I’ve had a Cotic X for a year,it gets used on local trails,tow paths,back lanes etc…and more recently Cross races,which are addictive.
A fine bike,but I would expect the others are just as good,but different.

As others have said,it depends on the course. Last Saturday’s Notts/Derby event was held on a reasonably demanding course. I probably used three gears….and I’m distinctly average…or below.

Tony Soprano persuading a baseball hat-wearing buffoon to remove it,was one of my favourite moments in The Sopranos
No prroblem with young ‘uns wearing hats indoors, in cars ,or wherever,but when you reach a certain age,you just look a tit.

Used to be a subscriber many years ago.Nice photos,but the articles/reviews could be a bit tedious. Having said that,it’s way better than MBR,What Mountain Bike etc.
Magazinesin general, are too expensive.

As above,secondhand Canon,or Nikon..Have a play with both in the shops and decide which she prefers.

Notts/Derby for me today at Bramcote Park. Another excellent course and glorious weather. Again!

They’ve been rotten for years,nay decades.Just tragic,money-grabbing,has beens. Avoid!

Discs for me too,I’ve got a Cotic X with Tektra Lyras fitted…I chose discs because of rim wear,not out and out perormance.
As mentioned above, which ever route you decide on,Cross bikes are brilliant….just wish that I’d tried one earlier..

fontmoss,old Goldtec jersey and a black Cotic X…..and you? My Daughter was taking photos today,so there may be one of you.

Fontmoss,I was a couple of places behind you….and I didn’t feel shit! Loved the course,favourite so far,in my fledgling Cross “career”.

I was at Manchester on Sunday…it was tough! I finished 100th !,but I did finish. After a few laps,the bike stopped dead,caked in mud.I was ok for grip…and I was running 50psi.
Felt sick at the end,but I’ll be up or more in the Notts/Derby League this weekend.

What about a Van Dessell Gin & Trombone?….go on,Google it..

I ride my bikes all year,but the Sherman and the Steam Engine are superb…My efforts in the past were never up to that standard.I built a few Tanks,Kenny Roberts’ Yamaha 500 and a Mike Hailwood Replica….There’s a Nissan Skyline waiting to be built somewhere…

Another Girl,Another Planet…The Only Ones.

Stoke-on-Trent.

Only if you want to…it’s nice to have new bikes,but I tend to hang on to mine.

I’ll look out for you,Simon..I’m the scrawny,old giffer in a Goldtec top

I’m really enjoying my first season of Cross..Done 3 Notts/Derby races and trying a NW event this Sunday.

I’m a Fisherman too,always speak to them when I’m on my bike,most are fine,as are walkers/dog walkers,but there’s always one….

I’ve got the bug too! Mine is a Cotic X,a 50th Birthday present to myself,last year.
Great fun,done plenty of local tracks and trails,our infamous Towpath Challenges,Hit The North and a few Notts/Derby Cross races.
On the horizon,is next month’s Rough Ride Challenge,another Hit The North and hopefully next year’s 3 Peaks Challenge.

I’m in…

It is tough,but great fun. Try a local event first. Is there a local Club,or Shop that’s involved with XC?

Nice bike,but then again,most Cross bikes look great.

I’m so excited,I could burst!

Is the “Field of Destiny”,still in? I rode through that on every lap…not sure if it was any quicker than walking….but it gave me a misplaced feeling of superiority over those that were pushing……at exactly the same speed..

I’ll be back for more Cross bike fun !

I love my X,no idea of the weight,but feels very similar to a friend’s Trek.(aluminium)

I’m with Binners….this lot are proper dire!

He was racing at our local XC race earlier in the year. Him and Dan Fleaman were head and shoulders above the rest….Also,a friend of mine bumped into him in the Peaks…took the opportunity of tapping him up for some advice on the forthcoming 3 Peaks Cyclo Cross race…She was well impressed.

I’ve done the last two Derby/Notts rounds….in glorious sunshine….I don’t trouble the leaders either….still enjoyed the beginning of my CX “career”.

It might have ruined/wasted your brew,but well said.

That’s made my day! Congratulations!

This thread is hilarious…the AM/Freeride brigade honestly believe that the XC riders can’t ride down,steep/techy stuff,corner etc with their seat up??? Deluded,or what??

I haven’t even got a QR….but I’m not great at descending….Having said that I’ve rode with lads that have dropped their saddles and I’ve got down with no probelems…and enjoyed.
Each to their own etc…some people just love faffing about and spending money…I’m not a fan of either..

We were in the Aquatics Centre last Saturday….a night to remember!

Never more!

…or without one even..

I’m amazed that I’ve ever been able to negotiate a bend witout one…

All the manufacturers must be pinching themselves that they sell so many in the UK….

No direct experience of the Patrol,or Land Cruiser….but my In-Laws spent a lot of time in Australia.They went on fishing trips in the outback,The guides used bothof the above to tow the boats to the river. Father-in-Law likes 4x4s and asked about reliability etc…no problems with either of them…Added that they can’t afford to have unreliable motors.