Neuhaus Metalworks HBSL Titanium Hardtail Review: Superleggera –

Readers of The Radavist ought to know all about Neuhaus Metalworks. We first reported on the California framebuilder duo back in 2023. Hailey penned an incredible Hummingbird review, and they’ve popped up in every MADE and Sea Otter gallery over the past two years. But today, Miguel from Race Metal takes a stab at reviewing the HBSL, the brand’s most expensive and only race-oriented bike. Find out Miguel’s thoughts after racing and training on this nimble platform below…

The HBSL is Neuhaus’ offering for riders like me – the ones who want a bike that’s fast, efficient, built for long days, and still modern enough to compete with the carbon superbikes that brands are trying to convince us to ride.

For those unfamiliar with Neuhaus Metalworks, the Marin County-based two-man team builds playful metal bikes inspired by their backyard – the fabled “birthplace of mountain biking.” If you want a deeper dive into their origin story, check out Hailey’s and John’s excellent coverage.

When I launched the Race Metal series, Nick Neuhaus and Daniel Yang were among the first to reach out and offer their XC-leaning version of their popular Hummingbird: the HBSL. At the time, I was still riding a carbon full-suspension bike from a big “Empire-style” brand who shall remain nameless, and it felt like a poor fit for the direction I wanted to go. I wanted metal bikes with soul.

The HBSL landed in my life at the perfect time (and yes, the carbon bike has been re-homed).

HBSL Fit

I’m 6’2” with a 33” inseam – long legs, average torso – which often puts me between a large and XL frame. Most brands address this with longer, not taller bikes, which usually results in a poor fit and awkward positions for riders like me.

From the start, Nick and Daniel understood this. Neuhaus frames have a consistent stack progression that scales with reach, which means taller riders don’t have to overload with spacers under their stems. The HBSL comes in ten sizes: S, S+, M, M+, ML, ML+, L, L+, XL, and XL+. For the first time ever, I didn’t have to guess or compare geometries with other bikes – it’s almost impossible to fall in between sizes. The XL fits me like a custom build.

HBSL Build

This particular HBSL was originally built as a show bike for MADE before I got my hands on it. The Cerakote finish pairs perfectly with the MRP Ribbon SL fork. Industry Nine hubs, headset, and stem really pop. Daniel joked in a video, “Don’t look too closely or you might go blind.” The build is rounded out with Industry Nine lightweight alloy wheels, a reliable Shimano XT drivetrain, a dropper post, and handlebars from Pro Bikegear.

At $5,500 for the frameset, the Neuhaus HBSL is undeniably expensive, but there’s a reason titanium commands that kind of price. The raw tubing costs about twice as much as steel, and welding it isn’t just harder; it takes more than twice as long and requires two clean, careful passes. Add in the fact that almost all titanium comes from China, where tariffs have driven up prices, and with fewer builders working in titanium, the supply chain has only gotten shakier. Not to mention, Neuhaus’ 3D printed parts, like the chainstay yoke and seat cluster, also come from China.

Build Spec:

Fork: MRP Ribbon SL
Wheels: Industry 9 Solix Alloy
BB: Wheels Manufacturing T47
Headset & Stem: Industry Nine
Grips: Pro Bikegear
Seatpost Clamp: Superb seatpost clamp
Dropper post: Pro Tharsis
Brakes: Shimano XT
Hubs: Industry 9
Drivetrain: Shimano XT
Saddle: Ergon SR Pro Men
Tires: Maxxis Rekon

Neuhaus bikes are easy to spot. At my last race in Arizona (more on that soon), the HBSL turned more than a few heads. Daniel’s 3D-printed frame elements and Nick’s masterful fabrication make for an unmistakable bike.

The Ride

Let’s be honest, there’s only so much a bike can do for a rider when it comes to mountain biking. I’m what you might call a nervous rider. I grew up mountain biking on fire roads and doubletrack with my dad, back when dropper posts didn’t exist and “trail” often meant “gravel.”

Living in northern New Mexico for the last few years has introduced me to more rowdy terrain and exposed singletrack, and I’m still getting comfortable with it.

The HBSL helps. A lot. If I look like a real mountain biker in these photos, it’s because John coached the heck out of me on line choices, weight shifts, and switchback strategies. I told him this was the most fun I’ve had on a mountain bike in a long time, and I wish I’d had some of his coaching before my last races.

The Race

I raced the HBSL at two XC events: the Tour of the White Mountains and the Whisky Off-Road. They’re both around 50 miles and endurance-heavy, which happens to be my favorite type of riding. Tour of the White Mountains was fast and smooth. Not super technical, but I cramped hard at mile 20 and had a tough time recovering. Lessons were learned.

The Whiskey, about six months later, went much better as I came in with better fitness and less ego. I paced myself through the brutal 2K feet road climb in the opening 5 miles, and HBSL came alive on the singletrack. Tight switchbacks that are normally my nemesis? No problem. I flew through the long doubletrack sections like a gazelle. The bike is light, poppy, and very responsive. It wants to be hammered, and with a capable rider, it can be thrown around rock sections and twitchy singletrack like a whip.

A Word on the Fork

Let me start by saying: I’m not a suspension expert. The MRP Ribbon SL initially felt great. I had it set up for my weight and riding style and went on my favorite trails. The bike felt great, and I had no complaints… until! I tested a couple of my friends’ bikes. Most of them run Fox or RockShox, and once I rode a Fox fork back-to-back, I noticed how much more plush it felt, especially in the first 10-20% of travel.

For me, that’s where the MRP falls a little short. It just doesn’t engage the same way on rough gravel or on climbs where the rider’s weight is mostly on the rear wheel, like going up a singletrack climb with rooty steps. I tried different setups (the Ribbon has separate positive/negative chambers), but couldn’t smooth it out.

It’s still a solid fork and it’s nice that it can be Cerakoted to match the HBSL chassis, but if you’re used to Fox or Rockshox performance, you might notice the difference. But that’s it! My only real con on the entire build, really.

HBSL Future

The bike is the pinnacle of a high-end, fancy titanium hardtail, and that’s reflected in the price. However, Nick and Daniel want to make bikes everyone can afford, and they have plans to make that happen.

They recently launched the Hummingbird Core, a more affordable Taiwanese-made steel version of their famous hardtail. Through careful geometry and tubing selection, it maintains the Neuhaus ride quality. And Daniel let it slip that an alloy version of the HBSL might be next.

That’s huge. Aluminum is seeing a performance comeback, and a lighter, more affordable HBSL would open this platform to way more riders. The downsides would be losing weight savings, the ultra-fine sizing, and Daniel’s signature 3D-printed touches. I’d still recommend a Made in the US Hummingbird if you’re on the smaller or larger end of a bike size.

Who is the HBSL For?

This is a very niche bike. How many people are out there like me who want to race metal bikes? (Seriously, if you’re out there – please reach out!) But Neuhaus gets it. Titanium balances comfort and performance, and this bike is great whether you’re racing 50 miles or ripping on your everyday trails.

Daniel from Neuhaus Metalworks Q&A

When did you start Neuhaus Metalworks?

Nick officially started NMW in 2021. In 2023, Nick and I both put our full weight and effort into the project and have been making a lot of progress. We’re coming for you, Specialized!

Where does the name Hummingbird come from?

Hummingbird is named after a local trail in China Camp State Park. It’s an old-school, natural, bench-cut trail. Extremely narrow and tight, but not super fast or steep. This style of natural trails is what influences the geometry of our bikes.

Hailey shredding the Hummingbird in her review and Alex on his HBSL on Mount Tam earlier this spring…

What makes the HBSL different from the rest of the lineup?

HBSL is the utilitarian, lightweight “race’ bike of our lineup. In reality, bikes don’t do the racing; it’s your legs and lungs. It’s just easier to call it a race bike. The HBSL has steeper geometry, 110mm travel, and is designed around 2.4” tires. Titanium makes it light and comfortable.

If you could use one word to describe each Hummingbird model, what would it be?

Hummingbird Core: Fun
Hummingbird Custom: Fun + Fit
Hummingbird Ti: Fancy
HBSL: Fast

Neuhaus Hummingbird Core from the Industry Nine Booth at the 2025 Sea Otter Classic

What’s the future of the HBSL?

All our bikes are getting “upgraded” to UDH. So that is new. HBSL is definitely a niche bike for the rider who wants a custom fit with a lightweight, comfortable XC bike. HBSL is a beautiful bike, but what excites me more is applying the HBSL geometry and concepts to an accessible, lightweight aluminum package. Bolt on spare parts, race it in the local summer MTB series, and/or go ride it out in nature.

Which bike do you ride the most from the lineup and why?

Hummingbird Core – it’s a humble, fun bike.

What Neuhaus is All About

Nick and Daniel have pulled off something pretty rare. They have fast turnaround times on Made in the US bikes, thanks to clever use of the 3D parts that streamline production, and a sizing system that really works. The HBSL comes in ten different sizes, which means no more awkward in-between fits or hours spent going back and forth with customers. It’s almost like getting a custom bike, without the custom-bike process.

Hummingbird Core from our 2025 Sea Otter Reportage

If the idea of a handmade titanium hardtail sounds out of reach (especially in this economy), they’ve got you covered. The Hummingbird Core, made in Taiwan, keeps the ride quality and geometry Neuhaus is known for, but with a frame starting at $1,119, it’s a fraction of the price.
But if you’re looking to race metal, the HBSL is the last bike you’ll ever need.

What really excites me about Neuhaus is what’s ahead. Nick is a master fabricator and Daniel nerds out on engineering and tech. Together, they’re making bikes that are fast, fun, and made with intention. If they’re able to get an alloy version of the HBSL, it brings their race-ready machines at a more accessible price point to way more riders.

HBSL Final Thoughts

Neuhaus is a young company, but their bikes ride like seasoned veterans. With smart sizing, fast production, and a clear vision, they’ve built something special.

Riding the HBSL the last few months has taken me full circle, back to the roots of why I fell in love with mountain biking in the first place. I grew up on loose gravel roads and old-school trails in Venezuela, learning the basics the hard way (no dropper posts back then!). But with John’s guidance on fundamentals, this bike has brought me into a new chapter, where I’m learning to stay centered, scan the trail ahead, feet level, keep traction through techy climbs, and trust myself through rock and drop features that used to bring fear and anxiety.

The HBSL doesn’t just help me go faster; it’s making me a better rider.

Pros