[Closed] Friday is Cotic day...

Here is one from my recent ride. More Solaris love 8)

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dantsw13 - Member

I like the idea of a RocketMax. How do you owners think it would stand up as my new Alps bike?

Not sure what the difference between an Alps bike a a regular bike is but the Max is a monster. Fast, fun and a joy to ride. Only issue might be the brakes. Nothing wrong with them but i was a little surprised to see 180 rotors fitted to my XL.

Metal heart, love the Solaris Max you have over the page. How'd you find the Moray Way as a ride? Living in Forres I've done the Dava section a good many times but I've heard other bits are blocked with gates & detours?
How long did it take you?

Mk1 Solaris, having its last ride this afternoon before a Vassago Verhauen arrives on Monday.
It's been a great bike and I'll miss it, many adventures, races and miles have been had.
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@dahedd: if you insist on doing the Speyside Way the whole way it's a real PITA. There are gates galore on the section after Cromdale. I thought I'd written it up but I don't seem to have. ScotRoutes was routemaster on the trip and he wrote it up here: http://www.blog.scotroutes.com/2017/03/moray-way-no-way.html

Myself and SR were pisstaking about it being a mini HT550 but it did turn into a mini-epic (well, for me anyways). The first day was 15 hours long (I had to walk a fair bit after Fochabers due to cramps) and arriving in Lossie at 10.15 looking for food with a early am pitch at Covesea. Character building (type 2) stuff!

So, in summary, if you cut out the walking section you'll save a good couple of hours and not be missing anything other than a trudge (the many gated section is [i]all[/i] walking). But then of course you'll be cheating.... 😀

Anyone have a Cotic arrive today?

I had one of the Restrap X Cotic frame bags through the post. But that's bit of an anticlimax compared to a new frame...

I'm waiting for a set of Boost 29er wheels for my SolarisMAX (but not from Cotic)... does that count? 😆

The closest I got was wearing a Cotic t-shirt today so you guys beat me 😉

I'm waiting for a set of Boost 29er wheels for my SolarisMAX

With all the rain we've been having, I fitted my cheap superstar set to the SolarisMax this week. Grip on that Magic Mary is amazing but those wheels are pretty dead and heavy.

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4365/36110968300_e81520e0a1_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4365/36110968300_e81520e0a1_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/X219MJ ]Cotic SolarisMax on 29s[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexleigh/ ]Alex Leigh[/url], on Flickr

So today I bought some American Classics (had them before) wide lightening Boost wheels at a bit of a bargain price. They have cheated a bit by extending the hubs rather than building proper boost hubs but I do like these wheels and they were keenly priced. Currently fitted to the Solaris-Max (which is getting a 130mm fork next week and the 120mm will be going on the Solaris) but just a cassette swap between the two

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4389/36461266616_1a8c759b0a_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4389/36461266616_1a8c759b0a_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/XxXwgS ]Cotic FlareMax on 29s[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexleigh/ ]Alex Leigh[/url], on Flickr

Felt nice on the farm track run. 20PSI was a bit roll-y, 23 felt good. Certainly accelerate way quicker than the plus tyres.

I love the black and orange. Stunning.

Cheers Metalheart. I've heard similar things from others who have ridden the whole thing.

Really do love the black & blue combo. You got it with the 650b+ wheels? Tempted to get a set of 29ers for it too ?

@Alex:

What did you order?

XM481's (32) on Pro4's. due Monday 🙂 will be shod with Ardent 2.25's for starters as I have an inclination to do the outer Hebrides in September. Got an HR2 for the front for winter...

@dahedd: see above 😉

I looked at something like that, but I've fallen out of love with Hope hubs. Don't know why I seem to have about 8 of them! Should fly with the Ardents on it. I've a coupe in the tyre store so if it dries up again I'll give them a go.

Also had a look at the new 2.6 tyres from Schwalbe. I can see those being good for everything but total slop on the 27.5 wheels. I'm sure it never used to be this confusing!

Liking the Cotics if I work out how to send pics I will put mine up

@Alex: I went Hope as other wheels are Hoops. Hoping swapping will be just that (and not need calipers adjusting...).

Aye, bloody tyre sizes. I remember when it was either 1.95's or 2.1's.... 😆

ETA: Cotic Saturday - a whirl around the woods at Boat (with ScotRoutes) on the mk1 green 29er

Any pics?

