Cotic FlareMAX Gen 5: First Looks ‘N’ Feels

This Cotic FlareMAX Gen 5 is the brand’s 29er short-travel ripper. Besides looking very pretty in the bluebells, what is it all about?

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By ben_haworth

Get the full story here:

https://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cotic-flaremax-gen-5/

Why the BB strut?

Why the BB strut

Lighter than a gusset I think

They do make good looking bikes don’t they.

No UDH? Not looking to go electric but it’s hard to argue with widespread (think road trip or overseas holiday) replacement hanger availability and drivetrain future-proofing. Otherwise awfully tempting.

Why the BB strut?

A bent metal gusset would have to fit between the main pivot, bb shell and ISCG tabs. Doable but a mitering nightmare compared to the tube they’ve gone with. Doing it that way is probably more tolerant of tolerances too, if that gusset was at the bb it would need to be exactly right, if that tube’s 1mm high or low it’s still fine.

For me it came down to either one of these (with 130mm fork) or a Spur. I love my Spur but would love one of these too.