FlareMAX

  • 29 down country
  • Hand made in Scotland
  • 125mm rear travel
  • up to 140mm fork
Review, Cotic, full-suspension, droplink, steel, 853, Flare, FlareMAX, MAX, frames, frame, mountain, bike, Reynolds, trail, 2023
Review, Cotic, full-suspension, droplink, steel, 853, Flare, FlareMAX, MAX, frames, frame, mountain, bike, Reynolds, trail, 2023
Cotic FlareMAX Gen 5 Cotic FlareMAX Gen 5

The FlareMAX Gen5 is our fast and fun, downcountry / short travel trail bike

FlareMAX is our lightest, shortest travel, most infectiously fun droplink bike. Fast and responsive, it's your dream bike for whizzing between the trees, covering long distances, but it's still got your back for a big day in the hills.

Reynolds 853 steel gives that signature gorgeous, tactile feel, and Longshot geometry makes it fiercely capable in the steeps. 125mm rear travel is taut, feedback rich and just enough for when it gets hectic in the rocks.

Choose a 120mm fork, light tyre Downcountry build, or 130mm fork Trail build for a lively all rounder, or up the ante to 140mm fork and big 2.5's for a slacker, more capable, mini-enduro style ride.

The combination of big wheels and short travel is an irresistible recipe fun. Whether it's an all day epic or an evening blast: Scramble up, rip down, rinse and repeat. FlareMAX.

British Made, Small Batch

We produce droplink frames in the UK in batches of 4 per size/colour per week. This means that we often don't have every size and colour option in stock, but we are never more than a few weeks away from making more. If the size and colour you want is on pre-order, get involved and order it and we will build it for you. We are building RocketMAX, Jeht and FlareMAX now, so we prioritise building the product/size/colour that we have orders for.

Simply put, if you order it we will build it!

Paul Dexter

It's all about the handling.

The Longshot geometry on the FlareMAX gives me confidence in the front end whether it's flicking through twisty singletrack or down chunky rock gullies. I ride in lots of different places and my FlareMAX will do everything.

There's less pitch fore and aft on a shorter travel bike like the FlareMAX, so when I move my weight around it has an immediate affect on what the bike does. I love cleaning techy climbs, and this direct connection to the trail really helps in those situations.

My FlareMAX skips down the trail rather than smothering and feeling disconnected, a feeling reminiscent of riding a hardtail but with more grip and no aches afterwards!

It's interactive and fun at lower speeds, and demands more rider involvement as speeds increase which I find very rewarding.

Paul Dexter
Cotic Operations Manager



Demo

Are you in the UK and would like to demo a FlareMAX? Contact us via our Demo Page to organise a demo ride with us.

Book your Peak District demo...



LOVE IT OR YOUR MONEY BACK

Ride any of our products for 30 days and if you're not happy send it back for a full refund.

Find out more about our guarantee...



Your Bike Built For You

We do things differently at Cotic. We assemble every single bike to order, and have loads of options for builds, so your Cotic is your dream bike.

Get in touch. Let's talk about your next bike...



Cotic Factory Collection

We now have a Factory Collection option on the bikes. Come down to our base on the edge of the Peak District, and we will set up your bike, the suspension, fit pedals, get you all comfortable. You can even take your new Cotic out on its maiden voyage around our demo loop, straight from our workshop door.

Just tick the Factory Collection check box on your order and we will look forward to seeing you. We'll contact you once your bike is built to arrange a date.



Reviews


Incredible full review by The Radavist

The Radavist, Cotic FlareMAX, Review, Steel Full Suspension

"......it [the FlareMAX] evoked a particular sensation that I felt throughout the riding period: an atavistic urge to play."

"....but the Horst link design [on other bikes] never felt as snappy and playful as the Droplink design."

"The FlareMAX is a personal favorite in the downcountry space. This bike lives up to my expectations after hearing the hype secondhand over Cotic’s accomplishments and being an admirer from afar. For my terrain, it’s perfect as is."

"In fact, if I were in the market for a new full suspension......I’d be buying this FlareMAX from Cotic"

Read the full Radavist review, along with many gorgeous photos, here.



First Ride Review on Guy Kes TV

Guy rides the FlareMAX Gen5 on video:



First Ride Review on bikeperfect.com

Guy's written 5 star review:

bikeperfect.com

"I was worried a stiffer, tougher FlareMax might have lost it’s signature steel feel, but Gen 5 version adds speed and confidence while keeping it’s unique, compliant grip and flow charisma."



First Looks ‘N’ Feels on singletrackworld.com

Ben has done a useful video and write up:

singletrackworld.com

"I have no hesitation at coming out and saying that the new Gen 5 FlareMAX is a winner. It takes the previous FlareMAX and just makes it a bit better."


Want to learn more about the awesome FlareMAX gen 5?

Click on the tabs below...



    The 5th generation of the FlareMAX is further refined in search of the best ride possible.

    Gen5 is made exclusively in the UK by our friends at Five Land Bikes. To learn more about this process, head to the Origin tab further down this page.

    Rider fit has been improved with the introduction of our C-Sizing 5 step sizing regime first introduced on the RocketMAX Gen4. It aims to get more people their perfect fit by reducing the reach steps between sizes to under 20mm, and shortening the seat tubes for the C2, C3 and C4 sizes when compared to the old Medium and Large frames. It also introduces steeper seat angles on the C3, C4 and C5 sizes compared to the C1 and C2 to improve the rider fit on a size specific basis.

    In practice this means you will be less likely to drop 'between' sizes, and with shorter seat tubes you will be able to maximise your dropper post drop. Head to the Sizing and Geometry tab below.

    Handling and frame design is a subtle evolution of the super popular geometry first introduced on the Gen2 Longshot frames in 2018. For 2023 the Gen5 FlareMAX gets a 4mm lower BB for even more planted feel through the corners, and the latest evolution of our Reynolds 853 tubeset has a new down tube and a BB brace to make a durable frame even better.

    New colours for 2024... Moonstone and Amethyst, both in a matte finish with silver graphics.


Cotic Size Guide
Frame sizeRider Height in centimetresRider Height in feet and inches
C5184cm - 195cm6ft 0in - 6ft 5in
C4182cm - 190cm5ft 11in - 6ft 3in
C3176cm - 184cm5ft 9in - 6ft 0in
C2170cm - 178cm5ft 7in - 5ft 10in
C1162cm - 172cm5ft 4in - 5ft 8in

The chart is a guide to frame size. Longshot Geometry means that the frames are low and long, with plenty of standover room. We recommend going for the size suggested for your height on the chart, and getting all the benefits of running a super short and responsive 35-45mm stem. It's a game changer.

Our new Cotic "C" Sizing tightens the gaps between sizing, and give you more options to size up or down as you wish.

Make sure you consider your leg length as well. If you upsize you might not be able to fit a longer dropper post due to the collar hitting the seat tube top or the dropper post bottoming out on the seat tube droplink pivot. Maximum seatpost insertion for calculating dropper post options is on the chart.

If you'd like to learn more about our mould breaking Longshot Geometry, Click Here

We don't develop our bikes around a specific fork offset, we find that it's simply a preference down to the individual rider. If you'd like to learn more about this, Click Here

If you are unsure about that or anything else, drop us a line at size@cotic.co.uk and we'll be happy to discuss set up based on what you're riding at the moment and what seatpost you are planning to use.


120mm travel forks - dimensions in mm

Frame Size C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
Seat Tube
(centre-top)
390 417 444 471 496
Top Tube Length
(effective)
594 616 633 655 674
Head Angle 66° 66° 66° 66° 66°
Effective Seat Angle
(at 720 BB-saddle height)
75.8° 75.8° 76.2° 76.2° 76.2°
Effective Seat Angle
(at 815 BB-saddle height)
75.5° 75.5° 75.9° 75.9° 75.9°
Chainstay Length 448 448 448 448 448
BB Drop 38 38 38 38 38
Head Tube Length 100 110 120 130 130
Reach 444 463 482 501 520
Stack 611 620 629 639 639
Wheelbase 1194 1217 1240 1264 1283
Usual Height Range 162-172cm 170-178cm 176-184cm 182-190cm 184-195cm
Stem Length 25-45 25-45 25-45 25-45 25-45
Frame Wheel Travel 125 125 125 125 125
Wheel Size 29" 29" 29" 29" 29"
Max Rear Tyre Size 29 x 2.5"    29 x 2.5"    29 x 2.5"    29 x 2.5"    29 x 2.5"   
Maximum Seatpost Insertion
(including actuator mechanism)
194 221 249 276 300
All measurements are static based on 120mm travel fork. Seatpost Maximum insertion is guidance based on leaving 25mm clear below the actuator for any hose or cable to route through our frames. Your post may need less, or more, or if you use an externally routed dropper you won't need this margin at all.

120mm travel forks - 27.5" rear wheel

Frame Size C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
Seat Tube
(centre-top)
390 417 444 471 496
Top Tube Length
(effective)
598 620 637 659 678
Head Angle 65.8° 65.8° 65.8° 65.8° 65.8°
Effective Seat Angle
(at 720 BB-saddle height)
74.6° 74.6° 75.1° 75.1° 75.1°
Effective Seat Angle
(at 815 BB-saddle height)
74.3° 74.3° 74.8° 74.8° 74.8°
Chainstay Length 448 448 448 448 448
BB Drop from 29 front 51 51 51 51 51
Head Tube Length 100 110 120 130 130
Reach 431 450 469 588 507
Stack 621 630 639 649 649
Wheelbase 1185 1208 1231 1255 1274
Usual Height Range 162-172cm 170-178cm 176-184cm 182-190cm 184-195cm
Stem Length 25-45 25-45 25-45 25-45 25-45
Frame Wheel Travel 125 125 125 125 125
Wheel Size 29" F / 27.5" R 29" F / 27.5" R 29" F / 27.5" R 29" F / 27.5" R 29" F / 27.5" R
Max Rear Tyre Size 27.5 x 2.8"   27.5 x 2.8"   27.5 x 2.8"   27.5 x 2.8"   27.5 x 2.8"  
Maximum Seatpost Insertion
(including actuator mechanism)
194 221 249 276 300
All measurements are static based on 120mm travel fork and having a Works Components 1 deg angleset installed to steepen the head angle and 2.5" wide tyres front and rear. Seatpost Maximum insertion is guidance based on leaving 25mm clear below the actuator for any hose or cable to route through our frames. Your post may need less, or more, or if you use an externally routed dropper you won't need this margin at all.

130mm travel forks - dimensions in mm

Frame Size C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
Seat Tube
(centre-top)
390 417 444 471 496
Top Tube Length
(effective)
595 617 634 656 675
Head Angle 65.6° 65.6° 65.6° 65.6° 65.6°
Effective Seat Angle
(at 720 BB-saddle height)
75.4° 75.4° 75.8° 75.8° 75.8°
Effective Seat Angle
(at 815 BB-saddle height)
75.1° 75.1° 75.5° 75.5° 75.5°
Chainstay Length 448 448 448 448 448
BB Drop 36 36 36 36 36
Head Tube Length 100 110 120 130 130
Reach 439 458 477 496 515
Stack 615 624 633 643 643
Wheelbase 1198 1221 1244 1268 1287
Usual Height Range 162-172cm 170-178cm 176-184cm 182-190cm 184-195cm
Stem Length 25-45 25-45 25-45 25-45 25-45
Frame Wheel Travel 125 125 125 125 125
Wheel Size 29" 29" 29" 29" 29"
Max Rear Tyre Size 29 x 2.5"    29 x 2.5"    29 x 2.5"    29 x 2.5"    29 x 2.5"   
Maximum Seatpost Insertion
(including actuator mechanism)
194 221 249 276 300
All measurements are static based on 130mm travel fork. Seatpost Maximum insertion is guidance based on leaving 25mm clear below the actuator for any hose or cable to route through our frames. Your post may need less, or more, or if you use an externally routed dropper you won't need this margin at all.

130mm travel forks - 27.5" rear wheel

Frame Size C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
Seat Tube
(centre-top)
390 417 444 471 496
Top Tube Length
(effective)
599 621 638 660 679
Head Angle 65.4° 65.4° 65.4° 65.4° 65.4°
Effective Seat Angle
(at 720 BB-saddle height)
74.2° 74.2° 74.7° 74.7° 74.7°
Effective Seat Angle
(at 815 BB-saddle height)
73.8° 73.8° 74.3° 74.3° 74.3°
Chainstay Length 448 448 448 448 448
BB Drop (front 29er front) 47 47 47 47 47
Head Tube Length 100 110 120 130 130
Reach 426 445 464 483 502
Stack 624 633 642 652 652
Wheelbase 1179 1212 1235 1279 1278
Usual Height Range 162-172cm 170-178cm 176-184cm 182-190cm 184-195cm
Stem Length 25-45 25-45 25-45 25-45 25-45
Frame Wheel Travel 125 125 125 125 125
Wheel Size 29" F / 27.5" R 29" F / 27.5" R 29" F / 27.5" R 29" F / 27.5" R 29" F / 27.5" R
Max Rear Tyre Size 27.5 x 2.8" 27.5 x 2.8" 27.5 x 2.8" 27.5 x 2.8" 27.5 x 2.8"
Maximum Seatpost Insertion
(including actuator mechanism)
194 221 249 276 300
All measurements are static based on 130mm travel fork and having a Works Components 1 deg angleset installed to steepen the head angle and 2.5" wide tyres front and rear. Seatpost Maximum insertion is guidance based on leaving 25mm clear below the actuator for any hose or cable to route through our frames. Your post may need less, or more, or if you use an externally routed dropper you won't need this margin at all.

