Two years ago, we wrote a piece about the introduction of the Otso Hoot Ti hardtail trail bike. It wasnt just a new bike for Otso, it was a chance for the brand to test the mountain bike waters to see how it would be received. The Hoot Ti was a smash hit and received a really positive response. Naturally, riders wanted that bike but in a more affordable steel version of the Hoot Ti. So, meet the Hoot Steel.(Photos / Otso Cycles)The Hoot Steel is a 140mm travel hardtail mountain bike with a 4130 chromoly steel frame. Otso uses custom tubing thats sized according to frame dimensions. Designing the Hoots geometry to be both confidence-inspiring while descending, and playful on the trail was the goal. It rocks a slack 65-degree head tube angle, 76-degree seat tube angle, short 425mm chainstays, and a 60mm bottom bracket drop. Sounds fun! This kind of progressive geo means a balanced riding position that handles steep descents while keeping responsive handling on technical trails. The Hoot Steel is designed to run a 140mm suspension fork standard. But it has compatibility for 150mm forks without major geometry changes. The tire clearance extends to 29 x 2.6, and the bike uses a UDH rear dropout for compatibility with current drivetrain systems. Low Standover = Longer Dropper One of the notable design elements of the Hoot Steel is the frames capacity for long dropper posts. The frames low standover height is the reason this is possible. Otso extended the seat tube above the top tube and uses straight tubing geometry. The seat tube bottle cage mount uses an external design that prevents interference with dropper post travel and doubles as a strap mount for holding accessories. Were not sure if Esker was the first company to use a bottle cage mount like this, but it is nearly identical to their Hitching Post design. Hoot Steel GeometrySmallMediumLargeX-LargeRecommended rider height53-5757-511511-6363-66Inseam28-2929-3030-3131-33Standover708mm716mm737mm755mmStack617mm626mm644mm662mmReach441mm464mm479mm500mmEffective top tube595mm620mm640mm665mmHead tube angle (140mm suspension fork)65656565Head tube length100mm110mm130150Seat tube angle76767676Seat tube length380mm420mm440mm480mmBottom bracket drop60mm60mm60mm60mmChainstay length429mm429mm429mm429mmRear center425mm425mm425mm425mmWheelbase1174mm1201mm1225mm1254mmTrail129mm129mm129mm129mmFork offset44mm44mm44mm44mm140mm suspension fork axle to crown length523mm523mm523mm523mmSeatpost insertion depth296mm336mm376mm416mmThe Hoot Steel Retail & DetailRetail: $1,200 (Frame), $3,300 (Shimano SLX), $3,950 (SRAM GX AXS)Shimano SLXSRAM GX AXS TransmissionFrameOtso custom butted 4130 Chromoly tubing with UDH-compatible dropoutsOtso custom butted 4130 Chromoly tubing with UDH-compatible dropoutsForkRockShox Pike Base Rush RC 29 Boost 15X110 MXL Ultimate DEBONAIR+, Gloss Black, 140mm travel, 44 offsetRockShox Pike Base Rush RC 29 Boost 15X110 MXL Ultimate DEBONAIR+, Gloss Black, 140mm travel, 44 offsetHeadsetWolf Tooth Performance Headset, ZS44/EC44, black; option to upgrade to Wolf Tooth Premium Headset with a variety of color choicesWolf Tooth Performance Headset, ZS44/EC44, black; option to upgrade to Wolf Tooth Premium Headset with a variety of color choicesRear derailleurShimano SLX M7100SRAM GX T-Type Eagle TransmissionShifterShimano SLX M7100SRAM AXS Pod ControllerCassetteShimano SLX M7100, 10-51T, 12-speedSRAM XS-1275, T-Type, 10-52TBrakesShimano Deore BR-MT410; upgrade optionsShimano Deore BR-MT410; upgrade optionsCranksShimano Deore FC-M6120-1, 170mm, 32T chainring; upgrade optionsSRAM Eagle 70, custom length, 32T chainring; upgrade optionsBottom bracketShimano English threaded BSA, 73mmSRAM DUB english threaded BSA, 73mmHandlebarLithic MTB, 35.0 x 780mm, 35mm riseLithic MTB, 35.0 x 780mm, 35mm riseGripsWolf Tooth Echo Lock-on grips, black/blackWolf Tooth Echo Lock-on grips, black/blackStemAluminum 50mm, 0 riseAluminum 50mm, 0 riseSeatpostTranzX, 31.6; custom travel optionsTranzX, 31.6; custom travel optionsSeatpost clampWolf Tooth 34.9mm, black, custom color options come with headset upgradeWolf Tooth 34.9mm, black, custom color options come with headset upgradeSaddleWTB Silverado Medium; Steel; 142x265mmWTB Silverado Medium; Steel; 142x265mmWheelsDT Swiss M 1900, 30mm inner width, 11015 thru-axle front, 14812 thru-axle rear; custom upgrade optionsDT Swiss M 1900, 30mm inner width, 11015 thru-axle front, 14812 thru-axle rear; custom upgrade optionsTiresSchwalbe Rick Evo, XC Pro, 292.4, black; 27.5 option availableSchwalbe Rick Evo, XC Pro, 292.4, black; 27.5 option availableChainShimano SLX 12-speedSRAM GX T-Type, 12-speedFrame SizesS, M, L, XLS, M, L, XLSteel is RealWe all know that steel is indeed real. And some of the best qualities of a high-quality steel frame are durability and ride quality. Otso made sure that each frame size received specific tubing to maintain consistent ride characteristics across the size range. The bike launches in a single Sparkly Bronze colorway. This gorgeous color features a glittery orange-brown finish with metallic silver decals and black drop shadows. Plus, there are custom color options for anodized components available through Otsos bike builder system. Check out the link below for more details or to pick yourself up a Hoot Steel. OtsoCycles.comThe post Otso Cycles Delivers an Affordable, Fun, Steel Trail Bike, and its a Hoot! appeared first on Bikerumor.