Cotic Soul.....Tell me more

[Neil G]

Heard lots of good things about the Cotic, I think it's quite versatile in being able to take a longer fork that some if it's competitors.

Only drawback (if your bothered) like On-Ones could be their popularity....you tend to see quite a few out and about!

 

[Dr S]

I've had mine about a year now and like it very much. I've had it built as a light singlespeed with rigid fork, all mountain with both Pikes and 32 Talas and currently running 1x9 on DT Swiss 130 XMCs. Does everything with style and really flatters. Works well with a shorter stem- use a layback post if that makes the cockpit short.

 

[ededwards]

Not a Soul but I bought a Roadrat on the Cycle2Work scheme based on the glowing reviews it received. I advertised it as the Emporer's New Clothes when I got rid of it after a brief test ride.

The Soul does have good reviews though and the Simple looked very good when I saw one locally.

 

[JohnH]

This spring, I want to buy myself a modern mtb, and I'd like a steel framed British hardtail. If I was to buy a cotic soul frame for £470, what's the minimum amount of money that I should allow for the rest of the bike?

 

[Dr S]

This spring, I want to buy myself a modern mtb, and I'd like a steel framed British hardtail. If I was to buy a cotic soul frame for £470, what's the minimum amount of money that I should allow for the rest of the bike?

Tricky one really, bu I'll have a go....

Fork- not an area to skimp on really. Zoke's AM2 are pretty plush and can be picked up for a shade over £100. I ran mne on a 440mm rigid Pace fork for 6 months and it was superb- a good rigid fork is always going to be a better choice than a cheap and heavy suss fork.

Wheels next- something lightish off eBay- nice set of Bonty's or OE that someone has ugraded from can be found for under a hundred.

As for the rest- go singlespeed? Saves on mechs shifters and weight and the Soul works well set up so.

Cranks- just about anything looks good on a skinny steel frame from Middlburns or that old m730 you have kicking about right up to something burly like a Race Face. Just use what you have.

All in I recon you can have the whole bike built upfor £400-500 over the frame if you are shrewd enough.

Hope that helps
Si

 

[JohnH]

Cheers Si, that helps a lot.

I suppose what I really want to know is: Do I get better value-for-money by buying a Cotic frame and building it myself, or does it work out cheaper to just buy a ready-made Orange or Saracen Kili-remake. :?

 

[Dr S]

I couldn't honestly say as I have never riden the Orange or Saracen. The Orange has lots of fans though so it must be worth a look.

Personally I like to build from a frame and spec it how I want. You can start with what you have to hand and improve it over time to suit your own preferences.

Si

 

[Neil G]

That blue looks nice

Personally I'd be buying a frame and building a bike up...it's all part of the fun