[Closed] Cotic Solaris - inspiration please

Don't have the Solaris (have a 275 soul) but if you can afford a cotic they are just a class above an on-one imo.

I sort of feel that... But am struggling to think why I want a heavy steel frame! Tangible reasons!?

Love my Solaris, certainly don't ride heavy. Do it! You'll love it

My build is far more xc than many but it's not heavy IMHO.

I'm running 2x10, X-fusion Slide 120 fork, Stans Arch EX with Minion on front and a Smorgasbord on rear just now.

I have had both an On One 456 ( not an inbred, but closeish) on 140 mm fork with Crossmax St 26" wheels and a Solaris on 100 mm forks and Crossmax St29 wheels with 2.3" tyres.

Believe me, you'll notice the difference (In a good way...).put it this way, I kept the On one for about 7 months, the Solaris 3 years and counting.

The Solaris weighs 26 lbs with pedals and 2x10

I don't know about the Mk II (it having been optimised for inline) but the Mk I is tight enough clearance with a front mech on Ardent 2.25". So I'd say definitely go 1x (I believe Cotic are about to go 1x11 on complete bikes imminently). From what I can make out a 30T front and 40T at the back (XT) will give you similar bottom gear as a double. I fancy trying 1x myself!

Think mine must be knocking three years as well (first green batch). I really like mine, but don't have any on-one frame of reference for comparison.

A Solaris frame is £499, reckon your build would be over £2k (if buying everything new), you might as well get a decent one. A decent set of forks will cost you £500....

From memory mine built up around 28lbs with 3x10 XT, Hope M4s, Reba's, Arch Ex/tubeless Ardents & flatties (solid build, no weight weenie components).

I love mine. I'd hardly say it's heavy, the frame is about 2.2Kg for a large so only about 750g more than a decent carbon HT frame. Mine's built up with X-Fusion forks, Hope wheels, a 1x10 drivetrain, a Reverb dropper post, Shimano XT brakes. Total trail weight is 12.7Kg, like metalheart I didn't go for weight weenie components preferring reliability over willy waving weight saving.

If I wanted to get the weight down then swapping out the Reverb and the forks would give most gain.

My wife was jealous enough that we got her a Soul 😀

I was really torn between a Solaris and a Stanton Sherpa I started assembling parts and ended up buying a 26" Ti bike!! Doh ...I've been no use at all but they do look amazing!!

Here's mine, beefy wheels (easton heist 27) check, 120 fork (pike) check, 1x10 (32t oval chainring, 11-36 cassette) check. Will tell you tomorrow how it rides but after testing one earlier this year, I expect it to the great 🙂
[img] [/img]

Love mine. It's 3 years old now out of the first batch of green frames and a keeper. It Is certainly not heavy.

Running Shimano SLX 2x10 drivetrain, SLX brakes, Fox 32 100mm forks, ProII/Flow EX (25.5mm internal) wheels and tubeless Ardents (2.4 F / 2.25 R).

I think it cost me £1800 to £2000 to build and its intention was to be a winter bike to save my expensive boutique carbon full suss but it's outlived it (lots of factors to this though, 26" wheels, type of riding and riding opportunities, etc), became my go to ride and at present is my only ride. It's been to Torridon, Arran and the Lakes this year so very capable.

Currently toying with the idea of buying/building a B+ wheelset. I'd be quite tempted to buy a set of rigid carbon tapered forks from Exotic when they do a QR15 set too.

In summary, Do It!

I bought one of those £299 small frames in 'look at me green'.

Just finishing the build today, getting my wheels trued tomorrow and will be trying it alongside my 26" Soul.

I have had Cotic bikes for years, BFe, Roadrats and 3 x Souls, they just seem to be spot on in my opinion.

I love the Soul, but I have always wondered what this 29er thing is like, so I thought I would have a go.

build will be

Small green MK1 frame
Revelation RCT3 @ 120mm
XT Double
Formula R1 brakes
Hope Enduro Wheels
Maxxis Beaver 2.25 EXO - Tubeless
Reverb
Fatbar Lite
Race Face Turbine Stem

so not light, but exactly the same as the Soul.

I also bought it to have a go at this 650+, but it's 29" first and then 650+ when the rim prices drop a bit.

