JimOfOakCreek

I just completed a build using the latest Soma Smoothie ES frame, dark red. This is old school using 9 speed components, Shimano105 BB, FD, RD, Crank, chain, Utegra Brakes, Dura Ace Bar End Shifters. Most comfortable and responsive/precise shifting bike I've owned. It makes my old Canondale aluminum frame R200 seem like a ball buster.

I highly recommend the Smoothie ES, especially for tall riders.

LarDasse74

Thanks for the review... I was looking at the Soma bikes when I was building my new touring rig, but opted for a smokin' deal on a frame from a company I used to work for.... but it really is a comprimise so I may be doing a redesign in a few months.

Are your Ultegra brakes a long reach model? ANd what fork did you use.

JimOfOakCreek

Yes, Utegra long reach, I bought them from an established dealer on eBay. They are awesome brakes, grab with very little pressure. The fork is an IRD 23118 / 40 mm rake. The bike is heavy compared to a classic weight weeny bike. But it fits me and is the smoothiest riding frame I've ever sat on.

I'm 6'5", skinny, but still a klidesdale. I don't worry about weight.

BCRider

About a year ago I finally finished up my Soma Double Cross build. Like your Smoothie I found that the ride of these fine steel frames just eats up road roughness.

JimOfOakCreek

The geometry of the Smoothie ES makes it soak up vibrations even more than the Double Cross.

BCRider

Then you must be a VERY happy camper.

I know that after riding a heap of different bikes I finally came to the realization that all my favourites non suspended bikes were steel. With the recent sale of my Specialized Stumpjumper I've made the switch to an all steel fleet other than my old "bad neighbourhood" ancient and ratty looking Canondale touring bike and the last hardtail MTB that a guy at the old office wants to buy. Other than a full suspension trail bike and my "under the theft radar" Canondale I'm hoping to be all steel pretty soon.

STEEL REALLY IS REAL BABY! ! ! ! !

GreenRiver

I have a 64 CM Smoothie ES. I'm 6'6", 220 Lbs and am very happy with fit and ride that this frame provides. The thing is set up with a mix of used Shimano 105 (from my old Specialized Roubaix) and new components. I've been riding it since last Oct - it's be great so far.

JimOfOakCreek

I had to show off my build too!

Sundance89

I love to hear more satisfied tall riders chime in with pics. Any 66cm Soma's out there? I've had my eye on this company and doing a build for a long time now. The ES sounds awesome. I might purchase now just to see if I can nab the discontinued silver ES. I might be late on that inventory though. Still, the dark red replacement color is very nice too.

Someone just recently posted a question for a poor mans Rivendelle and I immediately thought of Soma... especially for tall riders.

This bike pictured is a 64cm? Sure looks like a 66? I only wish the TT's were a little longer... but to have a quality steel frame available in a 66cm? .... priceless.

Scott

ebike

Nice bikes, all. Has anyone inquired about trying to get a steel fork that's painted to match the frame of these Somas? I guess if you want a carbon fork you have an alibi for black, but Soma should really sell a matching fork, as they used to do with the Double Cross I think. Mismatched fork on a nice frame looks like a garage sale hack job to me.

Sundance89

Totally agreed on Soma having a matched paint fork option.

I have a cross bike that's silver with black full fenders, black fork, black grip tape and seat. So it all goes together pretty nicely. That's why I want to see if I can still get the ES frame in silver because aside from being a nice color, I know I can make the fork tie in nicely with the rest of the bike using the same set up as my cross. If I got the dark red, I would want to put some nice wooden fenders on (or even silver) with a deep honey Brooks seat and matching grip tape.... you get the idea. A black fork in this instance would stick out pretty bad.

Scott

ab138501

I'm 6' 5" tall. I built up a 64cm Soma Smoothie ES in the spring of 2009. My local bike shop owner told me my only options were the Soma Smoothie ES or a full custom bike. The Soma Smoothie ES fits great and rides really well too. I use it as my commuter bike. I'm really happy with it.

Here are my build notes:
Frame: 2009 64cm Soma Smoothie ES
Tubing: Tange Prestige
Fork: Bontrager Satellite Plus (335mm aluminum steerer tube uncut)
Stem: Profile Design Aris 110mm
Handlebars: Nashbar (Kalloy) Anatomic
Seatpost: Thomson Elite
Saddle: Fizik Aliante
Pedals: Speedplay Frog
Brakes: Shimano BR-650
Shifters: Shimano Ultegra 6600
Crankset: Shimano R-700 Compact
Front Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra 6600
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra 6600
Cassette: Shimano 12-27
Hubs: Shimano Ultegra 6600
Spokes: DT 14g straight gauge
Rims: Mavic T520
Front Wheel Lacing: 3-cross
Rear Wheel Lacing: 3-cross drive side / radial non-drive side
Tires: Panaracer Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy 700x28