Cheeers for the pics, managed to get a quick look at the first XL shot before it disappeared but can't see any of the others now, is it just me or is it a hosting issue?
My initial posts on page 7 still work for me. Don't know why they don't on page 8.
improved colour scheme
Only if you're trying to stop people stealing it!
(I liked the green)
Fixed it
If you want alternate cable fixings, then these look like they should fit:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ragley-cable-guide-kit/rp-prod104665
I don't have any experience, but they might be more secure.
I don't understand why a new cable should be so kinky though. I can see why hydraulic hose might be a problem though.
Andykirk - I like the blue 🙂
Thanks the00. It's grey.
No, it's black and gold 😉
Switched mine from 27.5 boost Pike 140mm to a Fox 34 29 boost 130mm
[url= https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1895/44376392382_4f1ea20b8b_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1895/44376392382_4f1ea20b8b_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2aBoBpu ]Solaris MAX on 'proper' 29in fork[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexleigh/ ]Alex Leigh[/url], on Flickr
I’m not sure I can tell the difference. Front end is 10mm higher (due to a-c difference) but I just removed a headset spacer. Fox isn’t quite as good as the pike but in local woods, I was having such a good time I hardly noticed!
Absolutely love this bike. Ridden my RipMo once since I built this. Had a great trip to Quantocks and a few full on days in the FoD. And when the slop comes, I can fit my spare 29 wheels in that fork.
Took mine over the Burma road and the Goat Track into Carrbridge today. I’d to stop on the way down off the Burma Road and wind off all the HSC circuit on the McQueens which are now working better (dropped 10 psi, could probably lose another 5...).
ive put 500+ kms on the mk1 bikepacking last couple weeks so great to get the new one back out.
im loving both versions atm.
Still enjoying mine. Out yesterday on it's first wet ride. Forgot how slippy polished chalk is. It still suprises me with how quick and stable it is. Booking onto an uplfit day at BPW and A417- never done a trail centre on a HT (Swinley excluded..).
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Love the lock of that build.
Had a demo on one last week and I've done some words, definitely gonna get one now...
http://unduro.co.uk/mtb/cotic-demo-day-solarismax-and-flaremax/
Good write up that.
I bought a M Mk1 FlareMax when Cy reckoned I should have got a L (I’m 5ft11 but short-legged). Just got a 150mm post in it. Rode in 90% Chubby all over the place and it was a great bike. Sold it because I’m an idiot with too many bikes. The new one looks great but no room in the shed for another FS.
I’ve had both the MK1 solarismax and now a MK2. Again both Medium and the MK1 was a bit small (it’s actually my daughters) but I’m really happy with the M MK2. I could have gone L but I can run a 170mm post and I prefer the smaller frame.
It’s kept my other really nice bikes in the shed. Taken it to some rocky places as well. Doing a classic black mountains loop on it tomorrow so be interesting how that compares to the many times I’ve ridden the route on various FS.
The Rekon’s aren’t quite man enough, especially on the front. For winter I’m not going 29, I think a 2.6 Magic Mary and something similar sized on the back is a better/cheaper option. It’s crying out for a Pike 140 tho..
Alex, how are the Rekon’s on the back?ive been running a Ranger on the bikepacker but it’s getting worn. I just happen to have a Rekon kicking about, fit it or get something a bit chunkier you reckon....?
It’s kept my other really nice bikes in the shed. Taken it to some rocky places as well. Doing a classic black mountains loop on it tomorrow so be interesting how that compares to the many times I’ve ridden the route on various FS.
How did it go? I was amazed how well the demo bike coped with Grizedale.
The mk2 with plus wheels has kind-of rekindled "riding in the woods for fun" for me and the new one seems to kick that up several notches.
It was great. There’s a pedal section near the end of lots of rocks which got a bit old, but the rest of the ride was brilliant. Good conditions helped. Had a lot of fun picking better lines than my normal plough though, and it’s amazing how well the bike will go if you trust it.
Still want a bigger fork tho 🙂
[url= https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1901/44248769415_92ac70d1c1_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1901/44248769415_92ac70d1c1_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2aq7vxv ]Classic Black Mountains Loop - Oct 2018[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexleigh/ ]Alex Leigh[/url], on Flickr
What fork do you have now? I found the 130mm X-fusion one on the demo bike OK but it didn't feel as nice as my the Luftkappe-d Pike on my Solaris or the Fit4 Fox 34 on my Smuggler.
Think I'll put the 34 on the Solaris, as it's light and 140mm and the damping's really lively.
It’s a Fox 34 Float 130- Grip damper. It’s a fin fork, but I just prefer the pike...
chakaping - your SolarisMAX review is pretty much my view too, almost word for word, it’s a an incredible hardtail and has so much stability and speed. Had a great 25 miles around Glentress today such a fun bike and don’t feel utterly battered.
Probably the best best bike I’ve built up and I’ve built a few, love how it climbs, decends well, handling just spot on.
I’d given up on hardtails as didn’t really get on with them, so hadn’t ridden them for a few years, tried the SolarisMAX at Ardrock after the STW review, so pleased with the SolarisMAX
Good to hear that. Do you have it set up 29er or B-plus?
B-plus HR-II 2.8 Rear and Front.
B+ for me. The Rekon+ are getting a bit tired so I’ll swap them for something a bit more meaty as the trails go to slop.
Last week I got a pair of HR2 2.8s (dual compound rear and 3C front) for £100 posted from bikecomponents.de
Hardly small change still, but seemed like a pretty good deal to me.
Got to buy the frame to go with them now really, haven't I?
I see a few of you have swapped between 29eer & 650b+..
I've got 29ers 2.3'' on Hope Enduro rims. It's been great, but wondering about trying 650b+ on this bike.
Only ever ridden '+' wheels on a rigid, so not sure what it would be like on a hardtail, especially this one..
Any comparison would be interesting to hear!
From using both on the mk2 Solaris, they feel really different - it really is a two-bikes-in-one thing.
B-plus = lower BB so much more stable, waaaay more cornering grip (when it's dry-ish), more playful feel
Yet to ride mine on 29. Doubt I'll bother now you can get some aggressive 27.5x2.6, The BB is quite low (exp with 175mm cranks) but I prefer HT on chubby rubber.
My mk1 SolarisMAX has 2.8/3.0 WTB B+ and is set up for bikepacking.
i done a fair bit on this year, including the Affric Kintail Way and the cracking descent off Bealach Dubh (the side of Ben Alder) twice this year fully luggaged up. It’s been brilliant. I’ve also ridden the B+ Stanton ( 2.8” HR2/DHR2 on scrapers) around the puffer course quite a few times recently, masses of grip.
the new SolarisMAX has 29er on XM481s/HR2 & Ardent. It feel’s significantly faster than the other two. As I need to get the Sherpa back wheel boostinatored I’ve not done a direct comparison. I miss the cushion and grip but accept the speed trade off.
I’ve ridden my Mk2 for 80km this week so far. 40km in the Brecons and two rides in and around the FoD. Not sure my ageing skeleton would have managed than on a non plus, stiff hard tail! Anyway with the slop just around the corner, I’m going to make some changes
- rather than buy a new fork, I’m going to swap the Fox Float 34 for the X-Fusion McQueen on my Mk1, extend it to 140mm. 130mm on the MK1 might be a bit much but it gives me a good excuse to ride it again/
- Swap the tyres from worn Rekon+ 2.8s. Dithering over a Magic Mary/Nobby Nic 2.6 combo or a DHR/DHF 2.6. I prefer the MM as a winter tyre and if Schwalbe made a 2.6 Hans Damf I’d probably go that way. Could of course have a MM front/DHR back but that just feels wrong! Maxxis I think, seen a pair for around £80.
- Shorter cranks. I’m dithering again on this one. I have some lovely 175mm XTRs I bought cheap (ish!) a while back but I do get quite a few pedal strikes. If I go shorter, I’m going 165 probably XT as CRC have a set on offer.
Even so the tyres/cranks will be cheaper than buying a decent boost rear hub and spokes to rebuild my non boost rear wheel on my spare set of 29s.
I think ‘keeping it chubby’ with 2.6s is the right way to go.
Alex, when you say swapping from 2.8 to 2.6, is the 2.6 still 650b+? Seems a fairly small tyre. Wouldn't that in essence make the bike a 650b?
I'm going to keep my eyes out for some Plus wheels and run them as spares. Problem is my front fork is a 29er, not the boost variant, so a little less clearance.
I’m not sure what the definition of 650b+ is any more. But I have 41mm rims so a 2.6 will come up nice and chubby. The option is to get the 2.8 DHF/HR combo as there is room for them (I have a boost fork) but I’m wondering how much difference there will be.
I have a mate with a 2.6 butcher he’s going to lend me so I’ll set that up and do some measuring before I buy any new tyres.
Schwalbe made a 2.6 Hans Damf I’d probably go that way.
I think they do make one, Alex.... https://www.rushcycles.co.uk/m10b112s546p7518/SCHWALBE-Hans-Dampf-27-5-inch-x-2-6-inch-Addix-Apex-Speedgrip-Snakeskin-2019
and the Butcher comes up pretty small. Mine is 2.4 on a 30mm internal rim.
@mcc- thanks for that. Good to know. I’m still not sure which way to go tho...
Right after further ditheration, I’ve gone with the frankly monstrous Magic Mary 2.8 (blue stripe) which somehow makes the similar sized DHF look like a racing slick. I’m sure it’s going to be as draggy as hauling a dead bear behind me on the climbs, but I’m hoping it’ll have enough grip to stop me smacking one of the many trees on our already muddy trails.
To compensate (possibly over compensate), the rear is getting a 2.6 Maxxis Forekaster. Read a few reviews and seemed to be an equivalent of a Hans Dampf. Could have gone with one of those (or even a NN as the new 2.6s seems a bit more winter friendly) but decided on the Maxxis as a) never had one before and I intend to try every tyre in the world at some point and b) it was £35 posted.
Sticking with the 175 cranks at the moment and we’ll see how the pedal strikes go. Shall post a pic once they’re on.
Oh and different brands on the wheels is a first for me (like cross play and radials on the same axle for us old people) but they’ll both be brown for four months so I reckon I can swing it.
Real test will be can I ride these through the autumn winter and not have to rebuild my rear 29 on a boost hub.
Sounds interesting Alex! What forks are your unning to clear that sort of tyre (Pike or Fox 34)?
Definitley interested in trying something like that.
Mudguards have gone on my Solaris and I've been out mudplugging. Best thing so far is the tyre clearance. Haven't had to stop to clear the back out.
One of the reasons I sold my Smuggler was - even on Arch MKIII rims and 2.3 tyres - it didn’t take much mud to jam between the stays, or the back of the mudguard. I’m hoping for none of that this year even with the paddle steamer I’ve got out back!
I’m currently running a Fox 34 29 Boost, but I’m going to swap for my X-Fusion McQueen which even tho it’s badged as a 27.5 fork has a longer A-C than the Fox and more room under the arch to get a big tyre and decent mudguard in. I’ve had a set of 2.8 Nobby Nic in there with lots of room to spare so I’m pretty confident there won’t be an issue.
frankly monstrous Magic Mary 2.8
I didn't know they did one that big it must look huge, what rim width are these on?
38 internal/42 external 🙂
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[url= https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1958/31709901018_430ca3c9d4_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1958/31709901018_430ca3c9d4_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
Fitted and ridden. The MM is massive but it’s not that draggy in the SpeedGrip compound. The Forekaster feels like a pretty quick tyre, not as quick as the Rekon+ it replaced,
Conditions were a bit greasy after some rain yesterday and some more while we were riding. The MM is immense. I’m sure it’s slowing the rotation of the earth! So much grip, so much confidence. The FK is surprisingly grippy as well. I wasn’t sure it’d have the chops in loose conditions but it held a line on some off camber nastiness thats had me sliding down the hill on Rekons.
We’ll see how they go in the proper slop. First ride out tho, very impressed.
Still need to put the longer fork on.
Well, that’s my one moved on...
one in one out rule... 😉
Fitted some Surly Krampus forks for the winter. Long rigid forks like this looks a bit goofy, but the bike rides very nicely.
I chose these over carbon forks for the fit and forget reliability, and they are covered in bosses for bike backing etc.
These forks have a bit more offset than my Pikes, and they're a fair bit shorter too. The handling is very natural and nice.