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/702/20912352453_14bef5ff8a_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/702/20912352453_14bef5ff8a_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/xRXgNV ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/17059060@N00/ ]eastham_david[/url], on Flickr

and nearly built (with 26" wheels ATM)

[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/657/22867290545_63a0168475_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/657/22867290545_63a0168475_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/AQGQN6 ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/17059060@N00/ ]eastham_david[/url], on Flickr

Tangible reasons!?

I've a carbon 29er race bike, a 26 full-suspension trail bike, and a solaris. The Solaris gets ridden way more than the others put together. It really is a do everything bike, from 8 hour all-dayers, thrashing round trail centres, or steep, techy, rocky stuff. Compared to the race bike it's like riding a full susser, it just seems to float over rocky ground, and with 120mm forks I've never thought twice about throwing it down whatever appears in front of me. Get one, I really can't recommend it highly enough.

I had a mark 1 Solaris and it was very nice, and I was mostly happy with it. If it could have taken a 140mm fork and a bigger rear tyre (true 2.35 +) I would have kept it. Given the Soul's reputation for back end comfort, I was a tad surprised that the Solaris wasn't especially comfortable.

To add to what dazh says, I've done everything on mine from 300Km ITTs to steep Alpine tech. It's basically killed the N+1 itch as every time I think "ooh! That looks nice, I'd quite like one of those" I do a mental version of one of those Venn diagrams and the Solaris covers 95% of the usage of the bike I'm looking at.

If I only did world cup DH courses then it wouldn't be the bike I'd ride but apart from that I don't see a reason to get another bike.

Although I've already replied, I didn't add my spec so here goes:

100mm X Fusion Slide forks.
Deore XT 1x10 with Hope N/W chain ring.
XT brakes 180/160 rotors.
Nukeproof electron pedals.
Thomson seat collar, cotic seat post, charge spoon.
Hope tech xc wheels with mountain king II 2.2 tyres.
Cotic 60mm stem, Renthal fat bar lite, esi racers edge grips and Hope headset.
PDW 'bird' cage.

Mine is currently in chubby mode and seems to be coping quite well with the autumn/winter slop.

[img] [/img]

It's currently setup 2x10 as I nicked all the 1x10 stuff for my new Smuggler, but it worked just fine as a 1x10 with regular 29er wheels too.

[img] [/img]

what wheels and tyres is the 'chubby mode' roverpig?

oh and are they Revs on the front?

Hi
Also love mine and would buy another tomorrow.
Set up is XTR 3x9, XT brakes, reverb, hope/stans arch wheels
First ride on it today since the start of the summer.
Up until today it had Fox 32 120mm travel forks on it and was very happy.
However Recently I had a pair of Fox34 140/110 Talas forks fitted mainly because I had them spare after other bikes got upgraded and I fancied trying them.
The plan was to ride mainly in 110 travel mode and turn up to 140 for the downs but as it turned our 110 felt to low at the front and it felt like there was resistance to pedalling (had this feeling before with Talas forks) so ended up riding at 140 for the whole ride.
Have to say I loved it and will be keeping the forks on
PS I know the frame isn't warranties for 140 forks but I ran them with lots of sag and I'm hardly Rad!!!!

Anyway get one you won't regret it
Cheers
Steve

Wow... Wonderful builds. Not sure I can afford this.... But I'm going to have a crack...

Mine's now in chubby mode with Chinese carbon rims and xt 1x10. It is a great complement to my carbon fs bike and used for fun rides, when I'm not in a hurry, bike camping, love it! 12kg

[img] [/img]

Built mine up as an xc bike, hence no dropper and 100mm forks. Although a dropper will be fitted at some point (see last point). Narrower tyres are being fitted this week to cope with the winter mud.

Can't compare the Solaris to an Inbred, in a different league. The solaris is pretty light for a 29er and has quite relaxed geometry (and all the better for it).

Only gripe is the lack of stealth dropper routing, although the new fox dropper may just be the ticket.

what wheels and tyres is the 'chubby mode' roverpig?

oh and are they Revs on the front?

Wheels and tyres are the package sold by Cotic (WTB Asym on Hope hubs, 29mm rear and 35mm front with Trailblazer tyres)

Forks are dual air revs (at 120mm). I tried the wheels in the Pikes that I have on my Smuggler as well. There was a bit more space with the Pikes but the Revs are fine with this combo.

Perfect, that was the answer I was looking for 😉

Okay, this photo is 4.5 years old but the frame, forks, wheels, cranks, and controls remain largely unchanged.

Now has fabric saddle, Magura Mt6, carbon niner bars and 10 speed slx/xt/works drivetrain.

