I recently got a Cotic bfe frame after getting an earworm to try a modern steel frame, I must say I'm blown away by the quality and feel of the bike, such an enjoyable bike to be on. I found it very poppy and playful and quite agree it feels almost sprung and "alive" I see why steel bikes have an almost cult following for sure 👌
Absolutely superb machines .. 👌 another tester on an earlier iteration said ‘ Sometimes The Cotic Solaris needs ‘ rein’ing in ! ‘. True , certainly fast , definitely fun gorgeous HT’s .. 👌
Got my Solaris frame a few months ago. Very happy. Trying a bike rack for the first time! Haven't had time to go off road with it yet which I'm a bit ashamed about...Only finished building it up recently. Geometry seems very accurate - nice ride. Bit the bullet and bought Hope Tech 4's-amazing!!!
Guy have you tested the Stanton Sherpa 853? Is it possible to compare the cotic, Stanton, starling, and pace In One video? Thank you for sharing this great content!!!
Thanks for all these reviews Guy - always a blast to watch! How would the Cotic compare to the Pace RC429 and the Mason Raw? I see mention of doing a comparison of British steel hardtails, so I too would really appreciate that!
Mate of mine has a new solaris in the orange colour. I had a very quick go on it and it felt quick and pointy. 😎👍 great video . This summer though jeez!
As a proud owner of a rowdy enduro build Cotic BFE Max, I'm very interested in owning a short travel XC hardtail. Cotic frames are always beautifully built and ride brilliantly. May have to treat myself and build up a lightweight ripper 🤔👌 Always look forward to your reviews Guy. Keep up the great content 👏 👍
I like wide tires. I may live in the desert, but even we know that having more clearance for tires doesn't hurt especially if the place one lives can be muddy. It doesn't have to be 2.8 or 2.6, but 2.5w clearance with some for mud would great too.
Great review again. I recently built up a new BFe frame(27.5") and it was great on rowdier Scottish trail centres. Also have a classic Gen3 26" Soul which I still enjoy riding. Not sure if I can justify a 3rd hardtail unfortunately! P.S. Where were you riding - LOTS of Jimalayan Balsam by the looks of it.
Hi, Guy, love your videos. you mention doing a comparison video between the solaris and pace 429, but I can't find it on your channel? It is exactly the video I need, both bikes are high on my list. (together with sour crumble and pipedream sirius) My 26'' soul frame is indestructable, but the components bolted to it are sadly coming to the end of their lives.
Nice review! I only ride Cotic bikes these days but I’ve not ridden one of these but I am lucky to own a 650b 2016 (non long shot) Soul, which I love! I do wonder how they compare though!
@@johnster187 yeah I did! Thought no worries, they can’t have gone far. I’ll nip back and grab them when I finish this sentence. Took me best part of 20 minutes to find them and that’s the second time I’ve been that stupid!
@@simonbowlzer9046 it’s an old Polaris hydration vest. They’re clearing them out for silly money before the new range arrives. The bite valve and reservoir are a bit rubbish so I’m going to stick a CamelBak one in but for £19 it’s a winner
The question is, do I get a basic build of one of these, or the new chisel FS... wild comparison but there we are 😂 will be mostly fairly tame south of england riding, some longer rides thrown in so don't want anything too hefty
@@robertpocock8893 haha, that’s an interesting one for sure. If you want something lively that’ll last for ages I’d get an XC build of the Solaris. If you want the smoother, potentially easier to ride, but heavier and more upgrade needy option then Chisel FS. It might be worth ringing up / mailing Cy @ Cotic to see what he can do in terms of a budget build on a FlareMax too. I know they’re doing great deals on the Jeht ATMO so that might be best of both worlds.
I have a Solaris. It does everything and I never ride the full suss now. Burly tyres and it’ll charge through the peaks or has been my bike of choice at Ard Rock the last few years. Light tyres and it’ll smash out miles of xc goodness. Plus a good steel frame is a thing of beauty and feels as good in the rear as a cheap full suspension. Finally, I hate paying for suspension servicing and a hard tail halves that bill.
It would have been great to see the bike tested on more challenging terrain. I trust Guy's judgement but this review, along with some others, seems a little uncritical and errs on the side of promotion. Steve of Hardtail Party has a knack of making constructive criticism of every bike he tests without ever sounding dismissive.
I recently got a Cotic bfe frame after getting an earworm to try a modern steel frame, I must say I'm blown away by the quality and feel of the bike, such an enjoyable bike to be on. I found it very poppy and playful and quite agree it feels almost sprung and "alive" I see why steel bikes have an almost cult following for sure 👌
Fabtastic! So good to hear
Absolutely superb machines .. 👌 another tester on an earlier iteration said ‘ Sometimes The Cotic Solaris needs ‘ rein’ing in ! ‘. True , certainly fast , definitely fun gorgeous HT’s .. 👌
@@aaronos9421 that’s a great description
@ It’s just really true Mr G K eh ! .. 👌
very much enjoying my new Solaris 29er - great all day epic bike as well as the comfort and flex makes every ride a pleasure
Got my Solaris frame a few months ago. Very happy. Trying a bike rack for the first time! Haven't had time to go off road with it yet which I'm a bit ashamed about...Only finished building it up recently. Geometry seems very accurate - nice ride. Bit the bullet and bought Hope Tech 4's-amazing!!!