140mm travel forks - dimensions in mm

Frame Size C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
Seat Tube
(centre-top)
390 417 444 471 496
Top Tube Length
(effective)
597 618 636 658 677
Head Angle 65.1° 65.1° 65.1° 65.1° 65.1°
Effective Seat Angle
(at 720 BB-saddle height)
74.9° 74.9° 75.4° 75.4° 75.4°
Effective Seat Angle
(at 815 BB-saddle height)
75.0° 75.0° 75.4° 75.4° 75.4°
Chainstay Length 448 448 448 448 448
BB Drop 33 33 33 33 33
Head Tube Length 100 110 120 130 130
Reach 436 454 474 493 512
Stack 616 625 634 646 646
Wheelbase 1203 1226 1249 1273 1292
Usual Height Range 162-172cm 170-178cm 176-184cm 182-190cm 184-195cm
Stem Length 25-45 25-45 25-45 25-45 25-45
Frame Wheel Travel 125 125 125 125 125
Wheel Size 29" 29" 29" 29" 29"
Max Rear Tyre Size 29 x 2.5"    29 x 2.5"    29 x 2.5"    29 x 2.5"    29 x 2.5"   
Maximum Seatpost Insertion
(including actuator mechanism)
194 221 249 276 300
All measurements are static based on 140mm travel fork. Seatpost Maximum insertion is guidance based on leaving 25mm clear below the actuator for any hose or cable to route through our frames. Your post may need less, or more, or if you use an externally routed dropper you won't need this margin at all.

140mm travel forks - 27.5" rear wheel

Frame Size C1 C2 C3 C4 C5
Seat Tube
(centre-top)
390 417 444 471 496
Top Tube Length
(effective)
601 622 640 662 681
Head Angle 64.9° 64.9° 64.9° 64.9° 64.9°
Effective Seat Angle
(at 720 BB-saddle height)
73.8° 73.8° 74.3° 74.3° 74.3°
Effective Seat Angle
(at 815 BB-saddle height)
73.3° 73.3° 73.8° 73.8° 73.8°
Chainstay Length 448 448 448 448 448
BB Drop 44 44 44 44 44
Head Tube Length 100 110 120 130 130
Reach 423 441 461 480 499
Stack 626 635 644 656 656
Wheelbase 1194 1217 1240 1264 1283
Usual Height Range 162-172cm 170-178cm 176-184cm 182-190cm 184-195cm
Stem Length 25-45 25-45 25-45 25-45 25-45
Frame Wheel Travel 125 125 125 125 125
Wheel Size 29" F / 27.5" R 29" F / 27.5" R 29" F / 27.5" R 29" F / 27.5" R 29" F / 27.5" R
Max Rear Tyre Size 27.5 x 2.8" 27.5 x 2.8" 27.5 x 2.8" 27.5 x 2.8" 27.5 x 2.8"
Maximum Seatpost Insertion
(including actuator mechanism)
194 221 249 276 300
All measurements are static based on 140mm travel fork and having a Works Components 1 deg angleset installed to steepen the head angle and 2.5" wide tyres front and rear. Seatpost Maximum insertion is guidance based on leaving 25mm clear below the actuator for any hose or cable to route through our frames. Your post may need less, or more, or if you use an externally routed dropper you won't need this margin at all.

Cotic Longshot Geometry, Longshot geometry, progressive geometry, mountain biking, enduro mountain biking, trail riding, mountain bike, full suspension mountain bike, 29er, 29 inch wheels, 27.5 inch wheels

Radical Longshot geometry keeps the bike stable through the rough stuff, planted in the corners and pinpoint accurate in the steep tech. Couple a super short 35mm stem to the optimised head angle and the bike really pushes you on, looking for every stump to boost off, rock to gap and berm to rail, keeping you connected to the trail while maintaining incredible poise and composure.

Reynolds 853

Reynolds 853 builds a light, lively and fantastically robust front end, and includes our custom ride tuned Ovalform top tube, and new for Gen3 our exclusive HD down tube, which helps to deliver that famous ride feel. The frames' steel construction is compliant and naturally ground moulding, extracting grip and feedback from the trail where you thought there was none.

Why Big Wheels?