I have a soft spot for green mk1 Solaris' (Solarii?)

My lass just got herself a revamped Soul to trundle around on. Not the cheapest powdercoat ever, but I like it.

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Advice on improving the woodpile obviously appreciated. 🙂

Martin hutch, that has to be the soul I saw on Monday on back of car at whinlatter, as I was putting mine back on my car!

Wanting a large MK2 Solaris here.. worth a shot

Martin hutch, that has to be the soul I saw on Monday on back of car at whinlatter, as I was putting mine back on my car!

It is!

She got a lap of the blue in with me before I was sent to the garage to sort out the gears I clearly hadn't sorted out properly before...

Finally got my B-plus wheels up and running on my Solaris. Relieved to find it's really good, as it's been a lot of hassle and expense...
[img] ?oh=355bf32ab2e8111b68d3f592123d1063&oe=5A17F689[/img]

I'm thinking of a set of b+ wheels for my sloaris, does anyone know if X-Fusion Trace 29er forks can take b+ wheels/tyres?

Wouldn't have thought so. I had Trace's on my Pyga and with a 2.35 tyre on a decent sized rim, there wasn't a heap of room if I remember right. I have the MqQueen on man Solaris Max and obviously that's fine. Not that helpful tho!

Can you find a tyre/wheel to try?

Prefer - by miles - the chubby's than the 29s. That'll change when it gets soggy tho.

Martinhutch that powdercoat looks great- where was it done?

Any owners with the McQueen forks - what size of 29" tyre will fit?

New (to me) bike day!
Need to fettle the seatpost a bit and figure out how to remove the rear wheel (not had 142/12 before).
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Martinhutch that powdercoat looks great- where was it done?

Triple S in Bingley, West Yorks.

Like I say, definitely not the cheapest option, at least not in that particular colour.

Any owners with the McQueen forks - what size of 29" tyre will fit?

And here's my SolarisMax being ridden on our local trails

I'd like to apologise in advance for:

1) dodgy music choice
2) Pointless iMovie effects
3) Random lighting (it was getting very dark and I had to tweak it in the edit)
4) the cables being in the way. Although you can see the chubby tyre!

It was only my second attempt with my new Garmin Virb. Which BTW is blooming fantastic. Even with you-tube rate butchery and low light, I reckon that looks okay for an un-stabilised image off a bar mounted cam. It is 100 FPS tho.

Thanks Alex that's useful to know. I am thinking of one of them forks, but dithering between a Solaris Max and a Genesis Tarn frame.

Not ridden the Tarn and it looks a nice frame. I'd recommend the Solaris Max tho. I had the original Solaris and though it was a fun bike, this version is significantly more fun again. I've been chucking it off all sorts with a 120mm fork and 12 PSI in the tyres and it's been absolutely fine. The grip (in the dry) is bonkers. Really involving to ride as well in a way my Trek Stache isn't.

I lent it to a mate who had only ridden FS for years. His current bike is a Capra. He absolutely loved it - after some initial concerns abut lack of tyre pressure etc - and was flying on it. Main thing tho was he couldn't stop laughing after every descent.

That's why you should buy a Solaris. Hopefully cy will be along with my cheque later 😉

I'm thinking of a set of b+ wheels for my sloaris, does anyone know if X-Fusion Trace 29er forks can take b+ wheels/tyres?

Yep, running 2.8 nn in mine on the codeine

That's interesting. How much clearance is there? I know you can get a 2.8 in a non boost pike but was sure my x-fusion's were narrower than those. I stand corrected!

Some but not massive lol, be better with McQueen which I may change to in the future.

quick question for anyone who has run their solaris max in both 29'' and 27.5 set ups.
much difference? if any.
I want some new wider wheels for mine, was going to buy 29'' but I suppose having both options would be good.

I've run mine 27.5+ mostly. Tried it on 29s and didn't like it as much. But I'm used to plus tyres, it was horrible weather (hence running 29s with useful mud tyres), and the wheels are cheap and a bit lardy. It just didn't feel as nice/interesting/involving to ride.

I want to try it with the American Classic Boost wheels off my FlareMax sometime. THey'd definitely be better/lighter/more compliant but I reckon I'll still prefer it on the plus wheels.

Definitely noticeable difference. Which one you prefer tho is going to be a personal thing...