Racey but capable for most situations where others are riding bigger bikes...

[img][url= https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8653230640_299154dc84_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8258/8653230640_299154dc84_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/ebE4ZJ ]IMG_0452[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/8133348@N03/ ]oxym0r0n[/url], on Flickr[/img]

OP my BFe started off conceptually as the winter thrash bike but things moved on a bit, as usual a slippery slope of a better component here and there. It's now the bike I ride 80-90% of the time which is a crime really as my Covert is very capable too.

The cost of a Cotic build over other manufacturers is quite small really ( 😉 ) and IMO very much worth the extra the frame costs. You'll also re-sell a Cotic frame easily and for a relatively good price vs other manufacturers

I love mine. I built it with spares of varying vintage. It is a beautiful bike to own, admire and ride.

Can't remember the OP's questions, but mine is duck egg, 1x9, 2.2 smorgasbords on wtb i25 rims and 100mm forks. After trying 120mm forks I decided I preferred the lower bb and riding position with 100mm forks. I will fit some wider tyres when the smorgasbords are done or perhaps try a B+ setup.

I can't think of a reason not to give one a go.

Roverpig/Andy where was that 2nd picture taken? Gatten Plantation?

Roverpig/Andy where was that 2nd picture taken? Gatten Plantation?

Up on Bennachie (Aberdeenshire). On part of the Gordon Way I think.

So no where near where it looks like it was taked:-)

The first ride on my Solaris I stopped to take some pics, and location look remarkable similar.

I guess one heather clad mountain is much like another really 🙂

More importantly, how did you get on with the Solaris?

Just finished mine 'Ickle one' it's now ready for it's shake down ride 😀

[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5832/22349012583_4bb6329a69_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5832/22349012583_4bb6329a69_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/A3UwPa ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/17059060@N00/ ]eastham_david[/url], on Flickr

Guys - trying to weigh up size needed. I'm 5'11, of average proportion and according to the Cotic site should be looking at the 17.5, but that sounds a little small for me (compared to my other steeds) - But the 19" look large!

Any recommendations? I generally prefer a longer bike than a "chuckable" one. Thanks¬

I'm 6'2" and the large is perfect with a 70mm stem 711mm bars and a straight dropper seat post. Unfashionably long stem and short bars but it is comfortable for an old g*t like me

Loving mine - really fun bike to ride.

Mine's a pretty new build. Bought the frame and transferred parts from another bike. Generally SLX with revelations, Reverb and Hope brakes. I stayed with a triple because I wanted it to cover everything from fast local rides and commutes through to loaded - up bikepacking weekends.

I'm 5'10" and went for the medium - still feels nicely roomy in the top tube but with plenty of stand over.

[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5728/22885760997_2660d39e1a_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5728/22885760997_2660d39e1a_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/ASkvqa ]2015-11-24_04-54-49[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_r/ ]Simon Read[/url], on Flickr

Thanks SimonR - what's the bar width and stem length?

Interesting comment that Cotic is a cut above Onone/PX in the quality is that the consensus here?

Hi
If it helps I'm 6ft riding a large with 750 bars and 50mm stem and reverb seat post.
Feels spot on.
Also have a large Soul (740 bars and 60mm stem) and Large Rocket (740 bars and 70mm stem but with 25 degree rise as forks have quite a short steerer)
Cheers
Steve

I'm 5'11, of average proportion and according to the Cotic site should be looking at the 17.5, but that sounds a little small for me (compared to my other steeds) - But the 19" look large.

I'm just shy of 6' and am pretty happy with my medium mk1. Run 65mm stem with 762mm bars. Mk 11 is optimised for inline which I think means the ETT is longer.

The difference between med and L is only 17mm on ETT but 40mm in seat tube, might make a difference depending on your inside leg measurement.

I know I say this every time on threads like this: give Cotic a call/email and discuss size with them. I helped a mate buy a soul the other week, Cy couldn't have been more helpful. I'm pretty sure he'll tell you to go medium though. BITD I went from a 19" Cove to a med Soul. I've bought another 4 medium frames since.... 😳

[url= https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8035089901_ecd72ff7fe_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8035089901_ecd72ff7fe_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/df2WhM ]Finished (and post ride)[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/77564901@N06/ ]Rotpunkt-UK[/url], on Flickr

Hi mccraque - they're 750 mm easton havoc with a 50mm stem.

