[Closed] 26" Cotic Rocket owners past and present, a question for you.

Hi mate, the guys on here will be more likely to be able to help if you can post a pic of the problem?

They are very visually orientated.lol

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Mine does that and I haven't died yet.

Thanks Poopscoop, its the white cross brace that is touching the black lug.

Without the shock in there is nothing to stop the two clunking together but with the shock in place I can't hear it making contact but it is definitely touching on the non drive side, on the drive side there is just enough clearance to allow light through.

Its been used since 2013 so its probably not a problem but I don't want to waste my time building it up if going to make an annoying knocking noise.

Thanks rossburton, does yours actually touch?

From memory, barely if I'm not actually on the bike. I think the movement means that's the closest it gets.

Thanks, this actually touches. I presume once my little beer belly is on the bike it'll be fine.

Chuffing close but not touching on mine. I think I've read of cases where some have and Cy had suggested a resolution... can't remember what though!

I've got this bike but not experienced that. Every question I've had is always addressed by Paul at Cotic very promptly. Amazing customers service.

I just went and checked mine. Looks like a 3-4mm gap. Offset bushes?

Shock hardware is standard and brand new. Shock is freshly serviced and 200 x 57.

Previous owner has removed the web between the ends of the seatstay as per Cotic instructions and I can't feel any play anywhere. Bearings are smooth and at least some if not all are new.

And Paul has been great and will no doubt email tomorrow to say it's not an issue but I thought I'd ask you lot in the meantime

What's this web on the seatstay? Mine was second hand so what am I looking for?

I've just fitted a dB inline to my large 26" rocket. Haven't noticed the frame making contact anywhere. I do however think the seat stay shock mount might be slightly ovalised.

Where is the seat stay web? Unless mine has already had it removed I don't think I have this.

Between the ends of the seatstays, behind the the end of the shock, there was a thin web that joined them?.
If you look at the photo, if the web was still there it would be a white patch covering the end of the shock.

Found a picture.

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There's the web and that stay looks like it's touching too.

That looks about right from my memory /\ - It never made any clunking or odd sounds when I had it. Hopefully Cotic will be able to confirm. The suggestion of offset shock bushings might help?

If I'd bought it with a shock I'd no doubt have just built it up and never noticed.
I'm sure it won't be an issue.

I'll check mine as I head to bed and post a pic (yes I'm sleeping with the bikes at the moment, thank you non sleeping baby).

Cheers Nixie, I remember those days 😆

So I asked Paul about the web thing:

There was a thin web of material between the shock mounts to keep them in line during manufacture, but the factory made the shock mounts 0.25mm wider than we specified and the web could flex enough for the bolts to pinch up the shock mounts, hence now we advise cutting it out. I've attached a picture of where to cut.

If it's been done already and it's still loose then the shock axle is 0.5mm too long and should be filed down.

Yep, that's what I was told.

About 2mm of clearance on mine, but I've got an offset bushing in one end of the shock, which will make a difference. (that's what was supplied from new).

Haven't removed the wee brace on mine, although tempted to the next time I need a new back end shock reducer as I had a hell of a job getting one sized to fit accurately when there's no "give" in the frame.

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Hard to see in the picture but there is a gap, about 1-2mm.

Paul says they run close and to tighten the shock with the wheels on the ground rather than in the stand.

Thanks for the help and advice folks.

Hmm that shouldn't make any difference but worth a try.

Out of interest have any of you past/present rocket 26 owners tried or moved onto a rocket 650b or flare? Considering changing mine as I have 650b forks and front wheel on it.

Nixie, what travel are your forks?

Set at 150mm currently but can adjust with spacers.

Cheers mate

Out of interest have any of you past/present rocket 26 owners tried or moved onto a rocket 650b or flare? Considering changing mine as I have 650b forks and front wheel on it.

I've never had the 26" version but one test ride on the 650 version and I bought one. Fantastic bike.

As is the 26". If I'm honest I have no 'good' reason for want the 650b version other than perhaps BB height (as the 650b front wheel did raise the front). If there is marginally difference then it's harder to justify the costs of changing. For riding around here the flare would be better suited but the rocket feels so nice I'm loathed to go shorter and risk loosing that.

Mugboo, I'm running Marzocchi 350NCR's. At 150mm they have the same length as the max 160mm fork specified in the Rocket 26 manual (assuming use of a 26" wheel). So it basically runs at the 160mm geometry but with 150mm travel. I've gone one step further though as I needed a new rim and now have a 650b front wheel. Really I should lower the fork to 140mm to bring the geometry back into check but it still rides nicely as it is. Only think I notice is being a bit harder to get onto, however some of this may be down to having my seat set at optimum pedalling height due to having a longer dropper.

I've got a 160mm 26" Pike to go on it so should be good to go.

Struggled with getting Reverb routing sorted tonight but it seems I need to run it along the top tube and shorten the hose.

I got a gap by tightening the shock bolts out of the stand but it's disappeared and I think there is still a little bit of play. So I'll file down the shock axles and try again..

Sounds like your getting there bud!

I reckon once it's built the Constance issue probably, well, won't be. I did get it though, I'm a real stickler for detail. I like things to be spot on.

I bought a cheap digital caliper for measuring various bike parts with very small tolerances. Paid for its small cost many times over already.

Might be worth getting one for things like the length of bushes for the shock etc?

Either way, keep us posted with the build, be good to see the built up bike! 😀

Meant clearance issue, not Constance! Lol

You could try a washer as well. If you fit one bolt to the shock axle then fit a washer with a larger ID than the axle before inserting it into the frame that would take up any extra axle length. Easier than filing it down.

It'll be worth it when you get there :D.

Problem solved, my crappy Inline failed again so I've replaced it with a Fox. I now have clearance.
Very odd as both shocks are the same size.

Does the 26" Rocket have bottle cage mounts?

Problem solved, my crappy Inline failed again so I've replaced it with a Fox. I now have clearance.
Very odd as both shocks are the same size.

I've just gone the other way!

Does the 26" Rocket have bottle cage mounts?

Yes, above the shock mounted to the underside of the top tube where the seat tower brace joins.

Good luck, hope it's more reliable than mine. Has your clearance changed?

I've been loving my 26 Rocket since I've had it but am waiting on a ks Lev to bring out the 175mm externally routed dropper as my weird long legs seem to need a huge seat posts even though I've got a large and am only 6ft and a bit. Do any other owners find that reach is fine but need a lot of seat post?
Also whilst I'm at it I'm thinking of getting some offset bushings to slacken it by 1degree. Has anyone else tried this?
Current spec for any other owners interested!
Rs rev team dual air 150mm
Easton haven 55mm stem
Renthal fatbar lite bars
Lizardskins north shore grips
Hope tech m4 evo with braided hoses 203f and 183r
XT m8000 1 x 11 with 11-42 cassette
Race face turbine cranks with blackspire snaggletooth 34t ring
Hope tech enduro wheel set
Maxxis hr rear minion front tubeless
Rs reverb 125mm
Charge spoon saddle
Cb mallet dh pedals

Suggestions on other improvements welcome...!

You've always needed a long post on Cotics as the top tube is quite low. I used to have a 125mm Reverb on my large Rocket26 and at a fraction under six foot I found it was about an inch too short and would manually raise/lower it depending on the type of riding I'd be doing. I've since swapped it for a 150mm dropper and that's a much better fit for me.

Mugboo, I don't think so no. Will check. I'm keeping hold.of the old shock incase of issues. It's does ride better with the inline though.

Skyblustu, did you have any issues with chain line on the xt 11spd? I had to space my ring quite a lot of my older xt triple cranks to make mine work.

Mine is slacker as I've got 650b forks set at 150mm which gives them the same length as a 160mm fork. I've then got a 650b front wheel fitted which brings the front up and slackens the HA.

I'm 6'2" and have a 150mm vyron fitted.

No probs at all with 1 x 11 setup though have never had it as a double on it tbh.
Given a 160mm fork would be ideal but cost a packet I'm going to try 25 quid offset bushings tonslacken mine initially!!

Mines 1x as well. Though the crank is a triple. Maybe time for a new crank :).

I only went with the longer fork as I killed my old forks :D. And then only went with a bigger wheel as I wanted a wider rim.

Mine has a 160 Pike and so far I like it. I'm enjoying a little extra pedal clearance. Ultra low BB's are nice if your ripping up BPW but not so good if riding rutted local trails.

In a moment of madness I seem to have bought an XL 650b rocket. Hope it rides as nicely as the 26"!

Lets hope so!

Got the hard decision between running my very nearly new db inline or the dB coil the new frame comes with! Anyone tried a rocket with both?

I'm looking to try the DB coil IL as well… and moving from 26" to 650b… let me know how you get on.

Will do. I'm half tempted to sell the coil as I think it's SH value is better, or offer it with the old frame when it's sold.

@ nixie. How tall are you as wondering if an xl would be better for me at a shade over 6ft? Might sort out my long seat post issue though currently don't feel cramped on a large.

I'm 6'2". On a large 26" but I noticed that the large 650b is a little smaller (I guess due to the XL being available). I've a 150mm dropper that just fits on the large (1cm clearance). Think it will be slammed on the XL. Reach wise once I've put a short stem in I think I'll be around the same. My height is towards the upper end of the large size range and into the xl.

My main reasons for changing are I want matching wheel size and got the new one for what seems like a very,very good price with the shock and king headset. Oh and the green colour is nicer than black (bike tart).

Another question, my Cotic handbook says 31.6 seatpost but my frame appears to be 30.9, what size is everyone else's 2012 frame?
This was lucky by the way as I had a 30.9 reverb from an on one bundle

Mine is a 31.6. Are you sure there isn't a shim in there?