Cheers Jimplops.

Next question, what width rims??

quick question for anyone who has run their solaris max in both 29'' and 27.5 set ups.
much difference? if any.
I want some new wider wheels for mine, was going to buy 29'' but I suppose having both options would be good.

er... I will advise once I finally get out on the new 29er wheels.

I'll leave this for the moment as a teaser though...

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4413/36477426611_6cafcce7ea_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4413/36477426611_6cafcce7ea_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Xzom5t ]B+9er ;-)[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/77564901@N06/ ]Metalheart-UK[/url], on Flickr

Next question, what width rims??

I agonised over this and went with 35mm, which I would recommend.

My fork is a Pike though.

Next question, what width rims??

For the SolarisMAX I went 35mm. Northwind did a whiney ( 😉 ) B+ is shit thread and Cy popped up saying that after exhastive testing 35mm was the best compromise for weight to tyre profile... plus I have scrapers on the Sherpa and they ain't light!

Next question, what width rims??

I'm running 29mm internal rims.

No pictures to hand, but imagine metalheart's Soul without the layback, with XT discs, and with Crossmax SLRs, and you'd have a near identical bike to mine, even down to the finishing kit! The F-series forks feel like they were made for it.

Funny how we can end up with near identical bikes when at the time they were only sold as frames!

As promised, it arrived and i've built it. I'll make no apologies for not lining my tyre logos up or for the stem spacers, i've not decided how high I want the bars yet. I've left my forks at 160mm to try em out but i'll prob drop em to 150mm next week
[url= https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipNZeYutYcxMWfpSOdA-MvLtCVC7zeMmyn4thAP9 ]PICCY HERE COS GOOGLE PHOTOS WONT LET ME SHARE IT NORMALLY[/url]

Here you go, here's my BFe 27.5 having a rest in the forest.

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Spev

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The requested URL was not found on this server. That’s all we know.

No new BFes yet then?

Right then, lets try this, Bfe, Medium with loads of stem spacers and no lawn (although my wall could do with a repaint)
[img] https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/r0U84E4DSl40jTwdLJ3Prry2lB4dyhnSGjZDbs7FdbR4xX85SeyukwEHQtgR-cQpmBdSe-rGaLBFOaF1UzYfjb6o2GX-egVOfGWyCdHiYV_sKqfhixePnh77nRl4yY7p3WCGO4IZbu0 [/img]

Urgh! I'm lusting after a new BFe, they've finally sorted the issues that were stopping me from upgrading my old blue one 😈

Just fitted a Brand-X 150mm dropper, if it's as smooth and reliable as the previous 120mm one then its another bargain. First ride last sunday was a riot, absolutely mental 🙂
Anyone fitted 26+ to theirs yet?

Ok it's not Friday and not a new bike but I started this thread so I will take the liberty of posting this:

Great to hear a bit of behind the company chat with Cy.

Normal Man - Member
Ok it's not Friday and not a new bike

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4452/23842617528_1a165321f8_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4452/23842617528_1a165321f8_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/CjTDwy ]2017 10 14 BFe 01[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/robpaul/ ]Rob P[/url], on Flickr

BFe/beefy-

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A couple from my recent travels/outtings... (new wheels, does that count? 🙂 )

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4332/37067813132_2a16bc1bf3_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4332/37067813132_2a16bc1bf3_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Ytyeqq ]Looking back to Castlebay (Barra) and the Oban ferry (from Vatersay)[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/77564901@N06/ ]Metalheart-UK[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4413/37067818482_002fd5e1e7_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4413/37067818482_002fd5e1e7_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Ytyg1E ]The finishing point...[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/77564901@N06/ ]Metalheart-UK[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4433/36609495173_ace270ac2e_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4433/36609495173_ace270ac2e_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/XM4esD ]Looking back West somewhere in the Croick Estate[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/77564901@N06/ ]Metalheart-UK[/url], on Flickr

Metalheart what are the XFusion Mcqueens like? I'm thinking of getting some 🙂

Metalheart what are the XFusion Mcqueens like? I'm thinking of getting some

Not really the best person to ask as they're set up pretty firm and they don't really get a thrash due to them being fitted to the b/packing mule... However I think I'd go the extra for the HLR's (mine are the RL2's... I think!) if I was getting again.

