[Closed] Cotic Bfe 2020 opinions please

I have the previous model from 2018 so slightly shorter than this year's.
It's a very capable bike, I ride around Calderdale which is a real mixed bag, rocky, greasy, steep and it handles everything, I wouldn't describe it as chuckable though, simply because it's long!
I've been riding it more than my Foxy just recently.
I'm 5'10 & ride a medium built up with 140 Fox 34s, DT Swiss E1900 & 1X11
I previously had a 26 ain't dead version with 160 36s on, it felt great going down but the front kept popping up hence the shorter travel this time

Thanks nigew, I'm in Ilkley so similar terrain. They say the new one is optimised for 140mm forks.

I think Cotic recommend 140 on all models of Bfe but suggest a 160 can be used for The Alps etc.
Have a search through Cotic's website for a video of a Bfe hitting Crab Apple hits in Whistler!! Bonkers!

EDIT
Found it for you
https://m.pinkbike.com/video/492139/

Awesome! Though I could never do that regardless of bike choice.

I have a 2018 BFe, its just a great fun bike for hooning around on.
I tried the 2020 one on a demo day and it felt just as good (much more fun than the Solaris I demo'd).
I have used forks up to 160 and agree with Cotic that 140 is the sweet spot for all-round use. I also run 2.6 tyres (Minion DHF's) as there's plenty of clearance and I like the grip and cushioning over 2.4's.
I'm 5'10" with long arms and originally went for a large which fitted OK, but changed to a medium which is much more chuckable, so would suggest if possible you demo one.
Hope this helps!

I had a 2016 Bfe (bought in 2017). Loved it, but was just slightly short in the frame (for me). Have since seen they do an XL model, but I have moved on to a Bird now. Took the Bfe to the Alps (Verbier) for a long weekend in 2018. It was ace and the only thing that struggled was the small rear disc rotor (160mm), as it got hot.

Ran it with both a 150 and then 160 fork. Think your right on fork length, 140mm should be plenty.

I've spent a bit of time on the previous version, and yes, its a very fun bike. However unless you're spending most of your time chucking it down or off silly steep stuff - try a Soul as well. The Bfe corners a hair more stabley (slightly lower BB), but the ride quality of the Soul is hands down better for general punting around. Whilst I wouldn't call the BFe harsh, it is very definitely solid.

After I'd demo'd the previous BFe (when it first came out) I was dead set on having one, but Paul @ Cotic told me to wait a few months and try the Soul. He was right and I've had mine 2 years now and it's excellent (140mm forks). Its done a good few laps of Inners and The Golfie, I've bikepacked on it, Wharncliffe techngnar, cheeky Peaks and Lakes and a LOT of just riding around and its been ace. Best climbing bike I've owned too.

In short - get thee to a demo day!

Whistler vid? That's my mate Camus. He's a little, umm, special...?

Will echo the above, unless you are hitting big stuff hard, I'd look at the Soul. Had a 26" BFe for 2 and a half years and liked it, but while it was comfortable it has nothing on the MK5 Soul I have now. Geometry between the two is similar but I would say the Soul is a smoother ride. I have mine set up with a 120mm Revelation and its extremely capable for centres and general larking around.

Have a 2019 version which is basically the same although new ones got a wee bit steeper seat tube and a tiny but slacker? Absolulute beast of a bike when you want it to be, but also surprisingly normal feeling if your not feeling it. It is NOT light though, and if your lighter it might feel feel a but big?

If the Solaris had been released when I ordered mine i would probably have considered it as mines an allrounder first and big bike 2nd. Saying that, I love it.

I had a 2018 Bfe and the new model tweaks the geometry slightly with a steeper seat angle. It's a massively capable bike. If I was after another hardtail it would be top of the list.