Wolverine Frame (v 4.1) Type-B (Adventure/Monstercross)
The original inspiration for the Wolverine was “monster cross”, but it is seriously so much more. Its geometry is stable enough for off road touring, but sporty enough for all-around adventure and gravel riding. With its sliding dropouts, you can run single-speed, derailleur gearing or hub gearing (Rohloff, etc). With a split seatstay, it is compatible with the Gates Carbon Belt Drive.
2023 brings our version 4.1 B-Type that adopts flat mount brakes on both frame and fork. Version 4.0 which uses the IS brake mount will be available most of 2023. Flat mounts have become the primary standard for road brakes, but IS mounts are still more convenient for builds running flat bars, MTB drivetrains, or larger disc rotors
(Also check out the Wolverine v.4.1 Type-A, which adopts slightly more modern standards! See chart in photo gallery for their differences)
- Tange Prestige heat-treated double butted CrMo tube set
- Clearance for 700x45c tires w/ fenders
- Rear hub spacing:135mm (10mm QR, can be upgraded to 142mm 12mm TA with different inserts )
- Gates Carbon belt-drive compatible
- IRD Broski sliding dropouts allow for geared or single-speed builds
- Optional Matching Forks:
A) Lugged flat crown, Tange Infinity CrMo steel fork for standard QR axle; dual fender eyelets, pannier rack and mini rack mounts, 50mm rake, flat mount disc
B) Unicrown straight blade 15mm thru-axle CrMo steel fork with three-pack mounts and dual fender eyelets, 50mm rake, flat mount disc
- Braze-ons for rear rack and fenders (disc brake-compatible racks recommended)
- Three sets of water bottle bosses
- 1-1/8” size headtube
- Sizes: 46, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58. 60, 62 and 66cm (We recommend 650b tires on the 46cm)
- 4.79 lbs (frame)
- Paint: Lunar Rock
Wolverine Frame (v 4.1) Type-B (Adventure/Monstercross)
-
Wolverine v.4.1 B-Type component compatibility:
Front derailleur clamp: 28.6mm
Rear hub: 135mm spaced, standard QR axle
Seatpost: 27.2mm
Seat collar: 29.8 to 30mm (not included)
Headset: 1-1/8" external cup (SHIS: EC34/28.6 | EC34/30)
Bottom bracket shell: 68mm wide, English threads
Rear Brake compatibility: Flat mount, designed for 160mm rotors
Chainstay length range: 429-445mm (Please avoid the sliding the wheel to very back of the dropout)
Tire Fit on frame size 50cm and up:
Max. Tire fit: 700c x 45mm with fenders; 29 x 1.95" w/o fenders
Min. Tire fit: 650b x 47mm
Tire Fit on size 46cm:
Max. Tire fit: 650b x 45mm with fenders; 27.5 x 1.95 w/o fenders
Min. Tire fit: 650b x 38mm
Forks: On both the lugged forks and unicrown forks, the flat mount bosses are located farther up from the axle than standard spec, so it will not fit a 140mm rotor. Use the 140mm setting on the adapter to allow the caliper to fit 160mm rotors. Use the 160mm setting on the adapter to fit 180mm rotors. We don't recommend 180mm rotors on the lugged crown fork because of the lighter fork blades.
Downtube shifters: Compatible mounts (boss covers not included)
Water bottle bosses: 3 sets
Maximum weight (rider and cargo): 270 lbs. -
What Gates Belt-Drive set up is recommended? What is needed to run a Rohloff geared hub?
With an Alfine 8 spd hub, we recommend 46t front, 24t rear, and 115 length belt, with the dropout set at 440mm from the center of the BB axle. We recommend the Center-Track system.
Older Shimano Alfine Di2 does not fit on the Wolverine because the narrow belt line needs of the hub.
BUT Alfine Di2 with the newer MU-UR510 motor allows a 45.5mm beltline and should fit up to a 46t front sprocket.
Wolverine 2.0 to 4.0 models are approved for use with belt-drive with Rohloff hubs. With Rohloff for gravel, a 50t front x 19t rear x 115 belt and 440.19 chainstay setting is a good place to start. Use a smaller front ring for touring and trail riding.(https://www.cyclemonkey.com/blog/calculating-gear-ratios-rohloff-speedhub) However on Wolverine 4.1 (since it uses flat mount brakes), we advise you to replace the included left dropout insert with one for IS disc brakes. After doing that all you will need is a Monkey Bone and OEM Plate #2 to make the set-up work. Contact Rohloff or Cycle Monkey (in USA) for additional help.
For Single Speed:
46t front x 26t rear x115 belt - 435.19mm chainstay setting
Please check out the Gate's Drive calculator on their website. Plug in 430mm as a representative chainstay length. The recommended useable range on the Wolverine in 429-445mm. It will give you belt length when you type in the gearing you want. -
How to take care of the Wolverine B-Type's unique rear triangle?
1) Follow our official max tire guidelines which is 700c x 45mm with fenders and 29 x 1.95 without fenders.
Why is using too big a tire a possible problem?
a) To fit a fatter tire than recommended requires user to slide the insert to the rear of the dropout. Sliding the insert to the very rear creates extra leverage on the dropout and the frame versus having it in the center or front of the slot.
b) Using fatter tires makes the rider think he/she can ride more aggressively than the frame tubing is designed for. The Wolverine is not an XC/trail bike.
2) A split in the seatstay allows the frame to take a drive belt. Periodically check to make sure the bolts holding the right seatstay together are safely tightened. If you find them loosening, try a stronger type Loc-Tite (especially if you don’t plan on using a belt) If you hear an unusual noise or flexiness while riding, definitely check those bolts. Loose seatstay bolts don't usually make for dangerous riding, but it does make the chainstays work harder.
3) Make sure the bolts holding the sliders are safely tightened at all times.Those bolts should be tightened to about 25nM. Make sure sliders are evenly aligned. Loose bolts here can be hazardous to riding. Try carbon paste on the sllider contact areas, if you are experiencing slipping even though the bolts are adequately torqued.
Wolverine Frame (v 4.1) Type-B (Adventure/Monstercross)
-
I Love This Bike
I love this bike, it’s lively and fun to ride, can go long distances at a steady pace, climbs well, is stable on descents and looks great of course (beauty being in the eye of the beholder of course!). I have some multi day bikepacking rides lined up for this summer and will know more about it’s overall performance then (Built with Rohloff and SON Dynamo hubs)
Sam M., , New Zealand
-
Built it Up So Many Ways
[For a Wolverine 4.0 B-Type] I can attest to the awesomeness and versatility of this frame as I've had 2 (built by Natural Cycleworks) and they were built up almost every way imaginable. (Chip has built this up with Alfine 8 hub, Microshift thumbshifter and a Gates belt drive and has used it for a winter bike up in Winnepeg area. Also single-speed. Flat bars. Alt bars Sometimes a large front bar bag. or a basket. Large seat bag. Tested a lot of different bags)
WhatBars/Chip Martens, Winnipeg, Canada
-
Wolverine Owner on Reddit
Soma Wolverine review: [for an older Wolverine model, current Wolverine has a Tange Prestige rear triangle now] God damn this bike is pretty, The frame definitely required more preparation, but as a qualified mechanic that was not an issue for me. the Molten Orange paint (not powder coat, paint.) is just ridiculously pretty. the Tange IRD drop outs look (And for the love of god, FUNCTION) worlds better than the Surly drops. they are Set and forget. completely satisfied. Though, it does look like mounting racks on these dropouts will be a bit more tedious. the rack bolts would have to be bought short, or cut down, or spacers. not a big deal, but it would add a few minutes work. The head tube on the Soma is several CM taller, and the top tube has a very subtle, almost un-noticed rise to it. this allowed me to use fewer stem spacers than on the Surly and still keep it looking normal. It's not an ugly rise on a giant head tube (Like the Salsa Vaya or Specialized Awol has) so the aesthetic integrity of the frame is not really "compromised" For two seemingly identical bikes of the same size, there are some very subtle differences in geo. there is a 6 degree difference in fork rake (44 for the Surly, 50 for the Soma. I don't know which one is steeper(math, ew!), but The Soma feels more lively and responsive.) the top tube is a whole 5 millimeters longer on the Soma. yeah, Geo. The Soma feels more like a road bike in terms of handling. While I found rake for both bikes, head tube angles and fork dimensions don't seem to posted online for the Wolverine. So I just have to tell you how it feels. it feels like it was designed for pavement. Tubing to tubing there is just no contest. the Soma rides, nay GLIDES. Those who can't tell Tange Prestige from Surly Natch are people who I want to say condescending things to. Like Grant Peterson does when someone likes a brake pad he refuses to sell them. It's just amazing. for my old bones on long commutes, there is no better ride (that I can afford) I appreciate that the thickness of the tubing is a huge part of this. and that technically this tubeset is not as indestructible as the Surly, but I had a Soma Groove before the Surly, it took 3 years and winters of abuse and several wrecks and never broke or showed any signs of wear. so for a commuter, I have complete confidence. Tange Prestige is NOT used in the seat and chainstays, so the rear end is plenty stiff, especially when paired with the Tange drop outs, it feels stiffer than the surly (only in that regard, though.) The Soma Forgives me where I want it, and is stiff where I want it. Finding where this bike falls short in comparison to the Surly is tricky. The surly definitely has a more durable finish. more frame prep, It's going to be an all around more durable bike. But I take care of the paint on my bikes. I can prep my own frames and I'm a commuter, so those points don't really matter to me. Though they definitely matter to many. The Surly has a truly horizontal top tube, very traditional and aggressive road bike looks. the Soma looks a bit like a hybrid. Surly doesn't put their decals under the paint. Soma does. so you can't change them. I made the right choice going to the Soma. but I appreciate that won't be the right choice for everyone.
Agwan, City, State
Wolverine Frame (v 4.1) Type-B (Adventure/Monstercross)
-
6-Month Review of the Wolverine by Australia Mountain Bike Magazine
[For an older Wolverine model] "...Given my mountain biking background, I wanted to see how hard I could push the Wolverine. I raced several dirt crits aboard the Pumpkin Orange steed, which warranted some pretty strange looks on the start line. My first lap at race pace was quite the baptism of fire, with me rolling through transition looking like I’d been inside a washing machine. Once I started to pick the right race lines though, I loosened up and began to ride smoother. The rigid setup means the handling is very direct, with the short(ish) back end on the Wolverine helping to deliver pinpoint steering accuracy when exiting tricky corners. On tight switchbacks where some mountain bikes can feel a little vague, the Wolverine feels nimble and lively. It’s refreshing in a very honest kind of way.... Following the Wolverine’s dirt-crit flirt, I decided to spend some more saddle time exploring backcountry fire roads and double track in the local forests surrounding my hometown. On these slightly smoother surfaces, the Wolverine really comes into its own. It oozes comfort and stability, and it has no problems getting into a groove for all-day exploring. This kind of dirt-oriented adventure riding is where the Wolverine’s geometry really shines. With decent tyres and a comfortable cockpit setup, the Wolverine possesses a unique desire to maintain momentum on the kind of terrain that makes skinnier-tyre bikes feel uncomfortable, and fatter-tyre mountain bikes feel sluggish. The Skinny For me, riding the Wolverine has opened up a whole new riding experience. It’s an absolute hoot to ride off road because it really tests the limits of your fitness and skill. I have a number of local trails that can occasionally become a bit boring if I’ve over-ridden them. Not so on the Wolverine though, where all that old singletrack becomes new and exciting again. While it may be no frills compared to complex carbon full suspension bikes, the refreshing simplicity of the Wolverine is one of its greatest attributes. And it has to be said that for less than a grand, the Wolverine is superb value. It’s built from great quality steel tubing that is designed to last a lifetime, and it has all the necessary features that most riders are looking for these days. Once you factor in its versatility, the value is even more impressive. As a “Monster Cross” bike, the Wolverine definitely ticks a lot of boxes. It can handle loaded dirt touring, it’s functional enough for commuting, and it’s also a helluva lot of fun on the singletrack. Of course it is no expert at any of those riding genres, but the fact that it can do them all well is why I think Soma have built an absolute winner with the Wolverine." Full review: http://ambmag.com.au/soma-wolverine-review/
-
SOMA(tic) Tangerine Wolverine
[For an older Wolverine model] Excerpt: read more at http://www.backalleybikerepair.com/somatic-tangerine-wolverine/ Built up, the Wolverine inspires confidence, begs to be ridden, and with the gentle slope of the top-tube it preserves an aesthetic that I find very important. I wanted to ride this bike all over the Cascades...The initial set-up of the bike was aimed at quick, spirited, 1-2 day summer adventures
My very first impression was of how STABLE the front end feels. With a lightly loaded handlebar bag (I imported my usual set-up of a Nitto front rack and the Swift Industries small Ozette bag), the Wolverine’s slightly more raked out fork holds a line very well (as well as 650b??). Riding hands free is no problem, such as when grabbing for a snack, removing a riding layer, or taking pictures. Obviously 2.1-inch trail tires won’t feel spry climbing on Seattle’s hills, but they were fun! Especially cutting through alleys and around the Central District’s choppy streets and all over Beacon Hill. The Wolverine reminded me of when I switched from downhill skiing to snowboarding, and how I viewed terrain differently. Whereas obstacles and tree lines were only for flirting with on skis, on a snowboard I’d duck in and out of trees, I’d head straight for the swoopy humps and get some radness. Same thing with the Wolverine. I started popping off of dirt embankments, skidding into loose corners, and rolling obstacles like on-board a 29’er. The SRAM Rival shifting worked flawlessly, the wide gear range (50/34 and 11-32) was up for the aggressive riding as well as always finding a suitable climbing combination. Back on the street, I was reminded of girth of the tires, but smiling, scanning the urban landscape for the next adventure section of road/trail.
During a wet ride, the front braking was a bit “pulsey”, requiring a bit more of a brake lever grab than I am accustomed to. This seems more a function of the TRP brakes and the brake pads needing to “settle” into the caliper. The handsome lugged front fork gave an accurate feel for whatever terrain I took it over. The 180mm rotor was a bit “grabby” on technical sections, tugging on the fork blades. The steering was even and predictable, albeit with a bit more rider input than I am used to with tighter geometry.
There are only a few offerings in the “MonsterCross” category, but gravel grinders and bike-packers alike would respond well to SOMA’s newest family oddball. In the next couple of years, I expect this segment of the market to expand dramatically. SOMA has established the bar with a tremendously versatile steel bike. And what’s so odd about it? Well, just that there’s not much out there like it.