. I have started to not love my Pole Taival due to the dropper post getting absolutely seized into the frame. I wish the steel frame makers would mention to buyers that using an anti seize grease is needed to stop aluminum fusing to the steel. I need less maintenance to think about. Would be cool if you could bring up this issue for the steel frame buyers. I got lucky and after about 2 hrs got my post and frame separated, if I'd waited another couple months I think they would have become one. Permanently.

[@mclennanmatthews7528]

Did you grease your seatpost before you installed it? I have greased all mine and never had issues with a seized seatpost.

[@hardtailparty]

It's always a good idea to grease your seatpost no mater the material. For ti frames, use anti seize instead of grease.

[@englishman805]

@@mclennanmatthews7528 I used a small amount of grease but I guess not enough. I've never had a post seize in a frame before or owned a steel frame before and after doing a little research found that the steel and aluminum react and fuse together, after I got it out and cleaned upnthe corrosion I covered the post in copper grease to stop the 2 from fusing again. Should be fine now with any luck.

[@englishman805]

@@hardtailparty @McLennan Matthews I used a small amount of grease but I guess not enough. I've never had a post seize in a frame before and after doing a little research found that the steel and aluminum react and fuse together, after I got it out I covered the post in copper grease to stop the 2 from fusing again.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Wow, the welds look fantastic. Really nice looking bike and this series is a great idea. Paint it pearl white, remove the seat tube cage bosses completely and remove the dropper in port and RD cable bosses (wireless dropper and RD) and it is my perfect bike.... even with the weird choice of BB standard.

[@hardtailparty]

That's the beauty of a custom bike. You can have Nick build you exactly that. The bb really isn't that weird it's just a bigger shell. All modern cranks work with them, you just have to get the right bb

[@BigBanana55]

Apparently t47 is an old BMX press fit standard (in terms of shell diameter) just with threads added, makes more sense to build with than BSA imo. Great that your going to cover small builders, cant wait for more!

[@hardtailparty]

I'm a HUGE fan of T47. We're starting to see more and more of it from small builders and it's a fantastic thing.

[@Allan_Varcoe]

@@hardtailparty I just got new BSA thread chasing dies when T47 started getting popular! Ugh! Haha!

[@lucaneuburg976]

The inverted bolts for water bottle is genius!... Really! But you also had the chance to use 2 water bottles and long dropper on.the new Timberjack too! The curved lower part of the down tube makes space for water bottle and to weld the screws very low while using a 170mm dropper post..

[@hardtailparty]

I wasn't able to fit a 175 on my tj

[@lucaneuburg976]

@@hardtailparty you mean the white one you tested this year?

[@austindean4035]

Such a good color!

[@wesleywermuth9545]

Sweet! Can’t wait for the ride review!!!!!

[@aaronnull8950]

awesome idea for a new series!

[@TheChillBison]

Any plans to test the Guerilla Gravity Pedalhead? I'm super curious to know how that rides for you.

[@hardtailparty]

Yes

[@thomaskuhn6541]

No issue whatsoever with the price when I look at something like a SIR 9 for $1200.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I have owned 2 Sir9’s. They were nice but my 2014 model now serves as a commuter bike. The new one is still a bit outdated for my taste but it’s ok if you don’t mind PFBB, a steep HTA and enough tire clearance for 29x2.6” tires.

[@thomaskuhn6541]

@@hardmtnbiker I'm familiar with Niner, I have a ROS 9 which I purchased new in 2015 and it was my main bike until this year. I commented because I think the Neuhaus at $1600 for a hand made in USA frame is more than fair when you have a company like Niner charging $1200 for a made in Taiwan frame with geo which is extremely dated.

[@hardmtnbiker]

@@thomaskuhn6541 I agree Niner is overpriced for what you get. You pay for that Reynolds 853 main triangle tubing and signature label. Many small builders can actually get better steel tubing that’s custom butted,shaped and manipulated by smaller (non-branded) steel tubing manufacturers that just as focused on ride quality.

[@Philoniousmonk]

This bike is soooooo sick!

[@prancisfena]

I own a Marino. I love it and I love the amount I got it for. That said, i get what you mean in your comparison. 👍

[@MMcG25]

Very cool frame! what size tire could you fit in the back using an i34 or i40 rim? Perhaps you'd have to have a rear end designed around that rim size and a plus tire - yes?

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, that'd be the best way to do it. This frame was designed around a 27.5x2.4 tire on a 30i rim. For wider, I'd rewuest something custom from Nick.

[@tobymcnicol922]

Great series idea! Can you run the bb eccentric to tension an ss set up? Love that colour with black components against your grey backdrop! It'll be interesting to see what he does with the printed yokes.... you've not ridden in a UK winter yet have you.....?!

[@hardtailparty]

No, and i hope to avoid riding in a UK winter. :)

[@tobymcnicol922]

@@hardtailparty lightweight! :)

[@danielnilsson7774]

Hi Steve! Are you going to review Neuhaus Hummingbird? I'm interested in how you have specified your own Spot Rocker. Thanks for a great channel!

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, i will have one to review soon

[@streetbeast7078]

Iv been waiting for this bike review ever since I saw it on the shredding spree Channel I want one so badd!! I already have an idea of how I would build it in my head

[@nrhudec]

Is there any particular reason why all these hardtail frames put the second bottle mount in the seat tube instead of just putting two mounts along the inside of the downtube? It just seems so glaringly obvious that I'm surprised nobody does it. Especially on these modern looong hardtails with ample longitudinal space inside the triangle.

[@hardtailparty]

This frame doesn't have room for two on the downtube. See my Pässilä juntu first look, and comic solarisMAX, they put two on the top of the downtube. They're awkward to reach while riding, so i typically prefer this config.

[@jiliong8612]

the price is right for custom built,infact it is tottaly worth it,,i pay my Chromag Primer for 17k through a dealer in NJ and i don't mind at all,,if i had more money i should will get this frame,and be happy with the price also the color is so dope.👍

[@mudkayak6305]

love it, hmmm... why not go a little longer flat on the chainstays for better clearence ?!

[@hardtailparty]

The goal was for this bike to fit 2.4s. I just wanted to see what i could get away with. Check out his new seatsrays yokes, they're even cooler.

[@Klunker1]

I had a neon pink Wicked Fat Chance in the late 80’s before suspension, dropper posts, long and slack and big wheels. Somehow it was just as much fun to me as my current Solaris Max. Bikes are fun. Don’t understand the interest in mullets except for hockey players.

[@hardtailparty]

On fall line catch berms they're pretty awesome.

[@Klunker1]

@@hardtailparty I’m sure your right but I’ll stick to your 95% rule for the right bike. Your the Hardtail Professor!

[@CasperRc81]

My word that paint is beautiful could only image in real time.

[@hardtailparty]

The metal flake sparkle is incredible, and goes so well with that pink.

[@nriyo3]

Clearly that paint is called Frosted Donut.

[@TimCalvin]

My impression of T47 is that it was primarily developed for titanium frames- it allows the use of the larger-diameter downtubes that those bikes often need to ride well.

[@shirk15]

T47 was designed as a threaded solution to PF30. Take a sloppy PF30 shell that is out of spec and you can cut treads in it to run a threaded bb cup.

[@keithbasham2413]

black and pink, yes!

[@jeffpower6473]

My very first mountain bike in 1992 was a jamis the exact same color. Edit: I don’t think this’ll just be a side gig for him for very long.

[@monoperative]

For a bespoke hardtail from a small builder, $1500 is pretty reasonable. My BTR Ranger cost me £1550*, and that was before their recent price increase! *totally worth it, btw. Support your local makers, people.

[@Rootdown45941]

I would really like to see a Marino reviewed here. I have a Marino and absolutely love it, considering I got a fully custom Reynold 725 frame for 500 bucks total.

[@hardtailparty]

If you love it that's all that matters.

[@jadoningalls1205]

Picked up a used helm for my big al build, enjoyed it so far! However, the compression dials seem to hardly do a thing. I've heard the helm doesn't "lock out" as stiff as others, by the dive speed difference between compression fully open and closed is really similar. I'm wondering if something's broken or setup improperly?

[@hardtailparty]

Interesting. I take it you've seen their setup video and you have adjusted the negative air chamber as well?

[@jadoningalls1205]

@@hardtailparty yup! I’m about 5psi lower in the positive, and I feel the supple top end of the stroke. Riding trails, I’ve got it setup to ride well with nearly no damping. When I’ve done gravel rides and want to stiffen it up though, there’s barely a noticeable change when hs and ls are fully closed. That’s the problem with buying used, I’m not sure if it was an issue out of the box, or if a damper service has been done at some point with improper weight or amount of oil or something? Haha.

[@coralmansion]

would be awesome to see a btr fabrications frame on this series, would love to see your opinion on them!

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed. I've reached out to them a few times.

[@jcmymtb1258]

Looks similar to my pink pipedream moxie

[@BerserkerNick]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@GokkunGuru]

The welds are almost invisible like you see on carbon frames. Are these hydroformed?

[@hardtailparty]

No, they're tig welded. Great welds.

[@chriss8375]

Hmm, when saw the video pop at first, thought maybe builder you are working with. Rad bike! Hummingbird looks interesting as well 😀

[@hardtailparty]

Agreed, I can't wait to ride a hummingbird someday.

[@chriss8375]

@@hardtailparty Cannot wait to find a more modern 29+ hardtail. Maybe hummingbird will with yoke design.

[@hardtailparty]

@@chriss8375 the bike I'm designing will fit 29+. I'll share more info as soon as I can.

