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2023 Cotic

FlareMAX Trail / Platinum XTR

A 29″ steel frame full suspension trail bike with ultra high-end components.

Manufacturer Price

£6,299($8,448)
FrameSteel
SuspensionFull, 125 / 130mm
ForkRockShox Pike Ultimate
ShockCane Creek DBair IL
Wheels29″ Aluminum
GroupsetXTR
BrakesHydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
FlareMAX Trail / Platinum XTR
Other Trail bikes
Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Sizing
C1

5'3" – 5'8"

C2

5'6" – 5'11"

C3

5'9" – 6'1"

C4

5'11" – 6'3"

C5

6'0" – 6'5"

Rider Fit Notes

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Reviews

Summary

The Cotic FlareMAX is celebrated for its 100% UK-made construction, refined geometry, and versatile trail performance. Its balanced suspension and blended frame materials deliver a calm yet exhilarating ride, with improved frame stiffness and strength. The bike's handling and ride quality are frequently praised, offering a direct connection to the trail with more grip and comfort.

Pros
  • 100% UK-made

  • Refined geometry and frame details

  • Balanced suspension for a calm yet exhilarating ride

  • Improved frame stiffness and strength

  • Versatile setup options with different fork lengths and wheel types

Cons
  • Like for like builds will be heavier than alloy or carbon options

  • No SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)

Key Quotes
the first 100% UK-made Cotic FlareMAX
Bikerumor logoBikerumor
The FlareMAX has all the ingredients for a short travel trail slayer
MBR logoMBR
"It's all about the handling."
Pinkbike

Feedback?

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MBR
Cotic FlareMAX Gold XT first ride review - MBR

Jul 2023 · Guy Kesteven

Cotic’s charismatic steel framed FlareMAX is back for round five, and it’s embracing the down-country theme it stumbled across back in 2018. 

Highs
  • Balanced suspension and blended frame materials offer a calm yet exhilarating ride. Cane Creek suspension will please the dial deities

Lows
  • Like for like builds will be heavier than alloy or carbon options. No SRAM UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)

Read Review

Bikerumor
The Cotic FlareMAX Steel Trail Bike is now 100% Made in the UK

May 2023 · Cory Benson

Cotic's updated 5th generation Reynolds 853 steel FlareMAX short travel trail bike is now built entirely in Great Britain...

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Pinkbike
Cotic Launches UK Made FlareMAX Gen5

May 2023 · Cotic-Bikes

If you haven't seen our FlareMAX before, it's a 125mm travel full suspension bike, which can be built light and lively with the latest generation of 120mm forks and fast tyres, or with 130 or 140mm forks and burlier wheels for a tougher trail style setup..

Read Review

Singletrack World
Review: Cotic FlareMAX Gen4

Apr 2022 · Ben Haworth

From The Big Short grouptest in issue 142 of Singletrack World, Benji awards a Singletrack Recommended to the Cotic FlareMAX Gen4.

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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

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BikeRadar
Cotic FlareMAX Gold first ride review

Feb 2020 · Seb Stott

Cotic has made the leverage rate slightly less progressive this year because some heavier riders were struggling to use full travel on the previous bike without setting too much sag.. .

Highs
  • Stable yet agile geometry is confidence-inspiring

  • Sensitive suspension for the travel, particularly when pedalling

  • Good base tune on the highly-adjustable shock

Lows
  • Seat angle could be steeper

  • Inconsistent Shimano XT brakes

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Fork

Rockshox Pike Ultimate Black - 130mm

Travel130mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

Cane Creek DB Air IL Climb Switch 210x50

Travel125mm

Bottom Bracket

Enduro Bearings Stainless Steel Maxhit 30mm Bottom Bracket

Headset

Hope 2H for tapered steerer (black)

Stem

Hope Gravity 35mm Stem 31.8mm Clamp (black)

Handlebar

Hope Carbon Bar 800 x 20mm Rise 31.8 Clamp

Seatpost

SDG Tellis V2 31.6 Seatpost 150mm drop

TypeDropper

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

XTR M9100 1x12 Drivetrain

Crank

Hope EVO 175mm Silver Chainset with DM32 Black Chainring

Cassette

XT 12spd 10-51 Cassette

Brakes

Hope standard (non-floating) rotors 203/180 6bolt

TypeHydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Hope Fortus30 Single Cavity 29 Microspline (black Pro5 hubs)

Tires

WTB 29 Verdict 2.5 / Trail Boss 2.4 Light Slashguard with tubeless kit

Rider Notes
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First added November 21

Last updated June 1

Not listed for 727 days