I’ve always enjoyed riding bikes and getting out into the great outdoors, but between family life and work I have been finding it hard to get out as much as I would like. Due to the onset of middle age together with the increase in belly size that accompanies it, I have decided to try and make some changes. Therefore, I decided to look into buying a Cotic Solaris Max to replace my old bike and have resolved to get out more and enjoy the trails that Colorado has to offer.
New bike day
My previous MTB was from 2007 and a significant amount has changed. I was using a steel hardtail with 26″ wheels, 1 1/8″ straight steerer and 9mm QR hubs. This was perfectly functional, having had a new drive chain installed a few years ago, the availability of decent replacement part options began to worry me. I thought about it and decided that a new bike would be nice.
Sadly it didn’t seem like there would be an opportunity for me to test ride one. Or even try the size in a shop in the US. I had to decide if I wanted to make a bold decision and buy the frame without trying one! My online research showed that they were popular, very popular, and selling quickly. Some of the other colors had already sold out in some sizes.
Cotic has a reputation for making bikes with fantastic geometry that just feel ‘right’. Reading the reviews from people who had already received theirs continued this reputation. I contacted Cotic about getting the right size. They recommended buying an XL. With only a few green XL frames left and the other two colors already sold out I took the plunge.
Building the Cotic Solaris Max
I have been busy at work and I didn’t make much of a plan for what components I really wanted.After getting the frame I began to research component options for the build. I decided to go for Rock Shox Pikes for the forks. Hope hoop wheels, Shimano XT drivetrain, Hope headset, Fox dropper and USE bars. I used my existing Eggbeater pedals, Bel Air saddle and 35mm Kore stem.
I’ve used a homemade headset press in the past and attempted to use it for this build. Unfortunately I struggled to get the cups to go in straight. I ended up getting my LBS to press in the top cup.
My first ride wasn’t as soon as I had hoped as a result of the slower build but I was excited to get out as soon as possible.