REVIEW: 2020 Cotic BFe MAX (BEEFY) - Hardtail Party

In this episode we review the 2020 Cotic BFe MAX, an aggressive, hardcore steel 29er hardtail. Does it have what it takes to tackle Sedona's infamous hiline trail? In this episode, we find out. Learn more about this bike here: bit.ly/2AG2gbF
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#cotic #steelisreal #hardtail #bfemax

[@kdiazcts]

Trail looks nuttso on the climb...I'm not even sure I'd call it a "rideable" trail! Sick skills my friend.

[@stephenvincent7461]

I LOVE how you review bikes! you do a first look, which is how most people do their full reviews, but its great how you take it on the trail and do a real time review while you're riding. And you are not afraid to note things you don't like and explain why. You can definitely tell you know what you're talking about and I wish you would also do full sus bikes as well. I know that would take away from the channel and theres just not enough time, but i really appreciate how much in depth you get with your reviews!

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks. I agreez "first looks" and mentioning specs are a sad substitute for a reciee. I've reviewed a few full suspensions on my wife's channel. If I could clone myself, I'd totally have a full squish party channel with bike reviews. So many people fail to explain what a bike feels like. It's hard to do, and it takes a lot of experience with different bikes to know how they compare. Check out my buddy's channel, mtbyumyum for fs reviews.

[@stephenvincent7461]

@@hardtailparty Exactly! and full sus bikes are a whole nother world with suspension designs. but I will do that thanks!

[@WussyCatMTB]

Ah - you've never seen the Peak District, but imagine your trails in grey with bad weather (maybe not quite as extreme as around you, but still) - should explain a LOT about why you likes the BFe so much :)

[@imajez1]

There's an awful lot more green in our scenery here in the Peaks too, thanks to the 'bad' weather. :D Though until a few days back it was just as dusty, thanks to the driest May on record. There are numerous trails that extreme in the Peaks, particularly if you ride away from the usual suspects. It can become XC trials riding then. Sometimes when exploring off piste I've been glad to find even a 10cm sheep trail to ride.

[@MTB_Derbyshire]

Great description 😂 also we've got a lot less rattle snakes and cacti in the Peak District. You a local? Cotic owner me sen... a FlareMAX (gen2). Love it! 👍

[@paulbarton957]

Ha, sounds about right. I'm in Chinley. Whenever I ride down the Beast or Cavedale I think I SHOULD be on a Cotic rather than me Cannondale. It's good to see Cotic making sense somewhere so different!

[@rule3036]

Up to your knees in peat bog and Derbyshire gritstone eating your mechs away.......and sometimes it doesnt rain🤣

[@mracreative9589]

Nice one... Cotic have been such key players on the UK scene for such a long time. Glad to hear an honest and truly in - depth review. You're doing a great job mate.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks for the kind words Edward. I sure enjoy reviewing hardtails.

[@justinwilliams7068]

You have the best reviews hands down! Thank you!

[@hardtailparty]

Wow, thank you Justin! There's not much I'm good at in life, but I really enjoy reviewing bikes.

[@patjohnson2435]

Built up a BFE Max based on this review. It's been incredible, great climber, bombs down. I find myself riding it as fast and hard as my full suspension, only to get reminded I'm on a hardtail when the trail gets really rough! But until that time its full blast.

[@martinshortt7750]

I'm on a 140mm Solaris Max and the geo is very similar to the BFe at 140. It's such a great bike - I also have a Starling Murmur and it's very hard to choose the Murmur over the S Max.

[@danfsims]

This is a great channel mate - really informative. I’m a UK hardtail rider and compliance and strength is a feature of all the best uk hardtail makers. Orange, Cotic, Stanton and Ragley all make frames like that. We’re spoilt for ace frames over here, but our riding and conditions are perfect for hardtails. You should come over and do the Welsh Enduro Series in the autumn 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@edlorenz1552]

I have a feeling @Hardtail party will be reviewing more UK bikes this year. Just a guess.

[@MikaHakkinen83]

@@edlorenz1552 are you holding him hostage?

[@dantribby199]

I really appreciate that you review bike that nobody else does. Great content.

[@simonyoung1901]

A bit late to the party here but stoked you liked it, I own a 2018 BFE 27.5 and it is just the best bike, I have ridden it round the Dark Peak in Derbyshire where it was designed many times and bike parks in Wales and Scotland and nothing seems to faze it. The flair max is hands down the best bike I have ever had the privilage to ride but I love my Beefy and always will.

[@patchesthejaybird8431]

Wow, sounds like a great bike. So many of your observations seem to mirror my experience so far with my Cotic Soul. The Soul is also a fairly light steel frame (small is about 4.4 lbs) and has a nice springy, comfortable ride, but climbs and really jumps forward when you pedal. I also like that its not over built, or out of a cheap heavy tube. For the price good luck finding an 853 tube set anywhere else. My Soul also likes to just take off downhill, and I find myself flying over stuff in a way I've never done before... The similarities seem to run in Cotics bloodline. They sell great bikes. I was nervous about over seas ordering, but I'm one happy customer now! The Soul is out of production, but the Solaris Max has many similarities, and runs 29 or 27.5+.

[@theblishknovk]

Long form reviews are the best form of review. Keep it up. Awesome

[@dl6860]

Thank you. The time, effort, energy, and care you put into your content shows how much you seek to create value. It's appreciated. You'll be past 100k subs in no time. Keep up the good work!

[@bensieber6960]

Great review. I'm always amazed at what you clean - super skills!

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks Ben. It's helpful that this is my local trail. I've had lots of practice.

[@maxbolenkab]

I’d love to see sales numbers at these companies when you give a solid review. Awesome well rounded review 👏

[@hardtailparty]

So would I!

[@davidbritton700]

Have been following Cotic for a while now and they seem like an awesome company as well. This frame looks like just another example of the great stuff they are putting out.

[@DonkeysRChaos]

You are one of the reasons why I bought a Kona big honzo. And you and old shovel have aspired me to build my own bike, and I want a cotic hardtail.. thank you so much for your reviews.

[@kylecomstock2426]

I bought a large gunmetal and copper BFE MAX frame two days after your review. I’m excited to build a climbing beast to work on my technical climbing skills here in the PNW. Going Onyx rear hub, new GX Eagle, and DVO suspension Love the channel and all the awesome information you provide !!

[@hardtailparty]

Sounds like a killer build! Thanks for watching.

[@hardtailparty]

Do you need help deciding which bike to purchase next? I offer a one-on-one bike consultation service through patreon. It's how I put food on the table for my family, and how I'm able to provide custom bike advice for my vieewrs. Become a patron today for access: sign up for the monthly bike consultation tier, and cancel at any time. Most people sign up for a month or two, and we work together to discuss their needs, riding style, etc. to narrow down the list of all the great hardtails out there. When they get the info they need and they no longer have any questions, they cancel. Become a patron today: patreon.com/hardtailparty. If my videos have saved you time or money, consider supporting this channel via Patreon. For as little as $5/month you can ensure I continue making unbiased content. Support individual content creators over garbage tv or sponsored content disguised as reviews. A few more things: 1) This bike is FAST. On downhills, it likes to pick up speed and keep that momentum moving. And you don't even realize it. 2) Unlike so many aggressive hardtails, this bike is LIGHT and it rides light and snappy (in a good way). 3) Even though this is a fast bike, it feels like you're going slower than you are. In other words, it doesn't get nervous as it gets fast. It just picks up speed and stays composed. You're going faster than you think. 4) I was amazed at how much of an all-rounder this was, not just a downhill plow bike. 5) Sorry about the creaky seat, the dust here gets everywhere here in Sedona and dries grease out fast.

[@CoticBikesUK]

Awesome review. Thank you so much. You totally "got" the bike, and I am so pleased you picked up on and appreciated the details. Cheers, Cy @ Cotic

[@hardtailparty]

@@CoticBikesUK Hey Cy, it's an honor to have you reply to my video. Thanks for making amazing bikes, and congrats on all that your incredible company has become. Thanks for the opportunity to review this bike. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@davidcolintunstall6048]

Thanks! Great review! I really want one now! I’m still loving my original soul! THAT would be a review we’d love to see! if you could get your hands on one of those, the original modern steel hardtail, and see how it compares! Still an awesome bike in my opinion.

[@hardtailparty]

​@@davidcolintunstall6048 I had the last 26" soul they made. This feels less harsh. They both have a very light, snappy feel to them.

[@hardtailparty]

@M45XTH possibly. The geo is a little more conservative than I like, but it might be a great bike. I'll see if I can get my hands on one.

[@aaronglazebrook8821]

Just wanted to say I bought this bike after your review, I’ve been on the search for a steel hardtail, a do it all bike, I’m a big guy so I’ll be interested in how i experience the ride versus your experience. Really enjoy the channel and your vibe, keep at it!!

[@imajez1]

Didn't realise I wanted a new HT until I watched this video, I'm now thinking that I need to test a BFe Max at some point when C19 allows but handily Cotic are VERY local to me. Vaguely seem to recall my fave local singletrack loop goes out past where Cy lives. I love technical climbing and was impressed by how well you and bike rode the challenging trail. There's an 'impossible' climb in the Peak District, that I nearly cleaned a long time back when I used to ride it a couple of times a week. I got to 6-7m from the lip of the very top of the long very steep and very rocky climb and I'd definitely buy a bike that can climb all of the infamous Jacob's Ladder. I've ridden a couple of Cotic's FS bikes and they were very good indeed, but not quite right for my FS needs. I wanted a full susser as light as possible because I go very off piste at times as apart of a crazy challenge I'm doing, so a light race XC bike made more sense. But now I want a new HT I didn't think I needed. :D

[@pitduck7499]

Postman from hayfield, cleared it many times (Nicky Craig?) on a scott...

[@imajez1]

@@pitduck7499 Nicky Craig definitely tried it and managed it at least once. He was/is a pro bike rider. Numerous UK XC + CX National championships and a Masters CX World Champion too.

[@hughsnyder891]

Thanks for the review of this bike . I’ve been waiting for it and I’m not surprised you liked it as much as you did .

[@andyjwhitaker]

Cotic make such great bikes, properly thought through and beautifully finished, every one of them.

[@andyjwhitaker]

And a great review - really thoughtful and well put together. That's a cracking looking trail.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks. Definitely one of my all-time favorite trails.

[@brendonmarek2502]

I just ordered one of these frames. This bike checks all the boxes for me on paper and this awesome review sealed it for me. Best hardtail content on the web.

[@stevenraeder3164]

Thanks for the great review on this bike. Just bought their Gold SRAM full build because of this review. Sale totally goes to you, your experience, and candid commentary. Thanks a million, dude. Keep up the bussin’ work.

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats on a rad bike!

[@123dwd]

This bike is super rad and i am having a great time on it. the combination of the long frame with the short stem (my build is a 31mm stem and 130 Pike) just feels amazing for railing corners and rolling steep rocks. The bike totally suits my riding style and as soon as i saw a used (blue!) one available i pounced on it, mainly thanks to this review. I love having a 853 badge again, like my '98 Explosif! Thanks Steve!

[@joshstaub6224]

Your reviews are awesome! Because of this one I sought out and built up one of these frames....it is a special bike, just like you described. I love it! Thanks Hardtail Party!

[@brandydog47]

Thanks for the review. I have a few rides on mine now with a 160mm short offset Fox 36. The HA looks crazy when it is static, but rides great. I’m 6’1” and a large feels perfect.

[@eric11t]

Thanks for this. Glad to finally see some in-depth comparisons between hardtails. One thing to point out is Cotic publishes their hardtail geos with 25% sag unlike a lot of other brands. So their reach numbers are going to be a little bit longer and head angles a little steeper. Might be why the reach felt shorter than what was on paper? Could be any number of things but just a thought.

[@montyswoodworkscrafts2232]

Got a couple of BFE’s one with long shot geometry that is just amazing and running a 27.5 set up, the other is non long shot and though a 27.5 frame, its running 26” wheels. Both bikes are simply awesome to ride. So tempted to go for a BFE max with 29” wheels. Thanks for taking the time to make and share this video

[@Klunker1]

I’ve been Mountain biking since 1984 and wish I had half your skills, wow. My just arrived Solaris Max is being built as I write this and hope to get a short ride on it this evening. It also has 444mm chainstays and your review eases my concerns on that. What a trail , what a ride, great review.

[@hardtailparty]

If you're ever in Sedona, drop me a line and I'll show you our spectacular trails. This is my kind of riding. I'm not fast, I don't do big jumps, but I sure love technical climbs and descents, and this bike loved it! Congrats on the Solaris Max, I hope to review one of those one day.

[@Klunker1]

hardtail party. Living in Durango I’ve been to Sedona a few times and enjoyed many of the trails with the difficulty level of Slim Shady and chuckwagon. I’m 74 and Highline is more than I could handle. I’ve ridden with Dave from Fat Tire while in Sun Valley and loved his small shop in Sedona. Say hi next time you see him.

[@clipless03]

James, did you run in to any unexpected customs fees/import duties when you bought your bike? I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of these.

[@Klunker1]

clipless03 Hello Clipless, there were no fees. Shipping took about 2 weeks and cost was 586 pounds, came to $750 including shipping. Looks beautiful in size large, first ride is tomorrow.. Hope this helps.

[@clipless03]

Thanks!

[@dominikmente]

Thanks for reviewing a Cotic. So little info on them out there. I recently got a medium BFE 27.5 on a whim and love it. I was able to fit a 200mm PNW Rainer at 5'9" with 0.5' seatpost tube exposed still. Running it with a reduced offset 150mm Revelation, chainstays at 428mm. You should ask Cotic for a review frame, I'd be curious about your thoughts on the 27.5 version...

[@danieldoble7674]

Another Great Review from Hardtail Party. I'm always looking for your new posts.

[@jamespilar9840]

I like your straight forward approach to your reviews. Braking down the good points and bad points. Thanks

[@goforbroke2]

Steel compliance between frames is real. I used to ride a Cotic BFE, then came the Orange P7, and now I ride a custom steel frame. They all rode differently. Custom is the way to go funds permitted. I’ve rode that trail twice now, it’s rowdy for a HT. Nice riding.

[@hardtailparty]

So many people think all steel frames ride the same. I'd love to get a custom frame one day, but it's out of the budget right now.

[@howequalspeace]

Cy at Cotic knows his business and knows it well

[@nameresu]

After 12:05 is some insane stuff. I wouldn't ride a full suspension there, I'm not that great rider. Great review, great bike, thank you.

[@hardtailparty]

It definitely is. It looks so tame on camera, but it's crazy in real life. Very few people can clean it top to bottom in one run with no dabs. That just goes to show how good this bike is.

[@simonarends7802]

@@hardtailpartygoes to show how good the rider is*

[@rolandhochmuth1951]

That was impressive!

[@shaunroach7829]

Great review Steve!!! Such in dept description on how the frame feels and handles. You were destroying the climbs, sounds like a all around great hardtail!!!!! 💪💪💪👍👍🤘🤘

[@ognyc6522]

Awesome review! Just hit the buy button on a medium blue!!

[@CoticBikesUK]

thanks!

[@saararni]

Great review. I ride a size L Solaris max which has similar numbers in reach and CS so I was surprised you took the small, a medium will probably work better for you. I was also used to super short CS like on a nimble9 I used to have and the long CS looked weird at first but it does ride very well and improved my turns. Keep up the good work!

[@Kab_On_The_Fly]

Awesome video! Love the content Steve. I just bought the chromoly middle child and now I want this, dang it!

[@jayleeson5634]

So glad you reviewed this bike. I am in the U.K. and am thinking of Cotic as my step up bike.

[@cerveln]

Your reviews are awesome mate! So detailed and informative. You know your bikes, how each detail can affect the different traits of a bike. Spot on! 👍

[@danielrgusa]

Awesome review. Your review is pretty much what I was expecting. I see a lot of praise for Cotic from riders in the UK and you just confirmed everything I’ve ever read.

[@radigan209]

Great review! It’s just what I was hoping for with the Cotic. I’m looking at the BFe max as well. Thanks good job!

[@tobytee7883]

I still enjoy riding my 1st gen Cotic BFe. 26” wheels can be fun on the right trails. Having said that, I’m looking forward to getting my new 29er hardtail soon.

[@Cotictimmy]

Aww - I had Cotic Souls and an early build of the Soda (a Ti version of The Soul - beautiful for smooth trails, but scary noodly on downhill with chunk for a heavy rider like me). The 853 Soul was a near perfect hard tail in its day & stunning value. Great company and crew.

[@Rustysheriffsbike]

Great review! Makes me very excited to watch this because I have a BFe coming in January.

[@usernamwdrama]

Rad trail, good stuff. Cotic's rule, had a Soul followed by a BFe, both 26" and both excellent. This new BFe looks killer.

[@hjulier]

Great review! Seems like the quality of this steel frame is a step above, leading to a more resilient ride. The numbers are spot on too for someone who's 6'6" like me.

[@hjulier]

PS - insane that you rode that little climb at 16:10 while talking... hiked that trail with my parents and everyone we saw riding it bailed.

[@hardtailparty]

Thanks. Video doesn't do this justice, it's SO chunky. It is a fantastic frame, they did a great job.

[@MartenSchukkink]

@henry What size of frame do you ride? I'm 1.96m, so XL seems the proper size?

[@alexandertaylor8870]

Hey same here, been in the market for a HT awhile now, but couldn't quite find the geometry and price point I was looking for until I saw this bike in XL. Was thinking about the Guerilla Gravity Pedalhead, similar geo but twice as expensive.

[@mikenettleton9830]

Nice review. This looks like a fun bike. I have an older 27.5 BFe that has a lot of similarities to what you've described on the 29er - comfortable yet stout, well balanced, fun, confidence-inspiring. However, it's also very different too - it's very jibby, easy to manual, playful, basically all the words. I don't know if that's down to the smaller wheels, the 20mm shorter chainstays or both. All in, I'm stoked on Cotic and UK bike manufacturers in general. Their geo is usually dialed, I like the strong focus on steel and aluminum and ease of maintenance. Keep the content coming. Always good stuff!

[@hardtailparty]

I'd attribute it to the shorter stays. 20mm makes a huge difference, expecially for small riders like me.

[@alessandrobettoni5432]

Just seen a review and get my new frame. Thanks HP!

[@adamrossi7010]

You found another needle in the haystack! Great review Steve. Love the look and color of this bike!

[@ArunMTB]

Thanks for such a great quality review - I love my BFe 27.5 and thinking of upgrading to this

[@FernandoMontielRal]

I'd love to watch a review on the Pole Taival. This channel is awesome! Hope to become a patreon soon! Cheers from Mexico!

[@TheTinnedBeanReviewChannel]

Fantastic review Steve! Thanks for all the work you do. Hoping they send you a Solaris in the future

[@hardtailparty]

Hm... i might be able to arrange that. Solaris MAX, or regular Solaris?

[@TheTinnedBeanReviewChannel]

@@hardtailparty Solaris Max, I don't think they do a regular Solaris. This review alone has already made me want a Cotic even more, but a positive Solaris Max review would probably make me pull the trigger 💸

[@hardtailparty]

D'oh, I forgot they only have the Max now. Ok, i'll see if I can get one in for review. If I do get one in, I'll set it up as a 120mm, as I feel it'll suit the bike well that way and I'll make sure to comment how it compares to this in ride feel. It's a full 853 frame, so that'll be interesting to see if it makes a difference.

[@TheTinnedBeanReviewChannel]

@@hardtailparty that would be fantastic! Fingers crossed.

