The Soulrider Şile comes from Turkey and takes a refreshingly classic approach. Rather than focusing on maximum integration and minimal weight, this gravel bike is all about versatility, robustness and the freedom to carry on riding where the road ends. Şile is a coastal town north of Istanbul, surrounded by woodlands and a network of small roads and tracks. It is precisely this landscape that inspired Soulrider Frameworks’ gravel and adventure bike. The Şile is designed to invite you to lose yourself – on gravel tracks on your doorstep as well as on longer bikepacking trips.
Conclusion
Istanbul evokes images of the big, wide world; Soulrider evokes a sense of freedom on two wheels. With its versatile steel frame, the Sile inspires a desire to travel by gravel bike. It’s worth looking beyond the usual options, as the Soulrider Sile is an exciting choice for fans of beautiful steel frames from smaller brands. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
The Soulrider Sile in detail
- Intended use: Gravel bike
- Ground clearance: 40 mm
- Frame material: steel
- Fork material: carbon
- Frame weight: approx. 1875 g
- Price of frame set: from around 1,200 euros
- Special features: Mounting points for mudguards and luggage racks, made in Türkiye
From Istanbul to the world
At the heart of the Soulrider Şile is a hand-built steel frame. Soulrider uses specially selected Columbus tubes from the Zona and 29R series. According to the manufacturer, the geometry has been developed and tested over an extended period. The focus was more on stability and control than on maximum agility. Especially when the bike is loaded with luggage, the slightly more relaxed design is likely to show its advantages. After all, on fast gravel tracks and long tours, predictable handling is often more important than that final touch of racing-style responsiveness. The result is said to be a well-balanced all-rounder.
When it comes to tyres, the Şile remains versatile. According to Soulrider, the frame accommodates either 700C tyres up to 40 millimetres wide or 650B tyres up to 2.0 inches wide. This allows you to alter the bike’s character. With narrower 700C tyres, the Şile is likely to lean more towards being a fast all-road tourer. With smaller 650B wheels and significantly wider tyres, on the other hand, greater comfort and traction on rough terrain are possible. The carbon fork at the front accommodates 700C tyres up to 42 millimetres wide.
Soulrider Frameworks manufactures its bikes in Istanbul and positions itself as a producer of bespoke bicycles. The Şile is one of the so-called ‘ready-made’ models – meaning it is not designed entirely as a bespoke build, but is available in various sizes and colour options. According to the manufacturer, the frame in size M weighs around 1,875 grams. Given the materials used and the numerous mounting options, this is not a record for lightweight construction – but apparently that is not the intention either. With the Şile, the focus is rather on the combination of durability, comfort and suitability for everyday use.
Transport is key
The classic spec of the Soulrider Sile frame also fits in with this concept. The bottom bracket uses the tried-and-tested BSA standard, the rear wheel mount features a 12-millimetre thru-axle, and the brakes are fitted to the flat-mount standard. The cables run along the outside of the frame – only the front brake cable disappears into the fork. Anyone who values straightforward maintenance should find this setup easy to manage. The Şile really comes into its own when it comes to features for longer tours. The frame features mounting points for mudguards and a luggage rack, as well as additional options for bottle cages. There is a further mount for a water bottle beneath the down tube.
The optional integrated mounting points for frame bags are particularly interesting. These allow compatible bags to be attached directly to the frame without the need for additional straps. For bikepackers who like to secure their luggage as neatly and securely as possible to their bike, this is a thoroughly practical feature. The seat stays and seat tube also show that Soulrider hasn’t just designed this bike for fast gravel rides: the position of the bottle cages can be adjusted using a number of drill holes. This allows, for example, more space to be created for a frame bag.
The steel frame of the Solurider Sile is complemented by a bespoke carbon fork. This, too, was not designed solely to save weight. As well as the flat-mount mount for the disc brake, there are mounting points for additional luggage, such as ‘Anything Cages’. Soulrider specifies a maximum load of three kilograms for these mounts. In addition, a mudguard and front light can be fitted. This fits in with the overall picture: the Şile is not a gravel racer that just happens to have a few threaded mounts. The ability to carry luggage is a central part of the concept.
What do you think: are you keen on unusual gravel bikes from brands that aren’t well known here, or do you prefer to stick with the tried and tested? Let us know in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor