* Nicheness and like the way they go about their business
* Suits the way I ride
* 120mm Rebas, Arch EX on ProII, Haven bars, Thomson stem/post, XT/SLX 2×9 drivetrain, XT brakes
* Really, really like it, it’s better than me
No pictures but I had a ride on my guide’s Soul yesterday. First time on a proper hardtail in ages. It was slower on some parts, faster on other parts but loads of fun on all parts. And riding back up to get the van… it felt like I had someone else’s legs!
*It’s British, It’s Orange, It’s 853, It’s got great lines
*26″ works fine for me!
*1×9 Sram X0, Rebas SL 120 Maxle, Hope/Crest Hoops, Stylo, Thomson, USE, Formula R1
*Hands down the best bike i’ve ever owned, does everything I need and can handle more than I can throw at it.
I have a roadrat which has been great fun as a sort of bodged up 29er fixie. Really draws looks and comments out on the trail and has taught me a huge amount about bike handling.
Buy a hacksaw just in case! They won’t suit everyone but I’m guessing that since you bought the large frame you’re probably broad enough for wide bars.
* Look at it! Just look at it! 🙂
* Donor Bike was 26″
* Current set up has evolved a bit: shorter hoses & ditched the Crud catcher! Hope bash and Blackspire Stinger, XT shadow mech, smaller rotor on the rear, TALAS 120/150 arriving this week.
* Love it! It’s a better bike than I am rider. Looking at it still brings a smile to my face. But I won’t deny being tempted by the Rocket!
* why not!
* Hemlock would have been overkill
* Full XT mechanicals, 100mm Maguras, Formula Oros, unlike the pic, it’s now Maxxis tyres on Mavic XM719 on XT hubs (I think)
* best bike I’ve ever owned
Probably about to upgrade numerous bits (120mm forks, new brakes, finally get around to sorting the hoses/cables, etc.)
Just up the road then. I should have recognised it. Will keep my eyes open for another Cotic rider – not many around these ‘ere parts. Although I did see 4 on the recent Summit ride!
* why cotic ??
Wanted something UK designed for UK riding. Just like the way Cy approaches things and I’m a sucker for his carefully ‘casual’ PR style.
* why that model
Wanted something similar to a modern Trailstar that I could ride all day but still hammer through rough stuff on. I’m not a delicate rider. It also needed to come in a small enough size to fit a shortarse.
* set up
1×9 (Raceface 34T/SRAM X9 / 11-34 cassette), 150mm Marzocchi 44s, Flows on Superstar Switch with 2.2 RQ (f) and 2.2 X King (r), 70mm stem with 740mm Nukeproof flat bars.
Why – they ride great, lots of other bikes tried but I always come back to cotic
Setup – light and flashy
Why a Soda – slightly lighter than s soul and no paint to scratch