So finally extended my X-Fusion McQueens to 140mm. Are they better than the Fox Float 130s? No idea it was so filthy
<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;">[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4859/30889563917_bf63ca70e8_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4859/30889563917_bf63ca70e8_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/P4B6be ]Solaris Max[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexleigh/ ]Alex Leigh[/url], on Flickr</span>
The 2.8 MM is brilliant tho. Grippiest tyre ever. Means I feel confident I can run chubby all winter. ForeKaster on the rear isn’t as good but it rolls fast and slips about in an amusing manner.
I stuck the 130s on my daughters Mk1. This is not my garage I hasten to add! Had a quick blast up and down the road and it felt so much fun. I need to ride that bike again. Maybe not on those tyres tho unless it dries up.
[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4818/45104672654_7dbdc9a22d_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4818/45104672654_7dbdc9a22d_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2bHKeKU ]Solaris Max[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexleigh/ ]Alex Leigh[/url], on Flickr
Thanks to this thread I've got a lovely dark metal frame on the way!
Need to find a set of forks and decide on what size wheels to use first. What is everyone running? Are you preferring 27.5+ or 29 so far?
29er Pike RCT3 with Hope Tech Enduro Hoops. Front none boost & rear boost.
Not had a chance to try 27.5+ but as a 29er it is so competent that I can't think what 27.5+ would add.
Good to hear, was thinking of using 29 first. I’ve got a pair of boost hub wheels coming so just need a fork now.
Would love another Mattoc in 29 flavour if I can find a pair for reasonable money.
I've had mine since Xmas and been running the 29er wheels from my full suss in it with 2.5WT shorty/DHF combo.
Not the fastest rolling tyres but comfy with 20psi and a huck norris in the rear.
I too planned on 27.5+ set up, got a hope 35w rear wheel but don't have the front yet, but I've been in no rush as its been riding well in 29.
The slack front end and long wheelbase makes it super confident for steep off piste riding.
I'm serially tempted to demo a rocket max as I'm so impressed with the feel of the longshot geo.
Are you preferring 27.5+ or 29 so far?
I wouldn't like to say which I prefer, both are great, but I'll probably ride 29in more - especially in the wetter months.
Would love another Mattoc in 29 flavour if I can find a pair for reasonable money.
I actually have one BNIB that I was going to return to CRC, send me a message on here if you're interested.
Thanks for the advice, 29 it is!
The full sus is 27.5 so it will be nice to have a change.
Mine is still in the build phase but already thinking it’s going to be worth the wait, 140 x- fusion maclaren, Carbon hoops on hope hubs (29er), 800m bars, Michelin wild enduro F&R, 170 x fusion dropper, sram gx dub boost and sram guide rs. Big summer days in the Alps beckon ! 😁
I’ve not ridden my 29 yet. I love it 27.5 with ^^ those tyres. Ridden in loads of slop and it’s absolutely fine. I like 29er bikes a lot, but the Solaris is so much fun on chubbies and I reckon they cushion my aged and decrepit spine a bit…
Now have a 170mm dropper on it. Back out in the mud tomorrow…
27+ on mine and I love it, no idea on when or if I will try 29.
29er for me. I've been 29er only for a long time, and this bike can take big 29er tyres so I really don't feel that plus has much to offer. I would be interested to compare one day, but not to buy some wheels.
My bike's first trip to BPW today, and it was indomitable.
There's a nice SolarisMAX LS in the classifieds 😉
If people want to try a medium on 29'' to compare to the 27.5+, feel free to have a go on mine.
Based near Didcot with the Ridgeway close by.
I just sent that advert link to my mate who rode mine yesterday (he has a Mk1) and he loved it.
It was pretty sloppy yesterday and having a HT, with brilliant tyres and no suspension bearings to worry about, was absolutely perfect.
Oh and @bungalastic that’s a lovely build. Nice moody photo as well.
Alex- no problem with the 27.5+ in the mud? I had a set on an old bike and found they floated too much in mud, wheres as 29er cut through it. I guess it's pressure, tyre and mud type sensitive though.
I thought the same. My Rekon’s were as sketchy as anything. I was skeptical but the MM 2.8 dispelled that worry. Three of us are running ‘winter chubs’, all on MM On the front and we’re all really happy with them.
The Forest does get properly slippy so they aren’t going to stop you sliding about, but they seem to be as good as other mates running 2.3 DHFs, MMs etc.
I run mine at 13R/12F. It seems made they grip but they really do!
More importantly though Alex, what mudguard are you using on the front?
My 2.8in HR is contacting my Rockguardz one under compression.
