For Veloheld, steel frames and mountain biking are still a perfect match. With the new Iron, the Dresden-based manufacturer is launching a redesigned hardtail that is deliberately positioned between a trail bike and a touring MTB. The frame is TIG-welded by hand in the company’s own workshop in Leipzig and is made from multi-butted 25CrMo4-CrMo tubes. A steel chassis and versatile geometry are designed to ensure that cyclists will enjoy their Iron for years to come. Those who want to prioritise low-maintenance riding should order the Veloheld hardtail with a Pinion gear system.
Conclusion
I’ve often found myself lingering around the ‘Buy’ button on the Veloheld website. The Iron is one of the few mass-produced steel frames made in Germany and, in my opinion, is really good value for money. With this update, Veloheld is putting its MTB hardtail back in the spotlight. As a do-it-all bike, the Iron is likely to make many steel fans happy. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
The Veloheld Iron in detail
- Intended use: Touring / Bikepacking
- Suspension travel: Rigid fork / 100–120 mm
- Wheel size: 29 / 27.5”
- Frame material: steel
- Frame weight: approx. 2.4 kg
- Weight of the complete bike: approx. 12.8 kg
- Price of frame set: from 1,199 euros
- Price of the complete bike: from 2,899 euros
- Special features: Mounts for a luggage rack and side stand; custom paintwork and customisation available
Ductile steel
For the Iron, steel frame specialist Veloheld uses tubes with double or triple-reinforced ends. The wall thicknesses are increased in the areas subject to greater stress. The tube set itself comes from Taiwan and is then welded by hand in Leipzig. Technically, the frame is designed to meet current standards. These include a UDH derailleur hanger, a T47 bottom bracket, clearance for tyres up to 2.6 inches wide and semi-internal cable routing. Brake, gear and dropper cables are routed internally within the main frame. The Iron is compatible exclusively with single-chainring drivetrains. Furthermore, Veloheld continues to use a flat-mount brake mount,
When it comes to the suspension, Veloheld offers flexibility. The Iron is designed for suspension forks with 100 to 120 millimetres of travel. Those who wish to use the bike more as a touring or bikepacking MTB can, as an alternative, fit a steel or carbon rigid fork. The geometry is modern but less radical than that of many modern trail bikes. At the same time, it should be seen less as a classic XC hardtail and more as a versatile steel all-rounder.
With a 120-millimetre suspension fork, the head angle ranges from 66.4 to 66.6 degrees, depending on the frame size. The chainstays measure 435 millimetres throughout. Compared with its predecessor, the reach has been shortened slightly and the stack height increased slightly to achieve effortless handling. Veloheld aims to strike a balance between manoeuvrability on narrow trails and a smooth ride over rough terrain. Overall, this steel hardtail is therefore suitable for a wide range of riding scenarios.
Ready for the long haul
The new Veloheld Iron is also designed to appeal to fans of bikepacking tours. The frame features numerous mounting options for this purpose. Three bottle cages can be fitted to the frame, and there are also mounts for a top-tube bag and a luggage rack. Hidden at the dropout is a mount for a KSA-18 kickstand, ensuring that the hardtail can be parked safely and easily, even when heavily laden.
At the Bespoked trade fair in Dresden, Veloheld’s home town, the frame builder also showcased a version of the Iron fitted with a Pinion gear system. Veloheld can produce this bespoke build by arrangement. With its integrated, low-maintenance drivetrain solution, this steel hardtail could even take on a round-the-world cycle tour. To ensure the Veloheld Iron remains a visual delight even after a long ride, the designers have coated the delicate tubes in a shimmering light purple called “Lavender Sparkle”. However, customers with special requests are free to let their imagination run wild and order a colour of their choice. For just a 100-euro surcharge, the frameset includes a rigid steel fork. An additional 300 euros is required for a carbon model.
Specifications: Complete bike
- Front fork: Veloheld rigid fork in carbon or steel / RockShox Reba Gold
- Drivetrain: Shimano SLX / SRAM Eagle 90 transmission
- Brakes: Shimano SLX / Magura MT4, 180/160 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss M1900
- Tyres: Schwalbe Rick XC, 29 × 2.4″
- Handlebar: Ritchey Comp Trail (70 x 780 mm)
- Ritchey Comp Trail Zero seatpost / RockShox Reverb Stealth
What do you think: does your fleet need an all-round hardtail with a steel frame? How important is it to you that it’s made in Germany? Let us know in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor