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I've always liked them, I've seen some second hand ones recently. So I thought I'd look at the geo compared to a modern trail bike, a bird aether.
I don't like sleds so the shorter wheelbase on the flare suits me. Apart from that they're surprisingly similar. If I put a 2 degree angle headset the HA is the same seat tube and chainstays almost the same.
Only big difference is the seat tube angle of 74.5 v 77.
With a angle headset how far off a modern trail bike would it be?
I have no idea but COTIC bikes look the business. I see one at race meetings every now and again, lovely blue with organge forks ridden by a Vet/Gvet... I love it... They looks awesome.
I've never sat on one though of any description.
They were amazing bikes when they came out and they still are.
They rode amazingly well (I had a Rocket 275) and that fact will not have changed despite the hang-ups on having the latest geometry.
Awesome bikes.
Do it.
My XC bike is the soul, but it's set up totally XC, 100mm forks carbon wheels with xc tyres. I absolutely love it.
If I get a flare I'd set it up trail. I love a project too.
One other thing, does anyone know anywhere that supplies touch up paint for cotics? The ones I've seen are pretty battered, understandably.
touch up paint for cotics
Contact them - I think they'll be either able to sell you some (about £10 for my Orange Soul) or tell you what's the best match
I bought a Jeht last year. Took me a few rides to get used to the LLS aspects but now id not want to go back. My hardtail Pace RC129 feels high and unwieldy in comparison so im going to be swapping that for a BFe Max this summer.
The Cotics were pretty forward looking geometry-wise for the time, so whilst by modern standards the Flare can look short/tall/steep, if you don't want long/low/slack but want a cheap fast trail bike it would be ideal.
My other half has had to move onto an e-bike (chronic fatigue) so her Small Flare (275 wheels matte orange in good condition) will need to be moved on this year. Give me a shout if that's your size.
touch up paint for cotics
For current/recent colours, touch up paints can be found here:
https://cotic.co.uk/order/spares/#paint
Paul @ Cotic has a list of third party paints that are a reasonable match for older colours.