Gives me plenty of room still despite being a short legs and long body type of person!

Another pic of mine ?

[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5777/22885801217_da63d95902_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5777/22885801217_da63d95902_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/ASkHnB ]2015-11-24_04-57-04[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_r/ ]Simon Read[/url], on Flickr

wicki - Member
Interesting comment that Cotic is a cut above Onone/PX in the quality is that the consensus here?

Definitely, in the case of the Soul/Solaris - the cheaper frames like the Roadrat probably have less to distinguish them from OO in terms of tubing, so you might be able to argue there's not so much difference there,

Lovely looking bikes.

Am just undecided as to whether to run 27.5+ or 29!

Metalheart- I've emailed Cotic twice now. The first one over a week with no reply. I'll try the blower....

I had a 456 before the Soul which was definitely cruder, heavier and less responsive than the Cotic. It was still fun but tended to crash through things rather than skip over them. I first rode the Soul when out in the Peak on the 456 and noticed 18 had a Cotic test day . I was impressed enough to make it a priority to get a Soul!

Size - I am 5'11.5ish and went for medium, 80mm stem 720 bars.

5'11" (and a half) on a medium mk1.

60mm* stem with 740mm bars.

*For longer xc sections I could do with a 70mm stem I reckon but I like the way it handles as it is so have left well alone.

I'm 6ft 2" & demoed a medium as that's all the shop had & for looning about in the woods it was great. A long seatpost (dropper) meant pedalling was ok but, longer distances on it highlighted I'd deffo need a large as it started to feel a little cramped. Great bike though as long as it's green

Is 5ft 10" too big for a small? Fancy the MK1 on offer. Don't want to feel cramped or have loads of post showing.

I've emailed Cotic twice now. The first one over a week with no reply. I'll try the blower....

Strange. Maybe try cy@ address (always found it gets a response). Mate said it took him a couple tries to get an answer on the phone (and he was ordering a complete bike...).

Is 5ft 10" too big for a small? Fancy the MK1 on offer. Don't want to feel cramped or have loads of post showing.

Cotic website has max height for a small at 5'8". At 5'10" you're firmly in the middle of a medium. I'm right at the end of a medium and I struggle with a 350mm post to keep enough in the frame (100mm min). And I tend to run a low saddle, been meaning to get a 400mm long pin for 3 years!

Personally I think it'd be horrible. See r/dogs post above, reckon you'd be the same (on a small).

You people should read the Cotic sizing guide, I think they put it there for a reason... 😀

as demoed (so don't blame me for the build)
[img] [/img]

metalheart - Member
Is 5ft 10" too big for a small? Fancy the MK1 on offer. Don't want to feel cramped or have loads of post showing.
Cotic website has max height for a small at 5'8". At 5'10" you're firmly in the middle of a medium. I'm right at the end of a medium and I struggle with a 350mm post to keep enough in the frame (100mm min). And I tend to run a low saddle, been meaning to get a 400mm long pin for 3 years!

Personally I think it'd be horrible. See r/dogs post above, reckon you'd be the same (on a small).

You people should read the Cotic sizing guide, I think they put it there for a reason...

I know I know....love a bargain. 🙂

I'm 5'10 1/2" (as measured by the hospital) and am on a Large. Originally I had a 70mm stem but have swapped it for a 35mm to just pull things in a bit as I'm on the boundary between Medium and Large, could have gone for either really. Cotic's sizing chart puts me smack in the middle of Medium.

Whitestone, difference in ETT between M&L is only 17mm.

A medium and a 50/55mm stem would give you pretty much the same position... Hell a 60mm stem would be longer let alone L + 70!

Solaris or Sherpa? Anyone ridden both?

Here's my XL [img] [/img]

Letmetalktomark had both and gave me lots of really good advice and recommended a Sherpa over a Solaris, but this XL came up 2nd hand so I went for it.

Thanks. Looks good even in XL.

Well took mine on it's shakedown ride last night. It's a bit different to the 26" Soul I'll tell ya. 🙄

Seems to steam roller over rocks no probs, I'm still not sure about it feeling a lot less 'dynamic' (not sure how to explain it) than the Soul. It seems very planted but a little dead in comparison.

A bit of back to back testing is called for I think, it's certainly not a 29" version of the Soul that's for sure.

Vortex, iirc there was internal debate about the small. It was prototyped then shelved as it rode 'differently'. Then resurrected so I'd expect it to be different... even from a medium. FWIW the Solaris is my bike of choice (other than when it's really shitty and I'll take the Soul as it's got HR's v Ardents....)

