[Closed] STANTON FS 9ER V COTIC FLARE MAX

I had a test ride of both at a demo event last year at forest of Dean. The loop I rode wasn't super steep up or down, but did include some of the dh trails.

The stanton felt exceedingly capable, I think the size I tried was probably a touch top big, so it felt very stable but not very lively; I had a (very brief) go on a smaller one afterwards which felt more agile. The suspension was great, to the point that I couldn't really tell when I'd landed over some jumps. Of the two bikes, it felt more burly. If you are more into the techy downs and / or want an enduro style bike I reckon it's better suited to this.

The cotic felt like a fantastic trail bike. It climbed surprisingly well (I'd heard opinions about the relatively slack seat tube angle, but in reality it seemed fine to me) and got up to speed quickly on flatter trails. It was not quite as stable on the downs as the Stanton, but probably a better all rounder imo.

I went for the Rocket Max in the end for all the reasons you've highlighted about the Flare. It was almost as good at climbing and XC duties than the Flare Max, its additional weight not really that noticeable, but just felt better down hill to me. Maybe a better comparison to the Stanton would have been the Rocket Max? But both are awesome bikes so you can't really go wrong.

Rode the Stanton and they are lovely things. Ended up with an Orange 5 factory which is an awesome thing.

Cotic and Stanton HQs are about a 30 minute driver from each other, in the Peak District. Personally I'd arrange a demo of each bike on the same day. Unless you live a million miles away.