Cotic’s fifth technology of their shortest journey DropLink full-suspension bike is now being constructed solely in Nice Britain – the primary 100% UK-made Cotic FlareMAX. As soon as once more refined in every subsequent evolution, this new Reynolds 853 metal FlareMAX has tweaked geometry and body particulars stated to supply the very best trip but, with 125mm of rear wheel journey this 29er may be constructed up as a lighter XC or Downcountry bike with a 120-130mm fork, or can go full Path mode with 140mm journey up entrance…
2023 Cotic FlareMAX Gen5 125mm metal path bike is UK-made
The brand new FlareMAX is a subtly refined path bike. Set aspect by aspect with the outgoing Gen 4, only some of the brand new Gen 5 bike’s options would possibly bounce out at you. However being constructed within the UK for successfully the identical worth as earlier than, Cotic will have the ability to construct you up your individual excellent path bike faster than ever. Developed in South Yorkshire after which fabricated only a half-a-workday’s drive up the street in Edinburgh, Scotland, this metal & alloy FlareMAX marks the primary manufacturing full-suspension bike to be made solely within the UK by Cotic’s companions at 5 Land Bikes.
What’s new?
Clearly, 100% UK manufacturing is large information – beforehand 5 Land Bikes constructed a number of of Cotic’s premium metal entrance triangles and small batch bikes, whereas rear ends and most manufacturing frames had been fabricated in Taiwan – however now Cotic are going all-in for native manufacturing for this new FlareMAX. Meaning the metal entrance triangle & seatstays, plus the quick alloy DropLink & alloy chainstay swingarm yoke are all made near dwelling, then painted, then introduced again all the way down to Sheffield to be constructed up into your dream path bike.
There are even some precise tweaks to the ovalized and butted Reynolds 853 entrance finish. The brand new Cotic FlareMAX will get a brand new, stronger downtube and a tiny new brace between the down & seat tubes above the underside bracket for added energy, stiffness, and in the end extra sturdiness. Oh, and below the toptube, there’s a brand new pair of braze-on mounts for a low-profile cage or direct mount device provider above the shock, along with the two bottle cage mounts inside on prime of and beneath the downtube.
Any gear you may get off your again or out of your hip pack is a win for lengthy days on the bike.
New Match & Geometry, too!
Cotic’s lengthy, low & slack Longshot geometry has been fairly progressive since 2018 (designed for 35mm stems), so it doesn’t get a significant overhaul, just a few refined tweaks. Assume, a 4mm decrease BB peak for an “much more planted really feel by means of the corners”, however the identical 65.6° head angle, ~75.5° seat angle & 448mm chainstays. However the match has advanced fairly a bit.
The brand new Cotic FlareMAX now is available in 5 inventory sizes, in renamed ‘C-Sizing’ that’s much less about getting you on the one small, medium, or giant that might match. And as a substitute, it’s about providing you with extra selection to select the texture you need. C-Sizing means extra carefully unfold body Attain steps, with much less Stack variation as properly. Plus, shorter seattubes imply smaller riders can match on extra of the frames, and larger riders can go for longer journey droppers. It additionally permits Cotic to steepen the seat angles on the larger bikes to enhance each match and climbing means on these large bikes.
Win, win, win.
Tech Particulars
The brand new 4-bar Cotic FlareMAX frames are welded from Reynolds 853 Ovalform and DZB entrance triangles and seatstays, paired to 6066-T6 aluminum chainstays with drop-forged pivots and machined DropLink, plus 15mm most important pivots.
The 1x-specific body incorporates a straight 44mm headtube for an built-in tapered steerer headset, modular exterior cable routing on prime of the downtube with the rear mech inside by means of the seatstay, 31.6mm stealth dropper publish compatibility, a 73mm BSA threaded backside bracket, ISCG05 tabs, Increase rear spacing with a Syntace X-12 thru-axle, and a 3D-printed higher chain information.
The gen 5 Cotic FlareMAX body has 29 x 2.5″ tire clearance, and is offered on it’s personal with a shock from simply £2099.
Cotic FlareMAX – Pricing, Choices & Availability
The brand new UK-made 2023 Cotic FlareMAX gen5 is offered now in Limestone tan or Teal inexperienced.
Pricing begins at simply £2099 / $2300 / 2000€ for a body with a RockShox Deluxe Choose Plus shock. And you’ll actually construct it up nevertheless you need from there.
Cotic begins off-the-shelf Downcountry & Path builds from £3600 / $3875 / 3360€. And so they at the moment supply a free improve to AXS wi-fi for anybody who picks their SRAM GX Eagle construct equipment. Full Gold XT Downcountry builds are stated to weigh round 12.9kg/28.4lb with out pedals.
However actually the sky is the restrict, and Cotic is blissful to custom-build just about any spec you may think about.