[@keithbasham2413]

what is the difference between the two?

[@tjay_mac]

I can only imagine what the reviews would be like if you ran the Knight wheelset and your 2.8 Maxxis. As always, great review!!

[@hardtailparty]

I test-fitted my Knights with 3.0s on here, and they cleared just fine. I think that'd be a fun way to run this bike, but I think 29ers suit it even more. This bike wants to race.

[@Planet9_music]

Such a great review feel like I learnt a lot here!! Im 6'5" and reading the geo charts this bike pretty much dwarfs my vitus sommet so had the concern it would be a big wallowing anvil but this has been so helpful!! Does make me wonder how the 27.5 with a mullet setup would run. Thanks a lot man!

[@jkeiffer]

Great review. I found your review for the Cotic SolarisMax. Going to watch that next as it is probably better suited for me.

[@eduardonunez2946]

Amazing climbing skills man!!!

[@bimmerfan729]

Sooo..you're saying I need one? haha. Great review! Bike looks like a blast.

[@allanmcewan4835]

Great review could not find one before I ordered one , can’t wait for it to arrive now

[@paulharrison9570]

Great video pal, l love my bfe but its only a 650b so would love to see your review on a smaller wheel one. Keep up the good work

[@iiosoyich]

WOW i SO want this bike after your review! keep it up

[@jamesbosuego]

HP shirt and tank just came in 🤙

[@hardtailparty]

Rock on! Wear it with pride.

[@mazescopak405]

Great review Steve. I do question the use of 29 wheels as a climbimg factor. 29 is considerably easier on chunky climbs. Either way enjoyed the review.

[@hardtailparty]

This isn't my first time riding 29ers though, I've been riding them for years, on this trail, and on this channel. This bike out-climbs every other bike I've ridden on this trail. Even with 29" wheels, there's nothing easy about this climb. It's brutal.

[@mazescopak405]

@@hardtailparty Ok, respect. My criticism is only directed at the bike. It would be cool to see this in a 27 mode on same trail.

[@larsl3694]

Great review, and what an amazing trails !

[@davidgeiger8620]

Great review, you must test the 29 er cheaptrick

[@HowToGetMoreMetal]

You’re such a good climber. Amazing

[@MTBrVK]

Really enjoyed watching this review, thank you.

[@toooldfortwowheels2048]

I have a full suspension Cotic, the RocketMax and it's been a revelation for me with the "Longshot" geometry. Climbs adequately, stable as you like on descents, head angle is under 64 degrees which is slack and reach is 515mm on mine but it doesn't feel that extreme in any of those numbers. Get as short a stem as you can manage on these and a 44mm offset fork for sure 👌🏻 So glad you weren't disappointed in this bike and I'm proud it's a British export that's being well received elsewhere in the world. Great review and keep up the good content. What fork did you ride on this? Looked like a Helm, I have a Helm coil myself and they're pretty awesome.

[@hardtailparty]

Yup, this was a 140mm cane creek helm. Fantastic fork for this bike. I'm a big fan of the helm.

[@RayHowrad]

As always, great technical review! I think tire buzz is due to lower BB and longer CS putting the apex of the tire further out and harder to get behind.

[@hardtailparty]

Very possible. I also wonder if the shorter reach had me leaning back more, over the back of the bike to prevent the feeling of going otb. I ride 29ers on this trail all the time, and I never buzz my butt.

[@RayHowrad]

hardtail party good point. Looking at geo, I see Cotic’s numbers are under sag unless I’m reading it wrong. That means comparing other geos, it’s slacker in SA and HA, and shorter in reach than stated.

[@CoticBikesUK]

@@RayHowrad Yes, state numbers at ride height, so reach would be shorter and angles slacker static. We prefer to state ride height because it relates a little more closely to FS bike static geometry which is what people are used to sizing on.

[@willdea2750]

Great review Steve, can you please do a review the Canfield N9? IMO the O.G. aggessive HT.

[@hardtailparty]

Coming soon. My N9 is on the ship on its way here.

