fopianki

I own a 2001 Softride Solo and I think it's the best (and most versatile) bike I've ever owned. I was talking to my LBS recently about upgrading the components and I heard that the Softride company is for sale. My concern is that if I invest in upgrading the bike and then Softride goes out of business, I could have trouble getting replacement parts such as beam parts, etc. Anyone know anything about thier longterm viability? Also, any idea how long a beam should last? Does the carbon material degrade with time and stress? Frank

XC99TF00

Well, I have two Softrides, both of which use the older style beam, one being the solo and one an old Powercurve XC. The beam on my old '97 XC is still perfectly fine as is the one from my solo. I had to adjust the XC one up a bit to compensate for alittle sag, but that's held fine for three years since then, and it takes a punishing offroad that my road bike never sees. If you are worried about getting replacement parts, I'd say get in touch with Softride and then see if you could pick up anything extra that you might need. such as a seat clamp, spare beam, or whatever else you deam necessary.

That said, i believe that the company will find a buyer and continue to make bikes, so I wouldn't worry too much. But I think your best bet is to truly just call them and ask them their take on the issue.

Psimet2001 

Softride was advertising the sale of the company in industry magazines as long ago as last Christmas. I actually considered looking into it. They mentioned that the maufacturing side is highly mobile or relocatable. To me that implied that the operation could be loaded into a box van and driven anywhere you want. That makes it attractive.

It's such a unique company that you know the owners won't just let it die or go to someone who won't support its existing customers. Besides if they do die off then I just might try to secure the rights to manufacture and supply replacement parts.

EDIT: I guess I'm saying that I think you're safe buying one. If the time comes that you can't get replacement parts then you'll a lot of rig left that is pretty valuable on e-bay for other's replacement part needs...

cyclezen

Have had, and ridden for mucho miles, my custom frame Softride suspension, since 91. 1st or 2nd gen beams and no problems of any kind other than my sweat causes the bracket used for height adjustment to squeak. I usually pull the bracket, drop in some blue locktight on the screw mounts and good for another 1K miles.

Currently, itz off the road, going thru conversion to becoming a 'sport-tour' bike. Designing some custom ALU racking for the rear, so I can mount rear bags and such, and use it for multi-day or rides where I want to carry equipment - like my video gear.
By far the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden.

As for 'upgrading' components - really nothing special there outside of the few beam mounting parts. Everything else can easily be used on a convential 'diamond' type frame, if you move from the sofride, with consideration for threading and mounting issues. I wouldn;t worry about any 'upgrades' you do

fopianki

Hey thanks for the advise...I've become very fond of this bike and I really hate to give it up! It's great for ultra rides and also has the ability to keep up with the "hammerheads"...it's currently got older 105's that are getting worn out and I'm thinking about switching to the new generation of 105's or perhaps ultegras. Also, I'm thinking about upgrading my wheels...I'll send them an email about getting some spare beam part...regards Frank

cyclezen

not a bad idea, and it reminds me that I should get a spare or 2 of the small pins that hold the front of the beam to the mount. I lost one once while removing the beam. Couldn;t find it among all the stuff in that area of the garage, so I was SOL! I tired everything, hardened bolts, a bunch of other possible 'replacement' pins and they all sheared off! That pin takes a bunch of force and needs to be super sturdy. Thought of using a chain link pin, a few years back, but never got around to checking to see if they would fit. If a chain link pin fits, it should prolly be strong enough as well. But still would be good to have a few spares, cause without that pin you and the bike are totally grounded!

Codfather

I talked to Softride last week and they are still trying to sell the bike division. Production of new bikes is delayed until a new owner takes over.

BillyBob1

I spoke with softride and they have stopped making bikes about 18 months ago. I tried to get a spare beam, they have no more. Very sad.

rollin

off thread

Just out of interest, how do you change the seat height on a Softride?

botto 

considering that this thread is 5 months old, i think you're allowed to go OT.

back OT, a pic of a city bike in Basel.

BillyBob1

to answer the question asked, you loosen a bolt and slide the beam up or down and then tighten in place. The bolt is located right under the T in the Softride label on the beam in the picture above.