[Closed] Full-suss for bigger days

The cotics appear really popular at the moment and do tick a lot of boxes, if you're doing uplifts then the max versions might be of more interest.

Another vote for FlareMAX and RocketMAX.  I used to have a 1st generation FMax and now have a 1st gen RMax.  I only switched between the two as I found the RMax had a more comfortable riding position, but performance wise, they’re very similar to one another.  The FMax was maybe a little more engaging in fast flowy singletrack, but when the speeds got higher in straight line rough descents, the RMax is a bit more confidence inspiring.

However, I don’t know how the latest FMax and RMax ride compared to each other.  I have ridden the new FMax and the medium size felt very similar to my large 1st gen RMax.  I found the seated riding position on the large FMax to be far too stretched out for me.  (I’m normally proportioned 6’ tall).

Ive tried both Cotics with b+ wheelset in, but prefer the more positive edge bite of 29er tyres, so went back to them.  I think there are better b+ tyres about now though.

Another frame I’d suggest is a Specialized Enduro 6Fattie/29.  I took a punt on a 2015 SWorks 29 frame and have been blown away by its versatility - light and comfy enough for all day exploring, but it’s also got an incredible balance of being nimble, playful but also monster truck descender.  If you run the Cane Creek shock and 650b+ wheels on its insanely fast through rough stuff.  I’ve gone back to 29 wheels and Rockshox shock to force me to moderate my speed on shared use paths in the Peak!

Pains me to say it, but ride wise, I think the Enduro knocks spots off my RocketMAX (just can’t bring myself to sell my Cotic though).

My forks and wheels are 27.5", so 29er isn't really an option I'm afraid.

The Aeris is great on the big days. I have a 145lt and with 170mm forks it just swallows everything. Since changing to the LT linkage the bike is more poppy than it was at 145mm travel. Used it at Afan / Cwmcarn / Brechfa for the xc style laps - including a near 50k black / Red day at Brechfa. It’s no whippet up hills but is pretty efficient for such a long travel bike.

At BPW / Windhill / flyup 417 / BMCC it’s a rocket ship. Done so much stuff in it that I wouldn’t have done on my previous 130mm travel trail bike. Only danger is it just wants to go fast and so if you do have a crash it’s a bigger one!

To add, my mate who loves churning out mileage xc and going uphills did 3 runs on the Aeris are BMCC and he had to admit it was probably the most fun he’s had on an mtb.

How much travel are you looking for? Budget? If you already have a hardtail then I think going for a bike with a fair amount of suspension travel makes sense for uplift days and maybe any Alpine holidays you might plan?

The Aeris sounds great, now it has swappable linkages.

Thanks Joe.  I ride with two chaps who own Birds who seem to rate them.  I like the look of the Cotic - steel frames look better I think.  The Bird appears to be a more refined design (rear triangle for example).

Both Bird and Cotic have really long frames - do people ride them long, or are they just buying a smaller size than normal? At 6’ 2” I’m usually an XL, but it looks like I’ll be a L for both.

@raybanwomble - looks like my forks will adjust to down to 130 or up to 180 - so quite a lot of freedom there.  I’m thinking bigger as I don’t really need a bike for the easier stuff.

Hang on are you planning to do a gear swap when you want to ride it?

I ended up with a commencal meta base spec from the sale rack 18 months ago, plenty of fun stuff around that will be a complete bike and way less hassle

Stanton SwitchFS *Cough*

Both Bird and Cotic have really long frames – do people ride them long, or are they just buying a smaller size than normal? At 6’ 2” I’m usually an XL, but it looks like I’ll be a L for both.

Depends how much of a downhill weapon you want it to be. I'm 6ft 3 so normally can go either L or XL in most bikes, if I was buying a new Rocket max as a 2nd, gravity orientated bike then I'd want the full 515mm reach goodness.

My current 140mm trail bike is 495mm reach and is a tiny bit too long for regular trail riding, but I'd want over 500mm reach for a more hardcore enduro machine.

Check the seat tube length too, the cotic is 495mm on the XL, my current bike is 523mm and with a 150mm dropper I have about 30mm post showing, so on the cotic even with a 170mm dropper I'd still have 40mm post showing. With a shorter dropper you'll end up with a lot of seat post showing on the L which has a 460mm seat tube!!! A 150mm dropper for me would have 100mm of part showing.

I ride an ML Aeris 145 and I’m 5’9. I think it’s margjnally longer reach than I’d ideally have - but it’s because I’ve got short arms / short upper body, with longer legs.

I’d say it’s worth you trying to test ride both bikes you’re thinking about and see which makes you smile the most.

Not sure if Nukeproof sell the Mega separately - if they do you could also consider that and an Airdrop Edit.

Just check on compatibility of stuff - not all the bikes above are boost (unless the dot has been updated).

With Bird they are quite a small company and you can literally just ring up for a chat with Ben or Dan about most stuff bike related. That’s really useful from time to time - and they also have full gram spec sheets online with torque figures per bolt quoted which not all manufacturers do. You also get a lifetime frame guarantee which is transferable to a new owner which could be a bonus if you ever upgrade.

Looks of frames - steel vs alloy is totally a personal thing and up to you obviously. I’m guessing the Cotic is quite a bit more expensive than the Bird with a like for like shock.

The rocketmax is about £500 more comparing frames with no shock, so not an obscene amount.

+1 on the demo though, the good thing about both Cotic and Bird is that neither of them have a lack of demo days! Get out there and ride a few bikes.