How odd! Nope, no shim, I bought a shim to fit the reverb but couldn't fit it in. As I'm under 5'8" it's sat as low as it will go anyways so I thought I'd just got lucky nipping up the 30.9 in a 31.6.
But this weekend I got to the lakes and the reverb failed. Luckily my mate had a spare seatpost, 30.9 and it certainly fits perfectly and didn't slip so it seems my frame is 30.9..

At least this explains why my shim didn't work.

I need a shim on my 30.9 reverb. Waiting for the ks Lev external 175mm to be available so I can go 31.6mm and slam the post.

Mines definitely 31.6

You got me wondering if I'm going daft (or dafter) so I've tried a 31.6 in and it's clearly too big. Maybe I have a test rig, preproduction frame.

Maybe I have a test rig, preproduction frame.

I have one of the preproduction 26" frames, and it's 31.6.
Post has just moved across to a 275 frame… same size… 31.6

Sounds like you tried a too fat shim, and are now running too thin a seatpost.
I wouldn't risk that.

Or it's an odd frame I'm not aware of. Where did you get it from?

Or there is a shim in the frame.

Dunno.

Hmm…

It's not something stupid like a shim hidden by the seat clamp is it?

MugBoo - I think there may be a thin shim in it. I used a 30.9 post in the frame (Sorry, I forgot about it until reading that). If it is that, it will have been in there for years so might need a little encouragement getting it out.

Pleased you managed to sort out the clearance issue!

If it is then it can stay in there. I'll have another look this weekend. Mystery might be solved.
Loving the frame by the way

If its an alloy shim you might be better to remove it if you can (even if you then keep using it). don't want any galvanic corrosion occurring and it being welded into place permanently. Also better to know it will move and make sure it is in the right position to avoid stressing the seat tube in the wrong place. IIRC cotic spec 100mm minimum insertion regardless of post!

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This arrived at my office earlier. Very excited, its basically spotless other than a small mark on the drive side pivot. (shameless plug) One 26" frame shortly to be for sale.

Bingo, you were right, there's a shim hiding in there, its silver and with a few years of dirt it had blended in beautifully, thanks folks, mystery solved. Always the simplest solution....

Looks good Nixie

Did you get it out ok?

Yep, it came out easy enough, I've cleaned it up and regressed it. And it's over 100mm so it's all good.
Just trying the Inline back in for a quick go to see if it's the source of my creak, if not it's going on eBay.

Hi,

I´m searching for a 26" Cotic Rocket in size M. Is there someone willing to sell his Rocket? Bike or Frame only, please send me a message.

BG from Vienna!

So how are people feeling the 26" Rocket is ageing? For me it remains the case that it is a bike that I am only capable of unleashing about 10% of the potential of, so I plan to keep running it until 26" spares dry up (I currently have some revelation world cups on it that have been pronounced flexy but working, despite a harsh top out).

Hi

Still ah e mine and really love it but my head was swayed by 29ers so it rarely gets used.

Wont be getting rid of it though so I’ll just keep bringing it out for special occasions.

Have 26 Soul too which gets the same treatment.

Theyll get used one day by little fatgit hopefully and they get used so infrequently they’re unlikely to wear out

Cheers

Steve

Still charging round the place on mine. Was up in the Lakes on it last week - didn't miss a beat, although a lot of the build kit is on its last legs - drive train is worn but just about holding together; back brake (shimano) is a bit leaky; shock body will need replacing next time it's serviced; rims have more flatspots than round bits.

I also have a 650b MkV Soul now and the comparison is interesting. The Soul is WAAAY longer so much more inherently stable, but by its hardtail nature your overall speed is limited by the battering your legs can manage. Corners awesomely on bike-parky trails; best climbing bike I've owned. The Rocket is more "steady away" uphill, feels a hair less planted blasting berms, but although it's a shorter wheelbase - point it down steep gnarly natural(ish) stuff and it's SO well balanced you can get away with murder if you just let the bike have its head. Did a weekend up at the Golfie/Inners and it ate up those trails without breaking sweat. Big Lakeland epic cheeky rides - no problem (the limiting factor tends to be my habit of riding solo in some pretty remote places).

Sure, I'd probably be "faster" on a longshot Rocket - but it's rare I'm racing anybody, and its would probably just end up making the Soul feel relatively slower again and thus the arms war progresses...

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I treated mine to a Vorsprung for the Pikes and a Push tune for the shock last winter and had the seatstays sprayed black to match the frame. Just renewed the drivetrain too.

Still love the bike and my mates who've upgraded haven't got any faster. As above it ate up the Golfie and BPW this year and has been thrashed round a wonderfully dry Hebden Bridge today.

I intend to keep it indefinitely and keep my eye out for Minions/High Rollers in good nick. If the forks die I'll just buy 650b forks.

And if I don't try a newer bike I'll never know the difference.