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Ok, I'm decided on buying a Cotic, it's just a question of which one... The Soul, or the BFe?
I'll mostly be riding trail centres, plus some natural stuff, but I used to do a lot of jumping and DH so would like to be able to run it down a black run, or maybe even Fort William if the desire took me.
What crazy things have you folks done on your Cotics?
Nowt - wish I'd got a soul 🙂
Joking sort of, the Bfe is good fun and a great price, so don't regret it particularly. But I think you really need to know how to throw the bike around to get the most out of it (I don't really).
I got the Soul down most of fort william just fine, though it was slow going. Had some good fun at Innerleithen too, it never seemed to notice. But if you want a downhilly bike, it's the BFe, the Soul's not fragile but the BFe's built for more sustained beatings. In fact it was built for exactly what you describe.
I have a BFe and love it... took it to Afan and Cwncarn last weekend and it ate it up.
To be fair the climbs felt a bit of a slog, but as soon it turned downhill the BFe was in it's element. I run mine with a set of Pikes. Set it to 100-120mm for the climbs, and wind it out to 140mm for the decents. Although I'd probably change them for a set that do 120-160mm if I had the money.
On flat single track it's not the fastest - the Soul would probably feel a bit more zingy. But I like to bomb the hills going down, and I the BFe is perfect for that.
Sounds like the BFe is for you if you're going to do a bit of gnar DH on it.
In fact, here's mine just after I built it up:
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/leepowell/5400574879/in/set-72157625937742288 ]http://www.flickr.com/photos/leepowell/5400574879/in/set-72157625937742288[/url]
Since then I've put a set of 721's on Hope Pro 2 Evo's on there... bombproof.
I'm on my 2nd Soul (also owned a BFe). I use the Soul for most things, inc Rocky Lakes and Peaks riding, plus a bit of buggering about but not massive drops or jumps.
It really is a tough call TBH. I'm still wondering if to change for a BFe or not. The Soul does all I ask really. But thinking about your riding especially the DH and jumping bit the BFe may be a safer bet.
Ring Cy and speak to him he is always helpful and will point you in the right direction
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5680717827_2211165ed4_b.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/17059060@N00/5680717827/ ]P1030648[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/17059060@N00/ ]eastham_david[/url], on Flickr
Thanks folks, just to clarify that I used to ride DH and jumps, so I may be a bit harsh on it, plus be more prone to do the odd bit of mentalism now and then...
I think it'll mainly be trail centre stuff with a small bit of north shore and the odd little jump. The red run at Fort Bill is what I'd really like to try the next time i'm up there.
Keep 'em coming, it's interesting to know what people have gotten themselves into on the two respective frames 😀
Nice bikes by the way guys 😉 Mine would be built up with Fox 32 floats, mavic wheels, hone cranks, random finishing kit consisting of easton stem, spoon seat, carbon bars, hayes discs.
Cy recommended I didn't do too many 2foot drops to flat on my Soul.
I'm riding mainly in the Peaks at the moment and it's great for that.
+1 for speaking to Cy. He knows his products and what he designed them for and is happy to give advice.
Tough call!
Owned both, and loved both (but not quite equally) 😉
The Soul will handle (almost) anything within the XC/AM area including Innerleithen Make or Brake/Fort Bill red. I rode mine mostly in the Peak/Lakes and so on, and also a few 24 hr slogs.
The BFe is a very different monster though. Harsher (by a mile) back end but loads more direct and involving (compared to the Soul). Makes it both better and harder to ride.
They are both great bikes - slightly different characters though. One will flatter you - one will test you out more (and perhaps reward more in return)