It’s a nervous and exciting time when you have the first ride out on a new bike. Will the bike feel good? Does it fit me? Should I have got different forks or wheels? It’s mainly buyers concern in my case. I know that, within reason, I can make changes that will affect how the Cotic Solaris handles its first ride.
Solaris in the sun
I went out on a beautiful sunny Colorado day to enjoy my first ride on the Cotic Solaris. It was great! I rode my local trails and they were dry and dusty, with sharp ups and downs and little rock gardens. The Cotic handled everything really well. The frame is much longer than my previous Orange Clockwork, and I was concerned that it may be too long. But the Cotic just felt ‘right’. The slack head angle and long top tube didn’t make the front end wander on climbs, or lift on steeper climbs. I have started out with the Rockshox Pikes forks on 140mm, the longest recommended travel for the frame. At this stage this seems like an unnecessary amount of travel. Others have suggested running 130mm as a good sweet spot and I think I will make that change after a few more rides.
Initially the Fox Transfer dropper post would stick when returning. I was worried I had damaged something during the installation, but a quick look on-line suggested I had the seat clamp too tight. I slackened it off slightly and the dropper worked perfectly. This is the first bike I have had with a dropper post and it took a little getting used to. Apparently it takes a few rides to start to really appreciate having the dropper and remembering to use it! I only fired it into myself once on the ride, and the nausea from that should serve as a good incentive not to do it again.
Getting the Cotic Solaris feeling right
The Cotic is a fun bike to ride. It feels a combination of planted and forgiving. I’m not sure if that’s caused by the geometry, the larger wheels or the steel frame. Traction is great and I was able to power up sharp, loose climbs without wheel spin. The fork felt a little firm so I have to play with the pressure a bit more, and I couldn’t decide whether the front tire pressure was a factor in that too or not. I read a review that said you pick up speed faster, and enter corners faster than you expect on this bike, and I’d agree with that. It feels nice and stable at speed and you don’t realise how fast you are going until you try and scrub some speed.
I’ll get a few more rides in before Labor day, and then I’m away for work for a bit. Hopefully the weather remains nice into the fall and I can get out to ride more and get rid of the belly.