Creating some distance from the Bfe
Yes! A good move.
The slackness of the current model was too much for what I wanted and I went elsewhere when looking to upgrade my 2013 Solaris this year.
This would definitely be on my radar if I was looking for a new hardtail in the future
Nice one, could be the perfect "dad bike" - and pretty much the frame this forum had decided they should be making in previous threads about the SolarisMax.
😀
Hmm, looks nice that. Could be on the list, alternative to a Sherpa?
I'm a bit gutted actually. I was toing and froing between a more capable gravel bike or a rigid steel 29er and ended up buying a Cascade.
I like the cascade but reckon I'll ultimatley end up running it with alt bars with a load of back sweep, and this could have swung me away from that (changing bars and other bits). Actually maybe I'm not gutted as I still might not have made a decision....
Why does this get an orange one though and the Cascade colours are so shit!
Shame it's 1x only.
Looks like a perfect evolution to me, same angles, lighter, lower bb (a bit). A non-Matt colour option would be nice, the strong gloss colours of the current gen would be my personal choice. The prototype picture looks fantastic, my size too 🙂
Not convinced by 120mm forks tbh, but then I'm not the really the target market.
The original Solaris I bought in 2011 was my first 29er. It's difficult after this time to separate whether it was the frame or the jump up to 29er wheels (I think its likely it was mostly the wheels), but I was impressed.
Changed it for a 2souls Quarterhorse that could run bigger tyres and *cough* a longer fork.
When the purple version arrives, I am buying.
I loved my 120mm forked Solaris mk2, perfect for trail riding with the odd XC race thrown in.
This bike seems to pick up where that and the mk3 left off.
Applaud Cotic deciding to take it back towards its roots a bit, especially as Cy points out now that there's decent 100-120mm 29er forks again now...
Quite shocked that the reach figures are still so relatively long, and the BB drop is enormous! Cotics have always had high BB's, I'd have thought anything sub 60mm drop would be quite low for them, but they've gone 72/75mm respectively (120 or 100mm fork fitted) which is HUGE! That's mandatory 2.6" tyres and 165mm crank territory I'd say!
‘Soularis’ 👌
“Quite shocked that the reach figures are still so relatively long, and the BB drop is enormous!”
They’re quite sensible numbers for a hardtail quoted at sag - if they were static numbers they would indeed be rather long and low.
It's making me regret buying a SoarisMax.
I was hoping for a 29er Soul which it isn't.
Maybe the new one is a 'dad' bike but that's exactly what I want and I suspect so will a lot of other people.
dawson
The slackness of the current model was too much for what I wanted
It's the same HA as the current one, 66 with a sagged 120 fork
Geometry is the same for the equivalent fork, just lower BB
Scienceofficer
Not convinced by 120mm forks tbh,
Well, those of us that understand hardtail geometry...... 😁😁😁
Anyone going the other way and fancy grabbing the current model before they disappear? Must say I'm tempted.
Anyone going the other way and fancy grabbing the current model before they disappear?
As i posted on the other Solaris thread, I’m really glad I got one of the spangly Froggatt Green mk3 SolarisMAX’s the start of the year. I find a 140mm fork upfront and 65 deg HA works for best me. The mk2 was a revelation for me and it felt like “This Is what I’ve been looking for!” as soon as i tried it. I took the new one (mk3) down the Fungle and round Baudy Meg the other week and had the best ride I’d had in ages, just loved it. So I personally am sad to see it go (I’ve never really wanted a BFe, as it seems to really be what people are accusing the Max to be).
Knowing Cotic it will be a great riding bike for those looking for that type of bike.
I replaced a FlareMAX with a Jeht so I guess that’s a fair indication of where my preferences lie.
Shame it’s 1x only.
Also no V-brake mounts. I'm out.
is the SolarisMAX being discontinued?
My first SolarisMax (V1) was my favourite. Probably too small (on cusp o M and L, always go M on HT) but it was a riot on 27x2.8 tyres. I never quite liked my Mk2 as much but still rode it best part of 2000km before handing it on to my daughter. It has a 120mm fork on it now and is built pretty light.
The new one is interesting. Like a poster up there, my first 29 was the original Solaris (Cy's demo in fact, I went to ride a 26inch rocket at a demo day and tried the 29er while I was there). Pretty much converted me to bigger wheels even if I did go down the chubby rabbithole (!) for a few years.
I'd love a lightweight 29er with a shorter but decent fork for riding local woods/FoD etc. But no way I could justify having two HTs and - if pushed - I'd probably choose my burly Scout build over a new Solaris.
I’m just waiting to hear back from Cotic on sizing then I’m going to be ordering one. The Solaris Max is a great bike and looks great in Hubble Purple but I think this new Solaris will suit me a bit better.
Shame about the colour choices though.
jameso
Well I want one anyway
Me too, but I seem to want every new steel hatdtail that comes out
stevie750
is the SolarisMAX being discontinued
It's essentially the same bike, minus the "Max" naming. And not recommended for 140 forks.
This is the Solaris that has piqued my interest the most. I'm on a Mk1 one, the original one, and it's still ridden a lot. The previous Solaris versions have been a bit burly/hardcore for me. I'd want to be able to put a rigid fork on it or be able to just pootle around, this looks great
but I seem to want every new steel hatdtail that comes out
Thing is, I don't - I just think this one gets so much right if it has the geometry and tube weight right in the way it seems to. It might seem a clash for some but for me it'd be bob-on. External cables and the seat bolt finish it off. It's a bit like the Scalpel HT - light and quick on a great geometry with a short fork - but isn't carbon.
It’s essentially the same bike, minus the “Max” naming. And not recommended for 140 forks.
Yeah, but i get enough pedal strikes as it is (I ride in there Cairngorms and the Grampian, there’s a lot of rocks and ruts to batter off of) and want to run 140’s….
I’m also in no doubt there is a market for this new bike.
I also had a mk1 SolarisMAX (first one of the first batch, its on their website somewhere as the spec was off-piste) built with 650B 2.8/3.0” tyres. I built purely for bikepacking, 165 crank double, 60mm stem, 120mm forks, no dropper. I also had a Sherpa NextGen also with 650B/3.0” rubber but 100mm forks. The Cotic was a brilliant bikepacker mule but the Stanton was much the better bike for the woods.
The mk2 completely changed my riding, and it make me ride the Sherpa harder too.
Maybe if I was riding woods more again I might change my mind.
Or if I didn’t already have a SodaMAX for b/p duties…
Also no V-brake mounts. I’m out.
😀😀😀
My aversion to 1x is mainly the cost of cassettes to give me a wide enough gear range (although I also hate big gaps between gears) & narrow / wide chainrings. I quite like the look of the frame otherwise.
In answer to the SolarisMAX question:
However, once these are sold through they're gone, so you'll need to get on the list for a new Solaris. If you want a 130-140 fork, you'll need to get on the BFeMAX.
It looks lovely. If I hadn’t replaced my mk1 solaris with a light build max a couple of years ago, I’d be replacing it with this. Love the look of things like the Holt but I think having got used to the Max as an xc bike I might not want to go back to steeper geometry
Details are interesting-
Quite surprised the iscg has stayed on, that would presumably save a bit more weight? That said, I just don’t like it on mine because it’s a mud trap. Also quite surprised about the PM brake, I was always under the impression Cotic preferred the IS for steel.
The under down tube bolts have gone too. Feedback that they weren’t being used? I’d probably have used them about once a year if I had them but would have been quite glad they were there.
I think the PM rear is because it shares some tubing and dropouts with the Cascade which is flat mount, they talk in the blurb about it
I'd prefer mounts under and on top of the TT than the downtube.
It’s the same HA as the current one, 66 with a sagged 120 fork
Geometry is the same for the equivalent fork, just lower BB
this,
it's a tiny bit shorter for the largest size, and there's an in between size, C4 that woud sit between large and XL solarismax. so really the only changes are that it's got different dropouts and a much lower BB.
This looks really lovely, and its quite nice seeing some modern but classic woodsy singletrack kinda bikes again (The Fairlight Holt also springs to mind).This is the kind of thing I could see moving all the gear from my Scandal onto.
But please can it come in that lovely red the BFeMax has please please please.
Still too long for my taste, bring back XC bikes!
Still too long for my taste, bring back XC bikes!
If you ask around a few flat roof pubs locally, you could probably buy my Mk1 that was nicked 😪
The Fairlight Holt also springs to mind
They're a lovely looking frame, just a shame they went with a 27.2mm seatpost.
However, once these are sold through they’re gone, so you’ll need to get on the list for a new Solaris. If you want a 130-140 fork, you’ll need to get on the BFeMAX.
thats sad. Isnt the BFe Max made out of slightly worse (if thats the correct term) steel so a bit more flexy?
BFe is 631, not as fancy a steel I terms of how it's heat treated and the like, so not as light. Certainly not flexy, it's a really comfortable and well sorted frame.
Cotic have the bfe frames discounted at the moment, which is very tempting, and probably means a new one of those is on the way as well.
is the SolarisMAX being discontinued?
I hope not. My Max is set up with a 140 and its perfect. Being able to take a 140 is what makes the bike so versatile I could rebuild it in the future and make it "more xc" if i wanted. I have done everything on it local trails, wales trips even 90k/100k ride that I would normally take my gravel bike on.
I thought about frame swapping to a Bfe last summer but the fact the solairs is full 853 which gives it such a better feel.
BFe is 631
Cotic aren’t using 631… little point. BFe & BFeMAX both use an 853 downtube.
Was thinking of the older one, I think... BfeMax is a mix of their own tubes and 853, right?
I hope not. My Max is set up with a 140 and its perfect. Being able to take a 140 is what makes the bike so versatile I could rebuild it in the future and make it “more xc” if i wanted. I have done everything on it local trails, wales trips even 90k/100k ride that I would normally take my gravel bike on
Although for me that's almost exactly what I'm looking for and is what is missing from the Cotic lineup nowadays.
Shame it’s 1x only.
It has M5s on the DT so you can probably pop a cable on with clips and have a Shimano sideswing on it? Cable run might not be 100% perfect but they're great FDs. I'd be tempted to go that way if it worked and the 2x chainset cleared. Highly uncool I know.
I’d be tempted to go that way if it worked
Ah, good idea, assuming that they haven't done anything weird with the tube profile and a band on mech will fit. I'd probably just use zipties 🙂
you can probably pop a cable on with clips and have a Shimano sideswing on it?
This certainly works on the mk2 SolarisMAX/SodaMAX. Checking, the stealth routing sits below the (high) band of the front mech and with all them bolts no problem for cable clips.
Wonder why the website states 1X only for the new one…🤷🏻♀️
BFe is much stiffer and snappier (in a good way) according to the HardtailPArty review.
Solaris is the compliant, comfortable, forgiving option.
This certainly works on the mk2 SolarisMAX/SodaMAX
and the website at the time said those bikes were 2x compatible. I've just taken delivery of a cascade and was wondering why its only 1x compatible. the bb shell isn't wider, its still boost at the back so I guess it must be chainstay length.
The cascade is getting built up flat bar and I've got a spare 2x chainset, sideswing and rear shifter, so might give it a go.
£849. Hmmm.
£849. Hmmm.
Hmmmm... quite an increase over the old one.
Hmmmm… quite an increase over the old one.
And makes the likes of Stooge look extra value for money as they comes with a rather spiffing fork.
I was all set to pre order a frame but the colour choices were holding me back.
Now I'm having second thoughts...
Do I just go with the new Solaris and ignore the crappy colour choices?
Do I stick with my current Soalris Max?
Do I just say too hell with it and go for a Flare Max?
Tough choices!
Edit: A bit of a curveball choice, what about a Mason Raw??
is there much difference between the solaris and solaris max to warrant the upgrade? But if I was after a short travel full suspension bike the flare would be up there. Rear shock options are the downside for me. Done the CaneCreek thing not going back.
Do I just go with the new Solaris and ignore the crappy colour choices?
Do I stick with my current Soalris Max?
I'd be reluctant to spend that much on a frame based on a digital render of the colour, though I suspect I'd like them both IRL.
If they're not for you, stick with your current frame until they add something that's more up your street?
Wonder how well this is selling, as it's such a strong proposition from them, but the worst possible time to launch a bike.
Do I just go with the new Solaris and ignore the crappy colour choices?
I like the colour options...
Edit: A bit of a curveball choice, what about a Mason Raw??
At nearly twice the price. It was on my list but I'm not keen on the colours.
Much harder to justify the extra cost then.
Wonder how well this is selling, as it’s such a strong proposition from them, but the worst possible time to launch a bike.
Not ordered yet.
At nearly twice the price. It was on my list but I’m not keen on the colours.
Much harder to justify the extra cost then.
I had this when the Bokeh first came out, I spent ages trying to justify the cost and tried both a Singular Kite and a Kinesis Tripster rather than buying the Bokeh.
I still ended up with the Bokeh and it was far better than either of the others and it would have saved men a fortune just getting the Bokeh straight away...
I don't plan om doing that again!
Luckily, I can afford the Mason and I can justify the price to myself by saving money rather than chopping and changing bikes to get what I wanted in the first place!
It is blooming pricey for the frame though.
but the worst possible time to launch a bike
Timing wasn’t planned… the SolarisMAX sold out in medium, and wanted to be able to give straight answers to people asking when there would be more. A spring launch with photos couldn’t wait.
As for prices… welcome to 2023. Want a great bike at a much lower price…? Grab a BFeMAX while they are on offer before the move. I have. I’ve gone Fast Red… so pick one of the other colours if you’re local, to avoid beer garden confusion. Ta.
I've just noticed that the Cascade has been discounted now as well.
A flat bar Cascade could be an interesting option. Looking at the geometry, it's not a million miles away from my old Pivot LES hardtail!
Yup, just need to get the right brakes.
Flat mount rear is easy enough to get hold of, I'd be running 120mm SIDs so normal post mount front to go with it.
Not sure how it would ride with the flat bar though, that's the main worry.
Would be fine, but not with 120 SiDs. They’d need dropping to 100 I think.
Ah, I’m not sure they can be reduced so that may rule that one out.
Interesting *how* long this new bike is compared to similar frames from only the last couple of years.
Those frames are different sizes Matt. The “C5” size is mostly for riders that would have ridden an “XL”. The “C3” & “C4” sizes are for those that would have gone “Large”.
Ah, I have updated link to C4 and C3.
Handy. Thanks.
I had this when the Bokeh first came out, I spent ages trying to justify the cost and tried both a Singular Kite and a Kinesis Tripster rather than buying the Bokeh.
I still ended up with the Bokeh and it was far better than either of the others and it would have saved men a fortune just getting the Bokeh straight away…
:0)
Had one and sold it in less than a year.
To be fair it was nice on the right terrain. I'd just prefer a MTB where I am or alternatively to be on my road bike offroad accepting the full compromise. It was an itch that had to be scratched.
For me the RAW only has the seat tube bottle mount over the Solaris which I hope I can fit two bottles on the smaller sizes on the downtube anyway.
For me the RAW only has the seat tube bottle mount over the Solaris which I hope I can fit two bottles on the smaller sizes on the downtube anyway.
The more I think about it, the more I’m thinking I might as well stick with what I’ve got.
I fancy a change of bike but not just for the sake of it.
As I said earlier, I was fancying a Solaris to replace the Max but looking at the Cotic website reveals the Max frame is the same weight as the Cascade and though they are being coy about the exact weight of the Solaris, I can't believe it's that much less .
though they are being coy about the exact weight of the Solaris, I can’t believe it’s that much less .
I think I red that the new Solaris would be approx 100g lighter than the Max, depending on size.
I was quite surprised that the Cascade was the same weight as the Solaris Max!
Anyone happy to know the frame weight for a large Gen 2 Solaris?
I know what mine weighs as a complete bike, but not frame only. Curious!
Think it was 2.65kg
Ta. Is that lighter than current versions then?
I keep being tempted with these never models, but not sure how much I'd gain. Longer reach would be nice and the additional mounts works be useful. Ability to run wider tyres also. But would cost loads to change wheels and forks to boost. Dropper post too.
A flat bar Cascade could be an interesting option. Looking at the geometry, it’s not a million miles away from my old Pivot LES hardtail
I'm running drops on mine at the moment but bought some on one OG bars to try out. Wanted to try bars with loads of back sweep for a while now, and was going to on my old mk2 Solaris, but reckon it'll work nice on the Cascade. I'm running rigid carbon forks on mine though.
So wish they did an orange Cascade. Any orange would have done.
But would cost loads to change wheels and forks to boost
Generic boost adaptors cost about a tenner.
Cascade is same weight as SolarisMAX because of all the bosses. It has to have the same thickness down tube as the MAX because of all the bosses (the new Solaris has a thinner tube which is where some of the weight is saved) and all the M5 screws that go in those bosses. There are 21 bosses on a Cascade. 21 M5 screws and bosses for them weigh quite a lot!
For those of you who have the SolarisMAX and love it 140, that's ace. Glad you're on board. However, for the vast majority of customers and builds, we're building them with 120 forks, and we have a 140 bike in the range (which really works better with 140s because it retains it's seat angle). So, that's how we're splitting it. It is much more in line with the bike we originally built, and we missed it. And the BB being lower works fine. We have a Climb Of Truth on my local loop, and if a bike won't get up that without clonking it's pedals all the time, then it's too low. The new Solaris is just fine on that climb, with my 170 cranks and maaaahooosive flat pedals.
As for building the Cascade with flat bars, it's totally doable, and will ride nice, if a little old school. You'll need something like a 90mm stem to run flat bars size-for-size against one of the mountain bike frame range.
As for price, take the current SolarisMAX price, do the percentage difference between the dollar exchange rate in Jan 22 and now, and see where you get to.....
As for building the Cascade with flat bars, it’s totally doable, and will ride nice, if a little old school. You’ll need something like a 90mm stem to run flat bars size-for-size against one of the mountain bike frame range.
In fact here's one I made earlier:
all the kit moved straight over from my solarismax - just needed flat to post adaptors for the front and rear which wok great with 180mm discs.
