Cotic's enduro 29er, the RocketMAX has just been updated, making this the third generation model, with an extra 10mm travel, some adjustments to the geometry, a new down tube and a shift to Metric length shocks.
Cotic seems to be on a bit of a roll with new bikes with the 27.5in Rocket updated just a month ago, seeing new geometry and UK-built front triangles.
The 'Gen3' RocketMAX now comes with 160mm of rear wheel travel, matched up front with 160mm forks.
This has been done in conjunction with a lower leverage ratio on the shock and slightly less progression through the stroke.
Cotic has also shifted to designing the bike around larger volume big-can air shocks. Combine this all together and you should get a smoother feeling rear end as well as plenty of tuneability.
Cotic says that "the extra travel and new kinematics bring an even more composed, plush feel to the suspension, making it feel more planted when you're flying down those rock strewn sections."
Throwing shapes
In terms of geometry, the RocketMAX Gen2 was the first RocketMAX to get Cotic's Longshot Geometry.
Longshot geometry is up there in terms of how progressive it is with the likes of Pole and Geometron – basically long and slack with long-ish chainstays to give a better fore-aft weight balance - and is all brought together with 35mm stems.
The main change is an added degree or so on the seat angle for a better position on steep climbs.
Cotic Gen3 RocketMAX geometry (Large)
- Reach: 490mm
- Seat tube length: 460mm
- Head angle: 63.5 degrees
- Seat angle: 75.8 degrees (720mm BB-saddle height)
- Chainstay length: 448.2mm
- Wheelbase: 1,290.3mm
- Stack: 638.3mm
- BB drop: -27mm
New tube
When it comes to frame construction, Cotic is famous for using steel in its bikes.
The front triangles are built using Reynolds 853 steel; a classic tubeset in the world of steel bike frames, combining decent weight, stiffness and corrosion resistance.
Cotic has worked with Reynolds to develop a new down tube for the Gen3 RocketMAX using this steel.
The HD down tube is reportedly stiffer for a given weight, as well as tougher. Ideal for an enduro bike, then.
Cotic RocketMAX builds
As ever, Cotic is offering a broad range of build options . There's also the option of a RockShox's Lyrik fork in the spec choices.
All the forks offered come with shorter 42 to 44mm offsets, but Cy at Cotic reckons that the differences between short and long offset forks are pretty subtle (and our Seb agrees, certainly on longer, slacker bikes), so if you have a longer offset fork you won't be at a disadvantage.
It's worth noting that, given the current situation, some elements of the build packages are harder to get hold of.
For example, with Hope dedicating its factory to producing medical aids, its wheels are hard to come by. Likewise, availability of carbon rims is limited on Hunt wheels. However, this is an ever changing situation.
Cotic offers the ability to adjust the spec of the bikes when you order, just give them a shout.
The below are basic builds that can be altered to your heart's (or budget's) content.
Cotic RocketMAX Silver build
Shimano SLX, X-Fusion Trace36 fork,Cane Creek DBAir shock, Shimano Deore brakes, Shimano MT620 wheels with Continental Trail King tyres, Cotic finishing kit
- £3,649 / approx €4,160 / approx $3,770
Cotic RocketMAX Gold GX Eagle build
SRAM GX Eagle based, RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork, Cane Creek DBAir shock. Shimano XT brakes, Hunt Trail Wide wheels with WTB Verdict/Judge tyres, Cotic finishing kit
- £4,699 / approx €5,360 / approx $4,850 for the Gold Eagle GX bike
Cotic RocketMAX Gold XT build
Shimano XT based, RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork, Cane Creek DBAir shock. Shimano XT brakes, Hunt Trail Wide wheels with WTB Verdict/Judge tyres, Cotic finishing kit
- £4,749 / approx €5,420 / approx $4,920
Cotic RocketMAX Platinum build
SRAM X01 build, Cane Creek eeWings titanium cranks. RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork, Cane Creek DBAir shock, Hope Tech3 E4 brakes, Hunt Trail Wide wheels with WTB Verdict/Judge tyres, Cotic finishing kit
- £6,549 / approx €7,470 / approx $6,780
