Foldable Bikes Party: Cotic Solaris review

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While the future of Sheffield’s steel industry continues to look shaky, local bike brand Cotic has been making positive steps to see its market grow. With subtle changes to the front triangle, the Cotic Solaris V2 has been brought in line with current trends. Where the original model was designed around a 100mm fork, the new incarnation has been built for a 120mm platform. The result is a lower bottom bracket height with a 52mm drop, slacker 68-degree head angle and slightly longer reach of 437mm.

Cotic Solaris spec overview

Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT M8000 1x11, 11-42 Cassette
Cranks: Race Face Turbine Cinch 175mm
Chainring: Direct Mount 30t
Brakes: Deore XT M8000, 180/160 rotors
Fork: X Fusion Trace RL2, 120mm travel
Wheels: Hope Hoops Tech XC wheels
Finishing kit: Chpice of handlebar and saddle, Race Face Ride 375mm seatpost, Cotic Cromo Rail Saddle, Hope headset

Cotic Solaris frame and equipment

The front end is made of thin walled, air hardening Reynolds 853 and features a 44mm headtube. Other than tabs for front mech cable routing, the lines are clean and welds tidy. The downtube gets bottle cage mounts and a dedicated Shimano side swing mount too.

At the back, the Solaris is unchanged with Cotic’s tried and tested 4130 wishbone stays and rear triangle, finished with a branded chainstay protector. The full bike weighs 13.3kg.

Cotic Solaris ride impression

785mm RaceFace bars paired with a matching 60mm stem help for an aggressive stance on the trail giving plenty of control. At 30psi, the 29” Continental Trail King tyres roll quickly whilst hooking up well in most conditions. The Solaris also has enough clearance for 27+ tyres but a 2.2” width is about the limit for a 29.