29/06/2016 - BFe275 2016 - Thru Axle!!
The new BFe275 is available as of today.
The biggest news is that [humble pie time]...........there is a 142 x 12 thru axle option! It's a first on a Cotic hardtail, and those of you who follow the newsletter will probably know that we have been staunch advocates of QRs on hardtails for...well, basically forever. It uses the fantastic Syntace X-12 system we use on the Rockets droplink suspension, it's super secure and as light as 12mm systems get.
Why the change of heart? Well, we still believe there's no performance benefit from thru axle on a hardtail, and you can still get BFe275 in a QR version if you have QR wheels, or don't feel the need. However, we are always listening to our customers and there is strong demand for this. People often like to be able to swap wheels between a couple of bikes, and most FS bikes - in fact most mountain bikes full stop - are 142x12 these days. So it's great from a practicality point of view. And the BFe275 is a burly bike and people like the security of a thru axle for this kind of bike. I can understand that.
I also realised I was properly in danger for doing what I said I never would, and tilting at the windmills of the industry and getting in an engineery huff because it 'wasn't needed'. When road bikes started to sprout thru axles, I realised I needed to have a word with myself. I remember not buying a Bontrager frame back in the 90's after saving up for months because it still had a 1" headset (remember those?!!) because Keith thought oversized headsets weren't needed. He had a fair point at that time in the mountain bikes' evolution, but from a practical point of view I didn't want to buy new forks with an old standard steerer. I promised myself I'd always build Modern Steel Hardtails.
Following the same direction as the recent BFe26 update, there is Stealth/Internal dropper post routing, and tidied up front mech routing which is now for Shimano Sideswing front mechs only. These mechs have much more clearance around the tyre than regular mechs, and they're available down to Deore level, so it won't be much to get you up and running if you're still running a 2x or 3x drivetrain.
Our ace OFI geometry carrying over unchanged so you know the handling is SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!
The new BFe275 is available in the luscious Fast Red or subtle Grey/Yellow. The QR version is £349 for the frame only, and bikes start with the Silver spec at £1499. The Syntace 142 version costs £399 for the frame, and the Silver spec bike starts at £1579 as it has tubeless ready WTB rimmed wheels from the Rocket Silver bike. Orders your today for delivery Friday:
www.cotic.co.uk/order/framebuilder/BFe275
Don't forget we now have a Go Custom programme for the bikes too, so the Silver or Gold builds are just a starting point. If you're buying a bike, click 'Go Custom' and you'll be given options on upgrading your forks to the higher end Roughcut HLR damper, your wheels or brakes to Hope options, and now there's Stealth routing you can add a Race Face Turbine dropper post with the trick 1x remote too. Click on the link and have a play. Nothing is ordered unless you click the button at the bottom of the page, so don't be afraid to have a muck about in the Go Custom section and configure your dream bike.
The final few of the existing BFe275 frame are now on further reduction to clear, in matte green or grey/yellow, for just £249 for the frame. Order them here:
www.cotic.co.uk/order/framebuilder/BFe275
It's a proper little razzer, just as it always has been. In't riding bikes brilliant? I'd love to hear from you about these improvements to the BFe275. Good move? Not bothered? Definitely getting one?
Cheers,
Cy