I'm considering "N-1" and consolidating a Cotic Jeht (doesn't really get ridden locally, I'm in Surrey/Hampshire borders so it only sees action on annual/bi-annual Alps trips) and a Cotic FlareMax (which I like, but don't necessarily feel attached to for some reason) into a Dawley T16.
Just wondering if anyone has ridden at least two of the above to compare at all or just has some experience of the T16? Geo-wise the T16 is now custom but looking at the standard previous Small size compared to my G4 FlareMax it's 6mm shorter reach, 16mm higher stack and a steeper seat tube by 2.4 degrees - everything else is very similar but the added bonus is that the Dawley has an uninterrupted Seat Tube so I can run a longer dropper.
I really like a steel hardtail looks wise but almost all of my mountain biking this year has been on an older (2019) Santa Cruz Blur with a slackened headtube angle and a 120mm fork and it's made me realise that an efficient short travel full-sus really does everything I want in a bike - but I'd quite like it to be steel too (almost entirely aesthetics to be honest!).
As per the above, love the look of these and only 40 minutes down the road from me, although Cotic are even closer.
If you're at the Malverns Classic this year they have a stand.
Unfortunately I'm not, but I might see if I can get along as it's a lot closer than he would normally be!
Looks-wise I'm sold and the way he describes the ride of it is exactly what I'm after, but it's a bit of a leap to find out for sure!
Well, good timing.
I've just finished building mine up.
Size M/L , can't recall reach figure.
Only ridden it for an hour on flat bridleways, and still getting used to the geometry from an older rigid 29er.
Initial thoughts are that's it's lovely and smooth, though chunky at 35 lbs. Ti bar and 2.6 tyres and wide rims from a rigid bike so can save some weight there.
Seat post clamp needs some serious tightening so might have to shim the post.
Won't get a proper ride for a couple more weeks.
I saw it at last year's Bespoked and had it on my list of of 'just looks right' bikes.
That does look great!
How does it feel under pedalling, have you had a chance to stomp on the pedals up a short incline etc. yet? That's my main concern is I don't like a bike that feels too squishy under power (appreciate some of that is shock setup dependant).
@jfab it definitely bobs a bit, but haven't set the rebound or spring pressure up properly yet.
Thom at Dawley contacted me after this post and I have the wrong size seat post so will be using a shim!
I had a FlareMax for a while, swapped it for an Orange Stage Evo (definitely lighter), then had a full suss break and on to the Dawley now.
Thom is Nottingham way but I think his own bike is a Small or Medium so he may be able to help you out with a test ride?
@Atomizer I think that might be a good plan, I'll drop him a message and see about getting up there in the Autumn as I'm not in a rush. Possibly tie it in with a riding trip somewhere nearby.
I assume there's a bit too much of a gap from riding your Flaremax to the T16 for a direct comparison but do they feel similar? The Flaremax would be my reference point and I do like the way it rides, just don't seem to have fallen in love with it.
Got one booked in the September build slots - can’t wait to get it built. Don’t expect it yo be light, but do expect it to be poppy and sprightly.