Some folk find the 27.5+ is just a little too low when compared with the 29er; depends very much on where you ride but if there are big rocks about, be prepared for crank/pedal strikes. It's a marginal difference on the SolarisMax but is noticeably worse on the Flare. Both are probably better built up with 170mm cranks, rather than 175.
I'm running DHF/DHR combo in 2.8 flavour and I don't think they're any worse than the same tyres in 29x2.5. Not exactly a boggy mess in The Lakes but places like Ae forest and Dent can get pretty muddy this time of year and they've been fine. Took a while to get used to though.
@chakaping: it’s a Mudhugger - the Enduro (long) one I think. There’s loads of room in that X-Fusion fork. I have a similar issue to you on my Pikes on another bike.
@highlandman Agree on 170mm cranks, mine are 175mm as they are what I had. Not really had too many strikes but not much rock in the Forest. I do keep hitting stumps tho but that’s just incompetence 🙂
@bungalistic - I’m surprised how well they roll. And I do like the cushioning. I know some people hate that soft/is it going to roll off the rim feeling, but one of the blokes I ride with is pretty aggressive and seems to get on fine. It is strange going back to non chubby.
Interesting - 27.5 plus working in the mud .. I went 29 for versatility having had a winter on laughably inappropriate plus tyres on a Charge Cooker (and knowing I could only afford 1 wheelset) and with wide rims & 2.3 tyres I'd kind of solved the comfy ride and grip of Plus question...
Seems either works pretty damn well. Will go Plus one day for the hell of it as it was so much fun in summer.
@chakaping: it’s a Mudhugger – the Enduro (long) one I think. There’s loads of room in that X-Fusion fork. I have a similar issue to you on my Pikes on another bike.
Cheers, mine is on a boost Fox 34. I reckon I'll just have to revert to the Enduro Guard and wear glasses more.
I've probably said this already on this thread, but I'm really pleased with the "two bikes in one" thing - there's a genuine and useful difference between the 29in and B-plus set-ups IMO.
So finally got my SolarisMAX built, went out for ride Thursday, crashed and managed to snap the derailleur hanger bolt....typical!
Emailed Cotic but they’re away for the weekend and looks like they’re out of stock of the hangers at the moment. Does anyone what the spec of the bolt is as there seems to be a few x12 options out there?
I'll ask…
Thanks kelvin!
I've had my eye on a dark metal frame for a bit, but just discovered they're sold out/discontinued in Large which has thrown me a bit. Like the black but was keen for a change as all my other bikes are black. Anyone got pics of a red one built up?
I had the same dilemma as you, I've ordered a Black one in the end.
Not my bike but this is a red one built up:
some pictures of red ones here:
https://www.mexinsta.com/hashtag/coticsolarismax
Edge85 - that's bad luck, but sounds like the bolt worked as designed and saved the frame and the mech. Hopefully the hanger is ok too. It's a Syntace X-12 hanger, and the bolt you need is type 1. Like this:
Thanks slackboy... also pics of the Dark Metal on there.. So much nicer than the red.
Cotic tell me there's a new colour in the pipeline, so I think I'll bide my time a bit.
Got to say none of the colours really did it for me, dark metal was the safe option.
Looks classy and all that but I would have preferred something a bit more cheerful.
Can't see the red sticking around. Bit too far the other way!
Thanks the00. I might just order a couple of those but was unsure if the whole bolt was threaded as there isn't any threads on the frame, just on the hanger. I managed to loose the top half of the screw in the crash so no idea what it looks like!
I also think its a very good design as in theory you should only ever have to carry a spare bolt instead of the whole hanger.
Paul says 28mm bolt.
Thanks kelvin! I’ve ordered a couple of those bolts the00 linked which should fit and will order a spare hanger when Cotic are back in stock.
Still not ridden mine on 29er wheels
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We did one night ride when it ‘drying mud’ and three of us with plus bikes really struggled (even with Magic Mary’s up front). But apart from that, they’ve been fine. I still think this is the best colour, but I am biased…
Loving mine on the 29ners in the winter. Have a set of 2.8 chubby Nobby NICs also but found them very slow. Good in the woods on dry trails but that's about it.
Anyone tried a set of 27.5 2.6s tyres. Have a set of Wtb so interested to see how they fair.