OP: you any joy with Cotic yet?

What's tyre clearance like out back?

Would you fit a 2.4" Ardent on a something like an Arch EX which gave it its full width?

Also, anyone know when the next XLs are coming in and if they'll be green? First batch of XLs sold out very quick. I know I could e-mail Cotic and ask them myself but that's a step down the path of committment which I'm not ready to take just yet!

Cheers.

OP: you any joy with Cotic yet?

Yes! Managed to get through, had a chat with Paul who was amazingly helpful. Then sat on it for a month, being a ponderous old fart (although the research time was very useful with all these new fandangled standards).

Had another chat with Paul to discuss the finer points, and then clicked "Buy".

I've gone for a medium green frame. Ordered a Boost Fork to go with it and am going to custom build the wheels around Hope Pro4 Hubs.

Originally I was going to be clever, thinking that if I ordered the non boost hubs, if I didn't like + size, I could flog the wheels. But seemingly the Boost spacer kit is only on one side, and wheels would need to be redished before they would work with a "standard" axle kit. So Boost front wheel it is.

Due to budget, I am going to try a rockshox Yari. This isn't going to be a lightweight bike by any stretch - more of a beefcake.

I'll provide further updates as and when I manage to add more components. The wife is operating a one in one out policy now....so am partly funding this one with the sale of an old ride to work steed that's laying in the garage...

I love my Solaris

Spent Friday at Bike Park Wales doing an uplift. Then spent Saturday and Sunday bikepacking round Wales.

Makes a good all rounder for my uses

SimonR - I want your bike.

Interesting to see most of the Solarii (correct plural for Solaris?) in this thread with black forks, they've traditionally been more common with white forks, like the blue one on Page 1 - guess the frame decal change has prompted that?

I'm currently running a 26" Soul & a 29" Scandal - they get used for quite different rides. But the full sus itch keeps on coming back. I keep debating getting a 2nd hand 26" full susser frame to replace the Soul and scratch that itch, and a Solaris to replace the Scandal frame.

As the Scandal is used for XC rides/marathon events etc and feels very light and fast, I'm not sure how the Solaris would compare, might feel a bit dead/heavy?

We love an update 🙂

A per many of us by the time you've built it up itbwill be a Spring thrash bike not a winter hack !

To buck the trend a little, I ran a L 19" Mk1 for a while and we didn't get on.

With the benefit of hindsight I wonder if a M would have been better (I'm a gnat's tickler under 6ft) as I felt very much 'perched' on top of the bike as opposed to 'in' it.

I also ran a 120mm fork which may not have been ideal - I know Cy designed it around 100mm.

The Hope/Stans wheels were also awful. I had to rebuild the rear using straight spokes which was a horrible job; the combination of the spokes and super-flexy rim has put me off Stan's rims for the foreseeable future, and I wouldn't touch straight spokes with yours.

So realistically it may have been a combination of elements, but the fact I don't miss it in the slightest tells me that passing on was the best thing to do.

What's tyre clearance like out back?

Tight on earlier frames. You may struggle with a 2.4. I ran a 2.2 Spesh Purg.

A necessary hack if running a front mech:

[url= https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/10629288345_31757a6468_z.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/10629288345_31757a6468_z.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/hcgT7a ]Modded. #cotic #nofilter #bikebuild #29er[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/pimpmasterjazz/ ]Neil Cain[/url], on Flickr

To buck the trend a little, I ran a L 19" Mk1 for a while and we didn't get on.

With the benefit of hindsight I wonder if a M would have been better (I'm a gnat's tickler under 6ft) as I felt very much 'perched' on top of the bike as opposed to 'in' it.

I also ran a 120mm fork which may not have been ideal - I know Cy designed it around 100mm.

I struggled with my Mk1 a bit in 29er guise too. It was too steep (for me) at 100mm but the BB was too high at 120mm. However, B+ wheels with the 120mm forks seems to be working pretty well. Drops the BB by around 7mm while still keeping the angles the same.

[img] [/img]

Do the 650b+ tyres fit the Mk1 OK Roverpig?

Yes, no problem with WTB Trailblazer 2.8 tyres, but I'm using the wheels supplied by Cotic (which they developed using the Mk1 frame) so I'd expect them to work. The rear rim is 29mm internal diameter (front is 35mm). I think they mentioned on the blog that Scraper rims (45mm) worked on the Mk1 too, but I suspect they'd be a bit too tight for my comfort.