[@willdea2750]

Rad!

[@eggbound100]

Great review bud, interesting that your 5’6”, I am too and ride a medium Solaris max which I’m able to use a 160mm dropper on. I was concerned that it may be too long but it rides great.

[@hardtailparty]

Great feedback, thanks. I'd love to try a med solaris max one day.

[@larkinkelly3754]

I rode back to back on a chunky downhill with one of these and a 150mm full sus bike, faster every time even with drops that exit into rock gardens

[@velio84]

Great review, Steve, loved it and keep it up! Watching your videos makes me attack the climbs on my ride and push a bit more than before and try to ride them out instead of pushing the bike :) I'm curios whether you've got in touch with Stanton to maybe review one of their frames?

[@hardtailparty]

Yes, I've been in touch with Stanton. We should see a bike or two for review soon.

[@luvinfunvan]

That shorter reach relative to CS is what makes it feel playful! The larger sizes would be even more composed and planted.

[@hardtailparty]

This bike doesn't feel super playful to me. It feels planted and controlled, but not playful. For me, a short rear end and long reach is what makes a bike feel playful AND stable. I think this bike in a size med or L would be ideal.

[@luvinfunvan]

​@@hardtailparty You mentioned it felt playful despite the numbers. I was just commenting on that; I hypothesize the reason it does is because the long CS is offset by the shorter FC on the smaller frame size. If you went to a larger frame size I suspect it would feel less playful. That has been my experience. Though I am a short torso relative to overall height individual and I define "playful" in I think the same way you have mentioned you do, popping off lips, wheelies, manuals etc. One of my rides is an OG Krampus with 446 long CS on obviously giant wheels and it does those playful things surprisingly well. despite the CS length. It has a really short FC much shorter than the CS so I can shift my weight back far enough to accomplish those manoeuvres easily, if its FC were much longer I simply couldn't achieve that same weight shift.

[@pullthatwigback5969]

You clean the craziest lines up!

[@LordKlektar]

Riding in Sedona looks insane!

[@achaz23]

May I suggest a review of the Wyatt Vista? It's a small Wisconsin company that does aluminum hardtails. I'm sure they would be happy to get some cheap press. They have an adjustable rear end to run 27.5 or 29. Built to order but the geo is spot on. I've been going around and around on if I want to order one of their complete builds or build another bike from frame. It's that or a Stanton Switchback with a Lyrik Ultimate from scratch.

[@davidmaita5581]

Love the reviews! I want to ride this area, it looks like a lot of fun. Have you ridden/review the Rocky Mountain Growler?

[@bricksandgames2244]

Recent subscriber from UK. Loving the channel. Off to look at the Cotic website.

[@lrvz7187]

I'm so indecise between this bike vs the Stanton Switch9er... Cotic frame costs me 614€, Stanton Switch9er 725€ (Taiwan version), both bikes look sooo good... And both have complete builds for the same price although my interest is mostly on the frame to be able to upgrade slowly I'm also thinking how much of the review /riding feeling could compare if you had riding a medium, since I'm 6'1 and would get a size large, so the feeling compared to what you experienced in a small could be quite different

[@bmatic1319]

Are you from Europe? Where do you order the Cotic? I am from Europe and thinking about ordering the Cotic frame or the Nukeproof Scout frame.

[@CoticBikesUK]

@@bmatic1319 Hi, you order directly from our website. www.cotic.co.uk/order. We ship worldwide from the UK.

[@BobMcKerrell]

Great vids man. Can you get a rear facing camera so we can see those drops. I can see they are steep but just howww steep : )

[@scotsemmens596]

Just ordered mine!

[@hardtailparty]

Congrats, it's a great bike!

[@Speenard]

That thing sounds like a blast. Do you think the longer chainstays is why it felt more compliant? More leverage on the rear wheel.

[@hardtailparty]

I believe so, that's one of my theories. I need to learn more about building bikes. I'm trying to resist the urge to make a few hardtails, but I'm slowly sliding that way... Cotic also knows how to build a frame strong without over-building it.

