UK/ European made off the peg Steel hardtails

[slackboy]

Who actually makes the cotic escapade 853 UK model?
Their steel frames used to be taiwanese when we sold them

Probably fiveland. I think all their full suspension bikes are made in the UK now. The solaris moved to the Czech Republic in the last year or so and the cascade is made in Portugal. Only the Bfe and escapade are still taiwan made as far as I know.

the website has an "origin" section for each frame they make

(Yes, I'm a Cotic nerd)

 

[Tommy27]

Ok so I've contacted Super Ted, since I'm gonna be very near him next month. Not sure if he does anything remotely off the peg/ standard but would be good to see him again.

BTR and Curtis topping the short list right now otherwise since both offer a proper 27.5.

 

[grantoury]

The Cotic cascade seems suited to 27,5 and is made in Portugal. It is advertised more as an adventure bike but it seems to me it would do well as a hardtail. Suspension corrected too. I wouldn't really worry about that bb height if it were me. I never encounter rocks on trail though.

 

[Tommy27]

Ted has replied, nothing confirmed or paid for yet, but looks most likely person I'll go with?

 

[madjh]

Oxiacycles steel custom frames
Campmajo is a traditional brand custom made in alu or steel

Rizzo is another builder etc etc In Eu in each country there are many frame builders.

 

[paton]

 

[Tommy27]

Still yet to watch this, but put a deposit down with Ted back in August.

 

[clubby]

Good choice. Saw some of his work at Bespoked in Bristol years ago. Glad he’s still going. So many exhibitors have been lost since then. The guy who made my custom mtb 10 years ago, went under this year despite having won countless awards.

I applaud you economic perspective @Tommy27 but even as an owner of a custom, I would find it hard to justify the extra cost against a small batch foreign made frame but from a UK company.

Make sure to post a build thread when you get it.

 

[Tommy27]

Off the peg aCotic Solaris starts at £1200, a Mason Raw is 1800. A Curtis 1750. BTR seem to have put their prices up to around 2000.

Ted doesn't currently publish his prices, but depending on tubing it could potentially be less than the Curtis. It'll be an XC/ Down Country/ Bikepacking frame for 100- 120mm fork. So I suspect a Trail hardtail even in 631 might cost more since it might need more reinforcing?

To me it makes sense to go with Ted, for a number of reasons:
* It won't cost much more than a Fort built frame.
*I've known him a little for 20 years or so and some old friends highly rate him
*It'll be unique, if not full custom?
*It supports a builder I can visit in person.