32-inch steel hardtail made in Germany: The Sour Pasta Party 32 singlespeed in the spotlight

​The Sour Pasta Party 32 combines a steel frame, handcrafted in Germany, with 32-inch wheels. On request, this steel hardtail can be customised and fitted with a single-speed drivetrain. We’ve taken a closer look at the Sour Pasta Party 32.

32-inch wheels have so far been the exception in mountain biking. The Sour Pasta Party 32 utilises this new wheel size for a hardtail designed to cover longer distances efficiently. The Dresden-based manufacturer has retained the basic concept of the tried-and-tested Pasta Party, whilst specifically adapting the frame geometry to the larger wheel diameter. The frame is made from CrMo steel and is manufactured in the company’s own workshop in Saxony. An eccentric bottom bracket allows for the use of a single-speed drivetrain. Individualists can therefore build themselves a very special mountain bike on 32-inch wheels with this steel hardtail from Sour.

Conclusion

I ride a Sour Pasta Party myself, custom-built as a single-speed. The steel frame isn’t exactly light, but it’s certainly no run-of-the-mill chassis. It’s also worth highlighting that it’s manufactured here in Germany. With the option of 32-inch wheels, Sour is well-equipped for the future. The large wheels suit the Pasta Party’s concept well. Hopefully there’ll be more component options to choose from soon. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Sour Pasta Party 32 in detail

• Intended use: Cross-country / Marathon / Bikepacking
• Suspension travel: 100–120 mm
• Wheel size: 32”
• Frame material: steel
• Frame weight: approx. 2325 g
• Price range: 1,299 euros
• Special features: eccentric bottom bracket, external cable routing, custom build and paint finish available, made in Germany

Steel frames from Dresden

The story of Sour began in 2018 within the context of Dresden-based Binova GmbH. The combination of technical development and a personal passion for cycling gave rise to an independent bicycle brand. In March 2019, Sour launched its own online shop. The range subsequently expanded across various categories. A key step was the ‘Homebrew’ project, through which Sour aimed to bring frame production back to Germany. The experiences with international supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the desire to gain greater control over production. Since 2022, Sour has been manufacturing its frames in its own workshop in Saxony, near Dresden

The frame of the Sour Pasta Party is made from multi-tapered, partially heat-treated chromoly steel tubes. The steel tubes are sourced from manufacturers in Taiwan and Europe, amongst others. Frame construction, development and paintwork, however, are closely linked to the company’s own facility. The aim of this material selection is to achieve a combination of direct power transmission, controlled handling and sufficient durability. By varying wall thicknesses and tube dimensions, the design can be specifically tailored to the loads it will encounter. Sour’s aim is to combine direct power transmission with controlled handling and high long-term durability. Characteristic features include the ovalised top tube and the correspondingly shaped underside of the seat tube. The dropouts are also designed for long-term use. A replaceable derailleur hanger makes repairs easier. Cables are routed externally, which should please mechanics. A dropper post with internal linkage can still be fitted.

Sour states that the frame weight for size M is around 2,325 grams, excluding the thru-axle, bolts and brake mount. The design is therefore not solely focused on keeping the weight down. Rather, the emphasis is on the structural characteristics of the steel frame and the requirements of its intended use. Despite being manufactured in Germany, the frame price of 1,299 euros remains comparatively reasonable. For an additional charge, Sour offers bespoke paint finishes, including the headset and dropper post. You can even order special mounts and bolt-on points. A matching rigid steel fork is available for 299 euros.

Geometry designed for long off-road rides

Sour has adjusted the geometry of the Pasta Party 32 accordingly. The aim is to capitalise on the advantages of the larger wheels without making the steering unnecessarily sluggish. The design is aimed primarily at riders who cover long distances on forest tracks, gravel sections and trails. The head angle is a modern 66.6 degrees, whilst the seat tube angle is a steep 75.6 degrees. To accommodate the large 32-inch wheels, the chainstays are 450 millimetres long. In frame size L, the wheelbase measures 1225 millimetres. Sour expects this to provide a stable riding position, particularly at higher speeds and on uneven terrain. The Pasta Party 32 is also compatible with suspension forks offering 100 to 120 millimetres of travel. So far, however, the availability of suitable components looks rather limited. The frame is designed to accommodate tyres up to 32 by 2.4 inches.

For longer rides, there are two bottle cage mounts in the frame triangle and a further one beneath the down tube. This allows for a variety of options for carrying water and additional kit. Overall, the Sour Pasta Party 32 is not limited to a narrowly defined use. Its design makes it ideal for extended training rides and marathon routes. At the same time, the frame offers practical features for longer bikepacking excursions.

32-inch single-speed hardtail

A distinctive feature of the Sour Pasta Party 32 is the option for a single-speed setup, as demonstrated by the German brand in its exhibition display. For this, the German frame builder uses an iridescent single-speed sprocket from Cyber-Cycles and a chrome-plated classic crankset from White Industries. The chain is tensioned using an eccentric bottom bracket. On the show bike, you can spot a prototype version designed to further develop the existing solution. The 29er Sour Pasta Party already utilised the visually clean solution of an eccentric, which eliminates the need for horizontally adjustable dropouts to tension the chain.