Cotic FlareMAX frames use 29 inch wheels. MAXimum speed, MAXimum rollover.

29inch wheels roll easy and give a lot of stability, confidence and speed in rougher terrain, at the expense of being a little heavier and less playful than 27.5" wheels. If you want some of that smaller wheel manoeuvrability, we also offer a mixed wheel size 29 front / 27.5 rear Mullet option.

UK MADE The FlareMAX Gen5 has it's front triangle and all frame finishing done in the UK. They are assembled into frames at Cotic HQ using Enduro MAX bearings and have a Datatag fitted as standard.

droplink
Cotic Droplink suspension is supportive and progressive, keeping the 125mm travel FlareMAX feeling lively and interactive, with grip to spare on the descents, support and traction on the climbs.

We Build Your Dream Bike

All Cotic bikes are assembled in the UK from and frame up, right here in our workshop in Derbyshire.

We have set specifications, but these are just the start. Want the Silver Downcountry spec bike with chunkier WTB tyres? Easy! No cost Womens Specific saddle? Tick! Full colour matched Hope parts, and add the matching brakes too? It's a click away, and everything else in between. If it's not a choice on the order form, just ask.

When you contact us you are talking to the people who design the frames and will be building your bike. We check it and build and pack it in our award winning bike boxes with the same care we would our own bike, because we know how important it is. We build your bike, for you.

Click here for the full bike specs...

Order your dream bike today...

Is the FlareMAX the bike for you?

If you like the idea of a trail bike from Cotic, but want a little more travel and capability? You need our 140mm travel Jeht.

Like the look of the FlareMAX, but want your ride much faster, tougher, slacker and more enduro? You need the RocketMAX.

Maybe you're more a hardtail rider, but like the versatility of the FlareMAX with 29er and 275 Plus wheels? Have a look at the Solaris.

Complete bikes from: £3499

Bikes are now available worldwide, with free shipping to UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.

We have several levels of stock build which are based around our favourite parts in builds you can trust. We never specify anything we haven't ridden, tested and enjoyed. However, just about everything in your build can be customised to help with fit (contact us if you need help) or to personalise your bike. Want a different fork? Shock? Brakes? Wheels? Tyres? Bars? Stem? Longer drop seatpost? Women's saddle? Men's saddle? Colour matched Hope components? No problem. It's your bike.

YOUR BIKE BUILT FOR YOU.

All the bikes are assembled from a frame right here in the UK by us. We can do everything from bare frame to complete bike: Send us your favourite saddle and grips to fit. Send us your wheels if you have a nice pair you want to use. There's no point you getting kit you don't want. It's wasteful. That gives you almost limitless options to customise and tune your bike to your needs. If you can't see an option you'd like on the order form, get in touch. We all know it's good to head off piste sometimes!

Tap on a build title below to see the default specification and price for that build... then hit the 'CONFIGURE YOUR BIKE' button to see all the customisations you can make to the build. When you select your country at the bottom of the form, sales taxes (VAT), pricing and shipping will automatically update for you. Once you're happy, order your bike!


Special Deal / Bronze Deore - 130mm Revelation RC - MT620 wheels
headsetCane Creek Headset 40 Series ZS44/EC44
bottom bracketShimano MT501 Deore Bottom Bracket
forkRockshox Revelation RC - 130mm (Motion Control)
shockCane Creek DB Air IL Climb Switch 210x50
wheelsShimano MT620 Wheels Boost 29 12spd
disc brakePair of SRAM Guide RSC G2 4 Piston brakes
disc brakePair of Shimano rotors 203/180 centerlock
groupsetDeore M6100 1x12 Drivetrain
cassetteDeore 12spd 10-51 Cassette
chainsetDeore M6100 Chainset with 12 speed 32t chainring
finishing kitCotic Lockon grips + WTB Rocket Cromoly Saddle
tyresWTB 29 Verdict 2.5 Slashguard and Trail Boss 2.4 Tough with tubeless kit
handlebarCotic Calver Bars - 780 x 25 rise, 5deg up, 9deg back (black)
stemCotic SHORTERSTEM - 35mm
seatpostSDG Tellis V2 31.6 Seatpost 170mm drop
price£3499 (out of stock)
CONFIGURE YOUR BIKE

