Singular Cycles has been producing a wide range of steel framesets for almost a decade now, covering everything from touring to mountain biking markets. But as their style of bikes has bled more into the mainstream, it seems that they struggled keeping up with both demand and diversification at the same time. So founder Sam Alison has partnered with one of his longterm dealers in Germany, Wheelsports Weselberg who brings an operational background that will give Singular better structure, and let them focus more on continuing to develop their bikes.
In the process Singular has pared down their range to the three bikes that form the core of the brand, and build a strong foundation going forward. The 29er mountain bike Swift that started it all carries through with updates to make it even more adaptable. The Puffin combines full fat with an option for 29+ to handle the soft and loose stuff, and the Kite closes out pretty much all other riding surfaces as an all around road, cyclocross, and gravel bike…
Singular sells their steel frames and paired forks direct to consumers from their website, or through a network of dealers. They can even build up complete bikes through either channel and get a bit more purchasing power with the new partnership.Now that Wheelsports Weselberg has joined in all logistics and delivery will be managed from their headquarters near Frankfurt. Design work will continue from Singular’s UK base.
The mainstay double-butted 4130 Swift is designed to handle a 29×2.4″ tire out back and a 29×3″ in the fork. With the recent growth of 650B, it has also been updated to run up to 27.5×3.25″ tires at both ends.
Set it up as either geared or singlespeed with its eccentric bottom bracket and modular housing guides that can handle almost any setup. The frame sells for just 500€ with either standard or touring specific steel forks available for 100€ more.
The 600€ Puffin is a flexible fat bike for any style of trail riding. It was first intended for 26×4.7″ tires, but with a bit of the quick handling Swift DNA inside it rides more like a trail bike. This new update adds compatibility for 29+ tires up to 3″ wide.
The bike gets 135mm front and 170mm rear spacing, and uses a world’s first 100mm eccentric bottom bracket shell for drivetrain flexibility. Like the Swift, the double-butted 4130 Puffin also comes in 4 stock sizes, and can either run a suspension fork of a 110€ fat touring rigid steel fork.
The Kite takes the position of the cyclocross bike in the range, and as Singular see it nothing is more versatile than a cross bike. Ready for a bit of road riding, a wealth of trail riding, all the gravel you can throw at it, and even touring or cross racing, the Kite can fly you there. The large diameter, thin wall steel tubing balances a quick stiff ride with the classic feel of steel. Combined with Singular’s own color-matched, full carbon tapered steerer fork for a 750£ frameset, the bike can take what ever you can dish out.
The bike gets a a custom drawn, triple-butted oversized 4130 tubeset, and is available in 4 standard sizes. It is designed to fit up to 42mm cross tires, for long comfortable days exploring. The frame gets rear rack mounts for light weight touring, and both frame and fork have additional fender mounts. The disc brake only frameset sticks with a tried-and-true 68mm threaded BB, 100/135mm quick release drops, and a 27.2mm seatpost.
While the line has been pared down for 2016, the end result has meant that Singular has been able to devote more time and resources again into development. The shift is allowing them to plans updates and the reintroduction of some older models, and the future development of completely new bikes.
