The tastes when it comes to choosing a mountain bike are increasingly specific and this leads many cyclists to search thoroughly until they find the alternative that best suits their preferences and expectations. On this occasion we are going to get to know the new Solaris, a proposal from the manufacturer Cotic that has been created to be agile, light and that allows you to move through different environments.
To begin with, it must be taken into account that the frame of this model is handcrafted with Reynolds 853 steel, which is characterized by being an alloy that combines materials such as carbon, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, silicon and Copper. Thanks to this combination, which receives various heat treatments during its manufacturing, great resistance combined with low weight is obtained.
This material, used especially in the world of road cycling for years, now plays a fundamental role in the renewed Cotic model, oriented for the mountains. Among the benefits of using Reynolds 853 steel to manufacture this bicycle is also the ability of this material to bend before breaking, unlike what happens with other materials such as carbon fiber or aluminum.
And we must not overlook the fact that it is cheaper to work with steel, which means more competitive price levels. For this reason, if you choose to purchase only the Solaris frame, the amount is around 1,200 euros.
Focusing on the equipment that the vehicle can incorporate outside of the frame (equipped with numerous reinforcements to maximize its robustness), it is worth highlighting the presence of 29-inch tires and a front suspension system. In both cases, the main objective is to achieve effective behavior when riding on uneven terrain.
As for the head tube, it must be considered that it is part of Cotic’s Longshot geometry, intended to provide great control over the behavior of the front wheel so that handling is as precise as possible. It is also necessary to take into account the considerable wheelbase to ensure greater stability.
In order to be able to take long routes that could even end with a camping trip, the manufacturer has provided the Solaris with numerous loading supports (for bags, saddlebags, etc.) that are successfully hidden from the naked eye so as not to harm the general aesthetics. In this way, conventional one-day routes can be combined with intense multi-day adventures.
Cotic offers complete configurations of this model with different levels and amounts; from the cheapest, which are around 2,500 euros and include Shimano transmission and brakes, to others with equipment from brands such as Garbaruk, Hope and RockShox that can reach 7,500 euros. There are also intermediate variants that adapt to each pocket. If you are interested in enjoying the Solaris in full action, you just have to take a look at the video that accompanies this article.
