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I currently have a Solaris Mk1 and am running with a Pike 51mm offset fork, what differences would I notice to a Mk 2 real world?
As my riding is mainly tame trails and MTB marathon type runs would it be beneficial to sell and upgrade?
What's the STW consensus?
Thanks for looking.
Jay
No one had both?
I've not ridden both but own a mk1 that I've run at 100mm and now 120mm. However as you haven't had much feedback I thought I'd post.
What travel forks are you running?
Are you feeling the bike is 'compromised' in some way that a geometry tweak would fix?
Have you read through the development section on the mk2 Solaris page on cotic's site?
There might be something in that that helps you make your mind up. Or if it's new bike itch then the gallery can help you pick the right colour 😉
Also Paul and Cy are really helpful so maybe email them too. When I asked Cy about the +/- points of changing my travel he was really honest and helpful.
All the best and keep us posted with what you end up doing.
As I understand it the MkII is longer, lower, slacker and a bit more gnarr. So for the riding you describe I don't think you'd benefit.
Please note I have neither a MkI or MkII soul so my experience is based on what's on the cotic website.
I would say, from what you say, that no, you don't need the new version ride wise.
But they do look prettier though, in my entirely biased opinion.
That's not an invalid reason to upgrade.
New shiny…
= :87)
New wheels might be a better purchase if you want to improve your ride.
I bought the Mk1 quite cheaply second hand, it's also a medium and I'm running a 90mm stem and, with a 420mm reverb, have just over 110mm in the frame. I am also the antithesis of light!
My intent was to buy a set of Hope Hoops, the pro 4 enduro's and as it will be my only bike I'd like something nice.
I have spoken to Paul briefly who has said that a large will allow me to run the seat post deeper and have a shorter stem.
How much will this affect/improve handling? Will the shorter stem offset the extra wheelbase of the frame?
As I have a relatively short body and long legs I feel, that although I have enough Seatpost in the frame I am pushing it. However, I love the ride it gives and that is what is making me wonder if keeping it and using the money for a holiday is a better idea?
Jay
Up until you said that ^ I'd have said no. Keep the mk1 but now I'd say grab yourself a new frame in large and enjoy.
I've got a Mk2 run chubby. I think, having spoken with Paul at Cotic prior to buying it, It's a little longer in the top tube, a little more accommodating at the rear for a larger tyre and optimised for a 120mm fork (mk1 was 100mm).
It was a few months back, so am hoping that's factual... but pretty much as I remember the conversation. If you give them a call they'll be able to help.
Anyway - I've put 950 miles on mine and been mightily impressed. Everything from XC pootles, All day in the saddle, trail rides in the south downs and Surrey Hills. Copes with everything I can manage.
Ridden both now have a MK2 with 130mm revs & 27.5x2.8 tyres, handles really well imo. Longer &a bit slacker, running a much shorter stem on this 90 v 65mm