Introducing the New Fairlight Holt Hardtail

UK-based Fairlight Cycles just released the all-new Holt, a modern steel rendition of the classic short-travel hardtail. In developing the Holt, designer Dom Thomas of Fairlight put efficiency, reliability, and simplicity first. The result is a frame that is “unashamedly XC,” as they call it. Fairlight’s first foray into mountain bikes has been informed by decades of ride and race experience and takes advantage of the learnings from the brand’s other designs, now applied to a cross-country context.

The Holt’s steel frame is handmade in Europe from custom Reynolds tubing that’s been specced and bent to provide a snappy ride with just enough give where it matters. Though it’s an XC bike at heart, the frame is peppered with utilitarian features such as triple bottle cage and rack mounts that bikepackers will surely appreciate. As we’ve come to expect from Fairlight, the versatile frame comes with a suite of brazed and 3D-printed provisions so riders can run their choice of drivetrains, cabling, and lighting setups.

Fairlight Holt Features

Overall, the Holt features respectable clearance for wide-trail tires and sticks to reliable standards. It’s available in three lovely colors: Violet, Desert, and Moss. The bare frameset starts from £832.50/$1,050 (non-UK price), with headsets, dropper posts, and a 110mm suspension fork available as add-on options. International buyers will have to factor in the additional costs of shipping, potential duties, and VAT (where applicable). As the frames are EU-made, EU customers will pay no duties, only the respective VAT. Pre-orders are open now, and the first batch of 120 frames is expected to ship in October 2022.

Fairlight Cycles Holt Geometry

See the complete geometry table for the Fairlight Holt below. For each frame size from S to XL, you’ll find the values for 100mm, 110mm, and 120mm forks.

You can find the full details or place a deposit for the Holt at FairlightCycles.com. For more info directly from Fairlight Cycles, dive into their detailed Design Notes PDF here. And stay tuned, as we’re hoping to get one in for an in-depth review later this year.

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