New Sonder Cortex trail bike launches today

by 10

The new Sonder Cortex trail is a short/mid travel trail – with 135mm at the back and 140mm fork up front – with complete bikes starting from £2,049.

Sonder press release:

Sonder introduces the next generation of Cortex trail bike

Featuring improved suspension, for a smoother and more balanced ride, Cortex sets the bar for Sonder’s trail bike scene. Designed and built by riders for riders, Cortex features 9 build options, including SRAM or Shimano components. Designed and developed in the UK, Sonder retains meticulous control ensuring the final product and its components are not only of the highest quality, but also meets rider’s needs and demands all at a competitive price.

As Europe’s first B-Corp-certified cycling brand, Sonder boasts some of the industry’s most ethical and environmentally preferable standards.

  • Sonder launches the newly developed Cortex trail bike
  • New suspension updates for more balanced and bottomless-riding feel (135mm rear and 140mm fork, and custom tuned 210x50mm metric shock)
  • New variation of chainstay length to optimise weight distribution
  • 9 build options (including SRAM and Shimano) starting from £1,599

Cortex, the next generation

The next generation of Cortex features new suspension updates, geometry tweaks, and SRAM UDH.The 29er setup allows for a comfortable, responsive and joy-inspiring ride. Crafted from 6061 alloy, Cortex offers a stiff, sturdy frame (and with that all important bottle space!) to withstand a variety of riding. From big days out on the trails to trips to the bike park, this next generation sees improved suspension performance and greater balance, allowing riders to tackle varied terrains with the bonus of all-day comfort. Cortex is a reliable choice for the all-round off-road rider.

The all new suspension updates for Cortex sees an increase of suspension on rear taking it to 135mm of travel, offering a win-win for riders with no extra weight or loss of pedalling performance. The changes to the suspension leads to improved kinematics of the frame; supple off the start, stable mid-stroke which ramps up for a bottomless feel. This paired with the new variation in chainstay length gives riders a more balanced feel, adding to rider comfort and capabilities whether you’re hitting the trails or days at the bike park.

Constructed using 6061 Alloy, which is known for its strength and lightweight properties, Cortex offers a stiff and reliable ride across a variety of terrains. Plus, featuring SRAM UDH removes potential barriers riders may have when it comes to parts and repairability. From clipping rocks, to mid-race mishaps, SRAM UDH makes it easy to get back rolling.

With 9 customisable options available, from framesets and Shimano Deore to SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission, each individual riding style is catered for. With prices starting from £1,599, Cortex offers a competitive price point, not only making off-road riding more accessible, but also giving riders more bang for their buck.

With ten shop-in-shops across the UK, Sonder offers a unique experience where every bike and wheel is built to order. Renowned for its exceptional service, custom options, and bespoke bike frames, Sonder stands resilient and poised for continued success throughout 2024. Sonder is committed to supporting the evolution of multi-disciplinary riders.

Geometry chart

Prices

ModelRRP (£)
Cortex Frameset1,599
Cortex Deore2,149
Cortex SLX2,349
Cortex XT2,999
Cortex SX Eagle2,049
Cortex NX Eagle2,349
Cortex GX2,999
Cortex GX Eagle Transmission3,399
Cortex XO Eagle Transmission4,199

alpkit.com/sonder

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Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

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  • This topic has 10 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 1 day ago by idlejon.
Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)
  • New Sonder Cortex trail bike launches today
  • davespike1981
    Full Member

    Interesting, love my gen 1 Cortex and had been contemplating a switch to the Evol frame and a parts transfer but that could be more bike then i want for majority of my riding  (really want a Cotic Flare). This would seem to cover all requirements, will have to have a sit on one in store at the next opportunity.

     

    seriousrikk
    Full Member

    Hm, wonder if they will knock out any gen1 frames are a nice price. I’ve got a 120mm SID that is just begging for a 120mm frame to go with it!

    dogbone
    Full Member

    With prices starting from £1,599,

    But that is frame only

    prettygreenparrot
    Full Member

    Nice. But …

    prefer more travel. Prefer shocks aligned with the seat tube rather than the top tube.

    johnnystorm
    Full Member

    I do like my Evol but it’s unfortunate for the Cortex that the Chisel FS came out last week…

    MartynS
    Full Member

    That is VERY similar to a Bird…..

    chakaping
    Free Member

    But that is frame only

    And you have to spend £3k to get a fork that’s not shit.

    it’s unfortunate for the Cortex that the Chisel FS came out last week…

    I agree with this, but the Chisel will be way lighter than this, so an XC bike vs trail bike. They even call the frame “sturdy” in the blurb.

    DaveyBoyWonder
    Free Member

    That is VERY similar to a Bird…..

    Which is also very similar to a Giant ATX990 and every bike that has a similar outline in the 25 years since.

    chakaping
    Free Member

    That is VERY similar to a Bird…..

    You realise there’s a chance they come out of the same factory, or if not – that the Taiwanese factories use very similar frame parts and construction techniques?

    You weren’t suggesting there was copying gong on or anything like that?

    IdleJon
    Full Member

    With prices starting from £1,599,
    But that is frame only

    Prices start at only £12.99.*

     

    *If you only buy the grips.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

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