IIRC I set them up based at the recommended pressure +5 as they'd be fully loaded. Think I might have backed them off a little after the first ride. After that I've not touched them...

Not had any problems or issues with them though. Work fine for my purposes (definitely like the 34mm stantions).

After much time and mega faffing, I have finally got round to building my Bfe, finished for about a month now.

Enjoying riding again: [url= https://postimg.org/image/1mneg5kfx7/ ][img] https://s1.postimg.org/5nzdujoja7/B51_C3494-2033-4_AAA-9_C06-5_F86_F9_BCF9_CD.jp g" target="_blank">https://postimg.org/image/1mneg5kfx7/ ][img] https://s1.postimg.org/5nzdujoja7/B51_C3494-2033-4_AAA-9_C06-5_F86_F9_BCF9_CD.jp g"/> [/img][/url]]Orange Bfe[/url]

@ gribble - really like that. I love orange bikes but somehow don't own one!! 😯

Solaris with me woofer this arvo...

[img] ?oh=3f731117355ad29bdb0302f5d80bd86c&oe=5A39DC97[/img]

Normal Man - thanks, pleased with the colour. At least it looks ok, even if I am slow...

Here is a picture from earlier this week. Seemed like the right day to share it!! 😆

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Hey, I've done a review of my Solaris, in case anyone's interested...
http://unduro.co.uk/mtb/review-cotic-solaris/

🙂

Solaris being used for some bikepacking tomorrow. Took me ages to get my winter orientated tyres sorted tubeless but now good to go

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Had it a week or so but seeing as it's Friday.....

@ssboggy

Really nice bike.

Not new, not even Friday, but we had a smashing ride out yesterday-

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Corney Fell on the Cotic Flare Max

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4566/27184183259_ebf89c452c_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4566/27184183259_ebf89c452c_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Hqb3AP ]IMG_20171210_131351[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/78699298@N02/ ]NeilH1954[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4516/38245562464_85c8242e72_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4516/38245562464_85c8242e72_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/21gCvgo ]IMG_20171210_131518[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/78699298@N02/ ]NeilH1954[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4591/38245545164_1e4f40384a_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4591/38245545164_1e4f40384a_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/21gCq87 ]IMG_20171210_133329[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/78699298@N02/ ]NeilH1954[/url], on Flickr

I thought I'd share a picture from the best ride I had on the Cotic in 2017.

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Bike pictured with a bridge, New Year's Day ride and show off your Cotic threads all in one pic.

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'New' BFe to replace the old, old BFe.  Only done for the 44mm head tube so I could put the Yari's on.

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Teethgrinder, is that a new Bfe26? If so how and when did you get that? I've had one on order since February...😥

I think he means new to him.

there is a cable stop on the seat tube so definitely not even the last edition never mind properly new

New BFe26s are still on the boat, which is due to dock this weekend. We should start seeing them towards the end of next week or the week after, according to the latest update.

Yup - new to me, not the new, new BFe.

It's a 27.5" frame and forks are 27.5" as well but it has my 26" wheels in from the old, old 26" frame.  Will see how it goes in the big little woods of Chopwell tonight, but looks like loads of clearance for the inevitable mud for later in the year.

It was a toss up between this of a Sick Wulf 4130, but the wait would have meant my HB160 arriving before the Wulf, I think.

Pleased to see this thread get a new lease of life. Especially as there should be some mk4 Solaris owners soon!

Heres mine with HLR McQueens. Having ridden on Pikes and Lyriks for as long as I can remember, these were as easy to set up after i de pressured them first, set slightly lower than the advised set up, they are plush, plenty of adjustment and I think they are stiff enough...

2.8 Maxxis and Hope 35 rims as per Cys recommendation. Its going on holiday to the Swiss Alps tomorrow

Here's mine, a few weeks old now. I'm really happy with it, the longer reach is great for my monkey proportions!

Already posted pictures of this elsewhere on the site, but no harm having one here too I suppose 🙂

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Wondering whether it's worth upgrading to the CC shock. Although it's hard to imagine that the bike could get much better than it is already.

Will attempt to post pictures of my new BFe 650 when I get back tonight and pick it up from the shop. Got tired of waiting for a new 26 frame so just using my old wheels and forks as a stopgap until I can afford a set of pikes and new wheels.

roverpig, im thinking the same thing,the rebound is still a bit quick on the rear shock even on slowest...