Glad you mentioned the Pace 429 and a possible future discussion, they seem similar on paper so I'd like to know you thoughts.
@@mattrockwell6214 I’ll get a head to head done ASAP
@@GuyKesTValso interested to hear your thoughts. A comparison would be great.
@@DominicHGregory I’ve just finished building up a Stif Squatch so I’ll stick that in too 👍🏻
Guy have you tested the Stanton Sherpa 853? Is it possible to compare the cotic, Stanton, starling, and pace In One video?
Thank you for sharing this great content!!!
@@ezraellis7289 well you’ve set me some right homework there haven’t you! I’ll see what I can do.
Thanks for all these reviews Guy - always a blast to watch!
How would the Cotic compare to the Pace RC429 and the Mason Raw? I see mention of doing a comparison of British steel hardtails, so I too would really appreciate that!
I had one for a few years. It's a great bike, and l love the 853 steel. I eventually sold it. At 65 years old, I needed suspension at both ends!
At 64 just added at Bfe Max to the Cotic collection and yup in The Peaks it batters me compared to the full suss, but its way way more fun. 😂
Mate of mine has a new solaris in the orange colour. I had a very quick go on it and it felt quick and pointy. 😎👍 great video . This summer though jeez!
As a proud owner of a rowdy enduro build Cotic BFE Max, I'm very interested in owning a short travel XC hardtail. Cotic frames are always beautifully built and ride brilliantly. May have to treat myself and build up a lightweight ripper 🤔👌
Always look forward to your reviews Guy. Keep up the great content 👏 👍
@@shaneycarter8803 thanks mate, and go on, treat yourself
I like wide tires. I may live in the desert, but even we know that having more clearance for tires doesn't hurt especially if the place one lives can be muddy. It doesn't have to be 2.8 or 2.6, but 2.5w clearance with some for mud would great too.
Great review again. I recently built up a new BFe frame(27.5") and it was great on rowdier Scottish trail centres. Also have a classic Gen3 26" Soul which I still enjoy riding. Not sure if I can justify a 3rd hardtail unfortunately! P.S. Where were you riding - LOTS of Jimalayan Balsam by the looks of it.
Torn between a Solaris, a 429 or a Fairlight Holt for my next ride...
Hi, Guy, love your videos. you mention doing a comparison video between the solaris and pace 429, but I can't find it on your channel? It is exactly the video I need, both bikes are high on my list. (together with sour crumble and pipedream sirius) My 26'' soul frame is indestructable, but the components bolted to it are sadly coming to the end of their lives.
@@SuperMrSik sorry, not had chance to get them together yet. It’s still on the to do list though so hopefully soon
Have you ever tested the Pipedream Moxie MX3, Guy? Would be a worthy addition to your classic steel hardtail review quiver
Nice review! I only ride Cotic bikes these days but I’ve not ridden one of these but I am lucky to own a 650b 2016 (non long shot) Soul, which I love! I do wonder how they compare though!
Brilliant. Thank you. Come by HQ and demo a Solaris. Very different to your Soul.
9:04 in im sure you dropped you shades m8
👍👍
Good spot. I bet Guy has a few spare pairs though 😂
@@johnster187 yeah I did! Thought no worries, they can’t have gone far. I’ll nip back and grab them when I finish this sentence. Took me best part of 20 minutes to find them and that’s the second time I’ve been that stupid!
@@GuyKesTVeasily done 👍🏻
What’s the vest thing you’re wearing ? Looks sweet !
@@simonbowlzer9046 it’s an old Polaris hydration vest. They’re clearing them out for silly money before the new range arrives. The bite valve and reservoir are a bit rubbish so I’m going to stick a CamelBak one in but for £19 it’s a winner
The question is, do I get a basic build of one of these, or the new chisel FS... wild comparison but there we are 😂 will be mostly fairly tame south of england riding, some longer rides thrown in so don't want anything too hefty
@@robertpocock8893 haha, that’s an interesting one for sure. If you want something lively that’ll last for ages I’d get an XC build of the Solaris. If you want the smoother, potentially easier to ride, but heavier and more upgrade needy option then Chisel FS. It might be worth ringing up / mailing Cy @ Cotic to see what he can do in terms of a budget build on a FlareMax too. I know they’re doing great deals on the Jeht ATMO so that might be best of both worlds.
I have a Solaris. It does everything and I never ride the full suss now. Burly tyres and it’ll charge through the peaks or has been my bike of choice at Ard Rock the last few years. Light tyres and it’ll smash out miles of xc goodness. Plus a good steel frame is a thing of beauty and feels as good in the rear as a cheap full suspension. Finally, I hate paying for suspension servicing and a hard tail halves that bill.
It would have been great to see the bike tested on more challenging terrain. I trust Guy's judgement but this review, along with some others, seems a little uncritical and errs on the side of promotion. Steve of Hardtail Party has a knack of making constructive criticism of every bike he tests without ever sounding dismissive.