So, short answer is that the Mk1 seems to work fine with the Trailblazer tyres and rims that aren't crazy wide.

Thanks Core. It does look pretty special (IMHO!) 🙂

I've got in a few more miles on it now and still loving it. The short stem and wide bar set up seems to work really well. It's taken a while to work out tyre pressures (full suspension is way more forgiving) - needs to be just right to get the grip.

Long term I might be tempted by 1x11 but for the range of stuff it gets used for then the triple does the job well enough.

Seems pretty responsive to me particularly compared with the Inbred it replaced. It is also much less harsh without being flexible - I guess that's what comes from a good steel frame.

Not ridden an Aluminium hardtail recently enough to compare it with that though.

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

I'm hoping the above links to the photos work. My first ever bike build has been a bit of a slow burner but I got there in the end!!!

*Cotic Solaris M - Lime Green
*Rockshox Yari 120 Fork
*Shimano XT M8000 Groupset
*WTB Asym I35 on Hope Pro Evo4
*Schwalbe NN 3.0 / WTB Trailblazer 2.8 (r)
*Syntace 740mm Carbon Bar
*Syntace 50mm Megaforce Stem
*On One Saddle and Post
*Avid Elixir 5 (poached from old bike!)

Can't wait for the maiden voyage now!!

28lbs 3oz - but was built for comfort rather than speed!

Managed to get out twice this week on it and thought I would report back with first impressions.

In terms of fit. I went medium on Paul @Cotic's advice. I've fitted a 50mm stem and 740mm bar. I'm 5'11" of average proportion and it feels spot on.

There's no getting away from it....the fatter tyres drag a bit on tarmac. However, the 2.8 trailblazer is definitely more sprightly feeling than I would have imagined. I cycled with a friend and he didn't think I was any more ponderous than usual!

Climbing - did a wet mud, chalk and grass track climb on the north face of the south downs. Relatively steep and slippery. Well...very slippery today. My friend couldn't get enough traction to clean it. The 27.5+ however, did slip a little, but not enough to stop it winching me up. I was also quite impressed at, despite the beefcake build, the way it winched me up. Not in record breaking time, but in a surefooted fashion.

Descending. Nothing too technical as yet, but a very loose stone, grass/mud single/double track. Grip wasn't insane - it slid a bit more than I thought it would (I think Doug @ Basquemtb mentioned this on his Orbea the other week too). Wet mud is still wet mud and I nearly ended up in a bush. But - I didn't. It pulled me back from an "oh sh1t - I'm off" moment and I set a Strava PR in the process (and this is a hill I ride weekly). The beefy wheel out in front and the relatively slack geo felt perfect. and the cushioning from below was a novel but calming experience. I can't explain it...but it really felt composed.

All in all....first impressions are very good. I know there's an element of new bike syndrome in there, but will aim to provide a little more balance and detail when I've spent a few more weeks on it. Not sure it will be a fast bike but certainly a great fun bike on what I have seen thus far!

and here she is this morning...
[img] [/img]

[b]core - Member [/b]

SimonR - I want your bike.

Interesting to see most of the Solarii (correct plural for Solaris?) in this thread with black forks, they've traditionally been more common with white forks, like the blue one on Page 1 - guess the frame decal change has prompted that?

I'm currently running a 26" Soul & a 29" Scandal - they get used for quite different rides. But the full sus itch keeps on coming back. I keep debating getting a 2nd hand 26" full susser frame to replace the Soul and scratch that itch, and a Solaris to replace the Scandal frame.

As the Scandal is used for XC rides/marathon events etc and feels very light and fast, I'm not sure how the Solaris would compare, might feel a bit dead/heavy?

I totally forgot about this thread, but one year on it's all happened, I sold my Soul frame, the Scandal too, and now have an Zesty 314 and an orange mk2 Solaris living in the shed. Might try and get a little bit of weight out of the Solaris build as it is heavier than the Scandal, but not by a huge amount.

I prefer the Solaris so much over the Scandal on the techier stuff that the Zesty isn't getting a look in at the moment. Would like a better fork for it, but can't make my mind up, I like it at 100mm for XC, but know 120mm would make it a bit of a hooligan and all the bike I ever need with the dropper plugged in, whilst also contemplating a rigid fork for bikepacking trips.......