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Anyone got some decent miles down on both of these bikes and able to offer a reasonable comparison?
I'm not sure I can manage to watch entire Hardtail Party videos.
I've got the Solaris long shot and it's bloody brilliant its the most stable bike I've owned and super slack , think the bfe would b more aggressive due to Fork travel but I've got 140mm on my Solaris, how much travel do u need on a hard tail anyway, wot swung it for me is I love 29 ers they are just faster and roll over anything in there way.
Thanks. I probably should have mentioned I'm familiar with the 2018 SolarisMAX running 140mm... but I'm "BFe-curious".
Thanks. I probably should have mentioned I’m familiar with the 2018 SolarisMAX running 140mm… but I’m “BFe-curious”.
If you're running 140mm on a 2018 SolarisMAX, the BFeMAX will suit the fork better, as it will have a lower BB and steeper seat angle running 140 compared to the SolarisMAX. The SolarisMAX is optimised around the 120mm fork, the BFeMAX around 140. The BFeMAX is a little heavier, and a little 'sportier' ride, but it's a still a Cotic, so it's still pretty supple in broad terms.
Sounds interesting Cy. I'm outclimbing my riding mates when it gets steep and techy on the Solaris (I seem to keep traction better) so that seat angle sounds good. 140mm is the minimum I can go on the Trace 36 but I recognise it's maxing out the Solaris. Would 160mm be better for the BFe or a bit too much do you think?
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Not the best photo !
I'm absolutely well happy with my BFe max.
It climbs extremely well and has no wheel flop. My fork is at 150mm but I'm considering 160mm too.
The bike flatters my riding ability.
Have you gapped that canal on it yet?
Not yet but will give it a go
“Have you gapped that canal on it yet?”
I think the BFe’s long enough to wheel tap the other side with a manual.
“Have you gapped that canal on it yet?”
I think the BFe’s long enough to wheel tap the other side with a manual.
Are you suggesting that it's a bit of a barge?
(IGMC)
That lock gate needs a kick of paint.
Sreve Wossisname on Hardtail Party has reviewed both.
Just a shame he reviewed too different sizes. Worth watching still. Be prepared for Sedona envy though…
Sounds interesting Cy. I’m outclimbing my riding mates when it gets steep and techy on the Solaris (I seem to keep traction better) so that seat angle sounds good. 140mm is the minimum I can go on the Trace 36 but I recognise it’s maxing out the Solaris. Would 160mm be better for the BFe or a bit too much do you think?
"Better" depends on you. Personally I don't like forks quite that long on a hardtail, but plenty of people do, hence why we make it. To be honest, if you're loving your SolarisMAX with 140 forks and having no trouble climbing it, you're really not going to find anything hugely better about the BFeMAX. The whole point of the BFeMAX project was to do a bike that sat 'better' (lower BB, steeper seat angle) with longer forks, rather than compromising the SolarisMAX in it's all-rounder slot. If you find you fit the SolarisMAX well with 140s, then crack on and enjoy!
I'll probably leave things alone then. I guess the only thing I've found that compromises the Trace HLR is the lack of a lockout option and 160mm would probably get annoying when a lot of my riding includes techy climbs.