[@Jthe5th]

Beautiful scenery, beefy trail.

[@oliverhaban6941]

What abaout the Orange crush?

[@danip77]

LOVE your reviews would you take this bike bikepacking? or on long rides of 5 hours or more? cheers

[@shawnbenson3873]

Time to review a Guerrilla Gravity Pedalhead? It’s American made in Colorado, odd square tube design, would love to hear your perspective.

[@hardtailparty]

I've tried to get one, but no luck. Seat tube looks absurdly long, I'm not sure I"d be able to run a 150mm dropper on it.

[@georgepapandreou8701]

Compared to Solaris Max?

[@jabbawok7811]

What is the other top climber you mention like this bike please? Great reviews BTW 👍🤘

[@speedboard.]

Any plans to test out the Rigley Big Wig & Big Al? They've got the best paint jobs of any bike I've seen this year, and look like sweet rides to boot. I want to build a hardtail up from one of those frames.

[@hardtailparty]

I hope so, but with the bike shortage I'm not sure it'll be possible. Fingers crossed.

[@stefanwehe8778]

Great review. This probably my next frame i am going to buy. Do you think you can get a Pipedreams Moxie for a review?

[@hardtailparty]

I've tried to get a moxie, but no reply.

[@gregshean3401]

Another great review! At about 3:00 you mention this isn't the cross country bike for crushing out the miles (which makes total sense). Any recommendations for a progressive-ish trail hardtail for those purposes? I'm currently on a Ritchey P29er, which is a great bike but given a 70 HTA and room for only 2.25 tires, doesn't inspire that much confidence when things get tricky. That being said, my riding style and location (Bay Area, CA) doesn't require a Chromag or RSD. After seeing your review of the Ionic Johnny Rotten, it looked great, but doesn't seem to be available. I've been looking at Reeb Dikyelous 2 and Chumba Sendero. Now the Cotic Solaris Max also looks like a contender (although a little scared of the huge reach number on the XL).

[@hardtailparty]

Dv9, chameleon, ritcheys new aggressive hardtail (which really isn't aggressive). I have a Solaris max that I just got in for review.

[@gregshean3401]

@@hardtailparty Thanks much! I'll have to take a harder look at your DV9 review. I've always been scared that a carbon hardtail will just be too stiff. Excited for the Solaris review. 508 reach on the XL. That's long!

[@hardtailparty]

@@gregshean3401 maybe you don't need an XL, if that feels too long. I do all my sizing off reach first, then I make sure the chainstays and seat tube will fit me.

[@superspecky4eyes]

Would be interested to see how this compares to the P7 which I think is more geared to pinning fast flowy downhills.

[@hardtailparty]

I hope to get a p7 in for review later this year.

[@superspecky4eyes]

@@hardtailparty Hopefully, before I make a decision to buy one or the other. Decisions, decisions. I don't know why but I really fancy I hardtail at the moment.

[@joelawton123]

superspecky4eyes what is on your list? Mine is Whyte 905, Cotic Bfe, Bird Zero AM or Orange P7

[@superspecky4eyes]

@@joelawton123 P7, Cotic Bfe, Ragley Piglet.

[@FrogginHawgs]

I would love to see you try the soul now!

[@hardtailparty]

So many bikes... so little time. I used to own a soul (the last 26" one they built). It felt stiffer than this bike.

[@TheMaettu]

Soul are out of Production. That´s a sad thing.

[@suranko1]

Would you take the BFemax or Solaris if you lived in BC?

[@lastname1386]

I own trek Stache 7, and i love it, have u ever road this bike and done a review?

[@hardtailparty]

I've ridden a few, but never reviewed one. Super fun bike. It's being discontinued next year sadly.

[@outtherefaraway]

If you can only have one Hardtail, would you rather have the Cotic BFE, or the GG pedalhead? Thanks!

[@hardtailparty]

I'd have the binary Maniak that I designed.

[@davefreeman9347]

Great review 👍 does anyone know how this bike rides with a 120mm travel fork