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2020 Cotic

FlareMAX Silver SLX

A 29″ steel frame full suspension trail bike with upper mid-range components and shimano deore mechanical disc brakes.
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FrameSteel
SuspensionFull, 125 / 130mm
ForkX-Fusion MCQUEEN
ShockX-Fusion
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetSLX
BrakesShimano Deore Mechanical Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
FlareMAX Silver SLX
Other Trail bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

26 mph

FlareMAX Silver SLX

26 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'8"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

XL

6'1" – 6'7"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

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Reviews

Summary

The Cotic FlareMAX is a trail bike that combines a communicative steel frame with progressive geometry, offering a unique blend of stability and agility. Its suspension is praised for being sensitive and well-tuned, providing a smooth ride across various terrains. While it's heavier than some rivals and can be expensive, its dynamic feel and customizable options make it a standout choice for riders seeking a lively and confident trail experience.

Pros
  • Communicative steel frame

  • Progressive geometry

  • Sensitive and well-tuned suspension

  • Unique charm and aesthetics

  • Customizable options

Cons
  • Heavier than rivals

  • Expensive

  • Inconsistent Shimano XT brakes

  • Occasional pedal strikes

Key Quotes
Building a super-light down-country bike around a 4kg semi-steel frame is clearly a silly thing to do on paper when you can get carbon frames with similar travel for around half the weight.
Bike Perfect logoBike Perfect
It’s suspension and geometry, not frame material, that make the bike, and Cotic has nailed both.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
The FlareMAX is a monster on the climbs if you can forgive a bit of pedal bob, quick and easy-going through flowy mellow sections and massively confidence-inspiring when the speeds rack up.
off.road.cc logooff.road.cc

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off.road.cc
2021 Cotic FlareMAX G4 Gold XT review

Sep 2021

The Cotic FlareMAX G4 is a down-country bike that refuses to be pigeonholed. Thanks to a respectfully lengthy geometry, huge range of custom options and wide fork travel optimisation, it's a versatile bike for many different riders, and it's tough not to like. Best mountain bikes for under £3,000 - capable trail bikes that won't break the bank Merida Ninety-Six 8000 review 15 Great British bike brands made right here in the UK We've got the Cotic FlareMAX G4 in its Gold XT build for testing.

Read Review

Bike Perfect
Cotic FlareMAX Gen 4 Down-country Gold spec review

May 2021 · Guy Kesteven

Can you really make a ‘down-country’ speed machine with a steel frame?

Highs
  • Communicative steel frame

  • Super-light unsprung weight and components

  • Adjustable, linear shock

  • Progressive geometry

  • Unique charm and x-factor aesthetics

Lows
  • Heavier than rivals

  • Lacks the stiffness of a carbon-fiber monocoque

  • Expensive

Read Review

Pinkbike
Cotic's Updated 125mm FlareMAX Gen4 is for 'Up, Down, Roundabout Country'

May 2021 · Cotic-Bikes

Cy has given their little bike a few geometry tweaks, updated details, and lighter builds.

Read Review

MBR
Cotic FlareMax Gold GX Eagle: first ride review - MBR

Feb 2020 · Jamie Darlow

With the short travel 29er Cotic FlareMax the British steel specialist forges agead again with upgraded geometry and flexible speccing.

Highs
  • Great geometry backed up by decent suspension.

Lows
  • Let down by intermittent Shimano XT brakes. It's pretty heavy for a short-travel bike.

Read Review

Singletrack World
New Cotic FlareMAX | First Ride Review

Dec 2019 · Hannah Dobson

The new Cotic FlareMAX is launched today, and Cy at Cotic gave us a quick first ride out on the latest iteration of this mid travel 29er.

Read Review

BikeRadar
Cotic FlareMAX Silver SLX plus upgrades review

Apr 2019 · Tom Marvin

A long, steel bike that's upgradable depending on your needs and budget

Highs
  • Geometry that’ll likely give up before you do

  • Ability to adjust spec to match your pocket

Lows
  • Sluggish up hill and between tight corners

  • Tyres didn’t overly impress

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Steel

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

Fork

X-Fusion McQueen RL2

Travel130mm

Shock

X-Fusion O2 RCX, 200mm x 50mm

Travel125mm

Bottom Bracket

Shimano XT M800, 73mm BSA threaded

Headset

Cane Creek 40 Series, ZS44/EC44

Stem

Cotic SHORTERSTEM, 35mm

Handlebar

Cotic Calver, 780mm width, 25mm rise, 5° upsweep, 9° backsweep

Saddle

Cotic

Seatpost

X-Fusion Manic Stealth dropper, 125mm drop

TypeDropper

Pedals

N/A

Grips

Cotic, lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed

Front Derailleur

N/A

Crank

Shimano SLX M7100

Shifters

Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed

Cassette

Shimano SLX, 12-speed, 10-51 tooth

Chain

Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed

Chain Guide

OneUp Top Guide

Brakes

Shimano Deore, Shimano 180mm rotors

TypeShimano Deore Mechanical Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano Deore

Wheels
Rims

Shimano MT620 wheelset

Spokes

Shimano MT620 wheelset

Front Hub

Shimano MT620 wheelset, CENTER LOCK rotor mounts, 110x15mm Boost front, 148x12mm Boost rear

Rear Hub

Shimano MT620 wheelset, CENTER LOCK rotor mounts, 110x15mm Boost front, 148x12mm Boost rear

Tires

Continental Trail King, 29" x 2.2"

Rider Notes
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First added May 14

Last updated May 14

Not listed for 2,206 days