[@johnnykramolis7469]

The water bottle holder solution, simple genius solution. This made me laugh that no other big company didn't figured it out before. Great. But the tyre clearance could be bit bigger.

[@hardtailparty]

His goal wasnt max tire clearance. The goal was short CS to fit 27.5x2.4s.

[@johnnykramolis7469]

@@hardtailparty Ok. :)

[@s14tat]

While the frame looks sick, why no iscg tabs on the bb for a bash guard?

[@chasepalpatine170]

Did I see IS disk mounting on the frame? Did the diameter of the seat stay near the rear axle preclude post mounts or is that his design philosophy?

[@nj-zl7ot]

IS mounts are easy to install. There's really no advantage to using post mounts.

[@hardtailparty]

Is gives a builder a but more wiggle room. Post mount is nice in that it doesn't require and adapter, but if someone cross threads the post mount, the frame is jacked.

[@mellissanash7517]

This is a cool series! Besides this and the two Cotic bikes you reviewed where there other steel bikes under 6lbs for a frame?

[@hardtailparty]

Stanton Sherpa is one

[@Henrys_Horrible_At_Bikes]

Check out the ferrum bikes hv-ht hardtail, most aggressive hardtail I’ve ever seen

[@scoc253]

*sheesh beautiful frame and color is spot on*

[@hardtailparty]

100% agree.

[@Jfree68]

I have my eye on the hummingbird

[@Paulklampeeps]

Will there be a mullet xc ht in the future?

[@hardtailparty]

I doubt we'll see many millet xc bikes, but a custom builder like Nick can make anything you want. 29" wheels are really well suited to xc racing and carrying speed. Typically, mullets are slower uphill

[@jameslines9794]

Does that bb drop seem a little low? Most bikes run 45-60 drop and 45 being called a high bb generally Awesome looking frame though 👌 colour is so hot

[@hardtailparty]

Keep in mind it's a mullet, so the rear wheel drops it even more.

[@jameslines9794]

@@hardtailparty absolutely makes sense. It's these little things the average person doesn't immediately think about. My torrent has a 45mm bb drop and people say that's quite high. I actually quite like the clearance it gives the cranks in certain situations. And I don't feel ever like it's feels odd.

[@davetbassbos]

Can someone tell me what was so bad about 26" wheels for mountain biking? the last MTB I had was when everything was 26". I've only ridden 20" for the past 10 years so maybe have gotten used to that. but except for pro racing where every second really counts, 29 and 27.5 doesn't seem like a good trade off for the slower handling.

[@hardtailparty]

Try all wheel sizes and see which you like best. Nothing wrong with 26. If you love it's stick with it. It's just next to impossible to find parts for 26" wheels (forks especially)

[@davetbassbos]

@@hardtailparty Yeah, I'm probably just stubborn, I still wear Vans which haven't changed in 40 years, lol! Cool channel appreciate the info!

[@dayjeecuyangan9631]

Luv that color..😍

[@jasoniannone9675]

The yoke on the Sirius is one of the best out there. I wish short stays were available in classic bends but if you're building with a yoke, it should be well considered.

[@hardtailparty]

Check out the new yoke Nick is using these days. Incredible. Pics on his Instagram.

[@johnsonjay60]

So perty 🔥

[@natethompson6178]

Curious if he'll do an adjustable dropout...

[@Cassienope]

Yep, he does sliding dropouts as an option.

[@hardtailparty]

That's the beauty of working with a custom frame builder, he can make your bike exactly how you want it. Reach out to him.

[@SeMoArtifactAdventures]

I'd enjoy seeing you review a Breadwinner hardtail.

[@hardtailparty]

Me too

[@nEoz2401]

Do you ever consider ordering a Marino bike?

[@hardtailparty]

If he wants to send one, I'd happily review one, but I'm not interested in buying one for review.

[@symz4665]

How much did this build cost ?

[@hardtailparty]

No idea, i used parts I had lying around. It was not a budget build though.

[@lukasbormann4830]

Can you pls review a nikolai ,especially the gearbox ones someday?😍

[@hardtailparty]

I'd love to, but i haven't been able to convince Nicolai to send me a loaner. Maybe if enough viewers send them polite emails requesting it we'd see one...

[@neaaat5545]

Do you only do videos on hard tails

[@hardtailparty]

Yes. Hence the name hardtail party. :)

[@ohiomoto]

Those welds!!

[@jkeiffer]

Price already went up to $1600.

[@hardtailparty]

Yup. Material prices are going up like crazy, and small fabricators take the brunt of it. This was filmed 3 months ago, and in that time, materials have gone up a little.

[@64maxpower]

The color isn't for me. Great channel

[@hardtailparty]

The beauty of a small builder is you can change it to whatever you want.

[@64maxpower]

@@hardtailparty I would love a bike built by someone like that because they enjoyed creating it. And I keep my bike forever