Available as frame and shock from: £2399

  • Radical Cotic Longshot geometry is specifically designed for 35mm stems, giving incredible steering responsiveness combined with hugely confidence inspiring capability at speed.
  • Reynolds 853 Ovalform and DZB tubed front end brings precision, beautiful ride feel, durability and strength
  • 44mm standard head tube designed with external bottom cup for taper steerer compatiblity and zero stack top cup for minimal stack height
  • Custom Cotic designed 35mm heat treated cromoly seat tube for super stiff support for the main suspension pivots
  • 31.6mm seatpost size is dropper seatpost compatible. Internal 'Stealth' dropper post remote routing
  • ISCG05 mounts on regular threaded bottom bracket bring drivetrain security and reliability
  • Rear mech cable routed internally through the steel seatstay for clean lines and low noise
  • Dedicated 1x drivetrain design - maximum width swingarm pivot, low drop, forged construction swingarm heads with integrated 3D printed top chain guide

 

  • 6066-T6 aluminium swingarm with Syntace X-12 BOOST148 x 12 rear axle for maximum wheel stiffness on larger wheels.
  • 15mm pivots for BB and droplink thru axle style linkage clamp keep the frame solid front to rear
  • 2 bottle mounts - 1 under the top tube, 1 under the down tube
  • Clearance for big tyres - up to 29 x 2.5"
  • Optimised around 130mm forks for great balance of speed and precision. Options are open though - Sharpen it up with 120mm or bring on the big hits with 140mm
  • The UK made FlareMAX frames use Enduro MAX bearings for long life and highest performance
  • All UK made frames are fitted with Datatag security as standard
  • 125mm of Cotic droplink suspension brings traction, fun and interaction via a strong progression rate on the linkage driven single pivot layout
  • Sizes - C1, C2, C3, C4, C5
  • Weight - Gold XT Downcountry Build 12.9kg w/o pedals


ORDER YOUR FRAME

Cotic frames are designed, developed, engineered and tested entirely by us at our base in the Peak District, near Sheffield in the UK. Our founder - Cy Turner - is the lead designer and engineer, and our frames are rigorously ride tested by everyone at Cotic and chosen test riders and ambassadors. They are fully certified and lab tested in excess of the requirements of ISO4210 safety standards.

For this frame the majority of the production process happens right here in the UK. The skilled guys at Five Land Bikes in Scotland manufacture the Reynolds 853 front triangle in small batches, to their exacting standards. This is married to our proven rear ends from our excellent suppliers in Taiwan, as found across our droplink range. Much of the remaining machined parts are made for us by Unite Components and Bear Frame Supplies.

All the major parts of the frame are dip coated in manganese phosphate to prevent corrosion, before being painted using tough and durable automotive spec paint by the Five Land guys. After they have completed their painstaking hand finishing process and their rigorous QC, the frame parts undergo further checking by us before assembly at our HQ in the Peak District.

As a final added extra, all our made in Britain frames are Datatag'd from the factory. You will receive all your Datatag documents with your frame or bike when it's delivered.

As always, all complete bikes are built to order by us here at Cotic, to the exact spec of your choice. We build your bike for you.

Five Land
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How To Set Up Your Cotic FlareMAX Gen5

THE BASICS

The suspension on your Cotic droplink bike is designed to work at it’s best when the suspension ‘sags’ with the rider on board the bike. 'Sag' is the amount the shock compresses with a rider on board. The suspension works at its best when set with between 25% and 30% of the available travel as sag, with our preferred starting point being 30%.

Your FlareMAX Gen5 has a 50mm stroke shock, so that means:

  • 13-15mm sag on the shock
  • 24-30mm sag on a 120mm fork
  • 26-32mm sag on a 130mm fork
  • 28-35mm sag on a 140mm fork

As a starting point we suggest going for the middle of those options, so 14mm sag rear, and front sag of 27mm (120 fork), 29mm (130 fork) or 32mm (140 fork).

IN DETAIL

We have a full sag setup video over on Youtube

How To Set Your Shock Sag

Using a shock pump, put 170psi in the rear shock. Leave your forks as they are (if you've already set them up) or put the recommended pressure for your weight in them according to the fork manufacturer's manual.

Check the shock and turn off any lockout or Climb Switch. This allows the shock to compress unhindered and ensures a more accurate sag measurement.

Put your riding kit on. Or at least a fully loaded backpack if you usually ride with one. Make particular note of the amount of water in your pack or your bottles. It's probably the heaviest thing you strap to your bike after yourself, and it makes a difference to the suspension setup.

Set the saddle to your correct full pedalling height.

Mount the bike and go for a quick ride in a suitably quiet area. Whilst riding, bounce on the saddle a couple of times to get the rear shock compressing as much as you can.

Pull in somewhere safe, stop, get off the bike and slide the o-ring on the shock down against the seal. Now get back on the bike and with saddle at full height sit down and let your legs dangle off the pedals and make sure the o-ring on the shock is still up against the seal. Now, gently get off the bike without moving the shock (dropping the saddle and using a kerb or something as step helps).

Once off the bike, measure the distance between the o-ring and the shock body. Adjust the air pressure in the shock accordingly to get the desired amount of sag.

How To Set Your Fork Sag

Once you’ve set the rear sag, check the front fork sag. If your bike is brand new, put 60psi in the fork to start with and dial all the compression damping adjuster to minimum. For forks, we recommend running with 20-25% sag.

In a quiet area with minimal traffic, drop the saddle and ride around slowly, giving the forks a bounce once or twice to free them up. Whilst rolling along, sit down and – being careful of the spinning wheel - slide the o-ring on the fork leg down to the seal. Now stand up slowly into a balance position on the bike as if you're about to do a downhill section of trail. Now, without moving the fork any more, move yourself rearward and sit down, and slowly roll to a halt. If you have to use the brake, use it very gently and carefully so that you don't dive the fork under braking and mess up your sag measurement. Gently get off the bike and measure the distance from the o-ring to the fork seal. That is your sag. For a 130mm fork, you should be aiming for around 26-32mm sag (20-25%).

If the fork sag requires alteration, alter it, then check the rear sag again. Keep doing this procedure until both front and rear sag is set as desired by the rider, within the manufacturer recommendations for the frame and fork.

Volume Spacers

Volume spacers are an important part of the tuning kit, and are mainly changed depending on rider weight. Our forks and shocks come stock with volume spacers set for a rider around 75kg. If you are lighter than this, we recommend adding one volume spacer to the fork for every 10kg lighter than than 75kg you are. If you are heavier tan 75kg, we recommend removing one volume spacer per 10kg heavier you are. So, for instance, Paul is 65kg and would add one volume spacer to a Rockshox or Fox fork, or moves the adjuster down one click on the HELM. For Cy at 85kg, he removes one spacer from a Rockshox or Fox fork, or moves the adjuster up in a HELM.

On the shocks, they are slightly less sensitive to rider weight, but if you are a lighter rider and feel you want some more support from the shock or it's using its travel a bit easily for your liking, add a volume spacer. If you're heavier than 75kg and finding the shock not using all it's travel easily, drop a spacer out.

Weight Distribution

It’s worth noting that as the weight distribution of all bikes is different, being dependent on saddle position, stem length and bar width amongst many other things. It’s quite possible that with the correct sag at the rear of the bike, your forks may end up with too much or too little sag because there’s more or less weight on them compared to your previous bike. This is why we don't recommend any particular pressures, because even quite subtle differences in your saddle/cockpit set up compared to anything we measure will result in different pressures being required for a given level of sag. We always recommend setting up using sag measurement as your guide, not a generic shock pressure.

How To Set Damping - Shock

Once the front and rear sags are set, adjust the rebound and compression damping to your preference. If you have specified the Cane Creek shock, then our base setup is on the shock when it's delivered. These settings are listed below all relative to fully open position on the adjusters:

DB Air IL

  • 2 x large volume spacers
  • 1.0 Turns HSC (High Speed Compression)
  • 15 Clicks LSC
  • 1.0 Turns HSR
  • 8 clicks LSR

Follow the excellent instructions in the Cane Creek Field Tuning Guide (click here to download) for fine tuning of your Cane Creek shock.

Rockshox Deluxe Select Plus

  • 2 x volume spacers
  • Shock is LM tune (Low Rebound, Medium Compression)
  • 3 clicks Rebound

Cotic base settings tend to run on the lively and fast rebound side of things. This might feel quite different to what you were previously used to, but do stick with it for a couple of rides before making changes. Light rebound damping let's the rear wheel 'patter' and maintain traction better. The links to the base tune for your Cane Creek shock can be found above in the Component Sizes tab.

For other shock brands:

Rebound

We recommend you start with the rebound 3 clicks from fully open. As mentioned above, we believe that the fastest rebound you can run with safely is the best for traction and lively feel. If you feel like you’re being bounced out of the saddle on big compressions, or springing back too hard off drops, or the bike feels like it’s bouncing back at you at high speed on rocky sections, then add more rebound damping until this sensation is eliminated.

Compression / Pedal Platform

We recommend you start with the compression damping/pedal platform switched off (or set to minimum). The Cotic Droplink suspension is designed not to require the assistance of a compression damping circuit to give good pedalling performance. Using the minimum setting allows the suspension to move under bump forces more easily and track the ground better.

How To Set Damping – Fork

As with the rear shocks, we recommend running the fork damping as light as possible for best traction.

Rebound

Set this in the middle of the range and see how it feels matched up to the rear shock. As with the rear, try riding it faster than you ordinarily would. It's amazing what a difference it makes, and it's key to getting the most out of the fast acting rear shock, because it keeps the bike in balance.

Once you have done a couple of rides, if you feel the in higher speed bumpy trails the fork is kicking back too much for your liking, or too much that you lose confidence, then increase the rebound damping. If you find the middle setting OK, trying making it faster until you get to the point of it feeling sketchy, then go back one click.

Compression

Almost regardless of size, weight or style of riding, everyone at Cotic runs the high speed compression damping on their fork fully open, or very close to it. We recommend you start with fully open and go from there.

For low speed compression damping, this is a balance between traction and helping keep the fork held up, so for this we recommend starting with it set in the middle of the range. If you are finding that the bike feels confidence inspiring, but it's a little uncomfortable or 'chattery' through your hands, try reducing the low speed compression 3 clicks. If you feel that the sag and air spring feel is what you want but you are getting a lot of diving under heavy braking, or in steep terrain, try adding 3 clicks. Keep refining like that until you are happy with the setup.

A Bit of Advice

One thing to avoid is setting the rebound based on the 'bounce in the street' test. This usually results in setting the rebound too slow for good grip in trail riding conditions, because doing the 'bounce test' with rebound set fast enough for good performance usually feels too fast in this unhelpful scenario. Only start adjusting once you have a feel on the trail.

Try It Out – The Only Way You'll Know Is By Going For A Ride

We recommend starting at 15mm shock sag and going for a couple of rides to see how this feels. This is a good middle ground for tackling the trails with an active, plush feel combined with a low bottom bracket height for confident handling.

If you feel that you’re catching your pedals too often, or the steering isn’t as fast as you’d like, or you're not getting the climbing position you want, then add more air to the shock and reduce the sag 1 or 2mm, or maybe drop the sag on your fork a few extra millimetres to move your weight forward.

It's well worth taking a couple of hours and doing laps of a trail you know well, and making changes one at a time. A good way to learn it to turn one damping dial fully closed, do a run, then go again with it fully open. You will learn what these big changes to damping do to the bike, which will help you make more subtle changes afterwards.

Take Some Notes Before Tweaking

With all the adjustments available on modern suspension it’s quite possible to get lost chasing a set up and ending up with a bike that doesn’t handle too well. So, if you’ve twiddled and tweaked and the handling just seems to be getting worse, go back to your base setup.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your suspension settings and general bike setup (stem length, bar height, etc), but always have a base set up written down that you can go back to. This should include a fork travel (if the fork is adjustable) with air pressures for front suspension units. Note down how many clicks of rebound you're running. Same goes for compression damping if its adjustable on your fork.

As your experience grows, you’ll begin to know what certain adjustments do and how to undo them, but it’s a learning curve so keep your head and don’t be afraid to start from scratch.

We really think you could get more out of your bike by playing around with things a little. We're always happy to help if you want advice. Just drop us a line at info@cotic.co.uk

Our service doesn't stop when you order a frame. We want to help you enjoy your new bike to its full potential.

Seatpost diameter: 31.6mm (get 375mm long minimum)

Front Mech: Not applicable - 1x drivetrains only.

Fork: Minimum 120mm, maximum 140mm, 553mm axle-crown (without sag)

Bottom Bracket width: 73mm

Bottom Bracket thread: Conventional English/BSA

Chainline: 52mm Shimano / 53mm Boost chainline for up to 32t round/30t oval chainring, 55mm Shimano chainline for up to 36t round/34t oval chainring

Chainguide Mounting: ISCG05 bottom 2 tabs. Integrated Cotic Top Guide (included with frame or bike)

Headset: 44mm for Taper Steerer forks: Hope 2H, Cane Creek ZS44 Top/EC44 Bottom, Chris King Inset I7

Rear Hub: Boost148 x 12 bolt through

Rear Axle: Syntace X-12

Rear Mech Hanger: Syntace X-12 Type 1 (Conventional or Shimano Direct Mount)

Shock: 210 x 50 AIR SHOCK ONLY

Shock Fittings: Down Tube End - 20.0 x M8, Seatstay End 24.0 x M8

Dropper Post Routing: Stealth via the down tube

Rear Brake Mounting: I.S. Compatible with up to 203mm diameter rotors