Rocky Mountain Soul

Yes, this is an excellent entry-level hardtail. The 120mm of front suspension travel provides enough cushion for learning technical trails, and the 1x9 drivetrain is intuitive and simple to operate.

The rims on the Soul 10 are tubeless compatible, which is a great feature for this price point. You will need to purchase tubeless-ready rim tape, valves, and sealant to complete the conversion.

The MicroShift Advent drivetrain features an 11-42T cassette, which offers a wide enough gear range to tackle most moderate climbs. While it lacks the ultra-low gears found on more expensive 12-speed systems, it is very reliable and sufficient for general trail riding.

These are solid, entry-level hydraulic brakes that offer significantly better stopping power and modulation than mechanical disc brakes. They are easy to maintain and provide consistent performance in various weather conditions.

The Soul 10 is designed for cross-country and light trail riding. It excels on flowy singletrack, fire roads, and gravel paths, though it is not intended for aggressive downhill or large jumps.