Availability
| FlareMAX 2020 Small Supernova Orange (in stock) | ORDER NOW |
| FlareMAX 2020 Small Red Dwarf (last one in stock) | ORDER NOW |
| FlareMAX 2020 Small Dark Grey (in stock) | ORDER NOW |
| FlareMAX 2020 Medium Red Dwarf (in stock) | ORDER NOW |
| FlareMAX 2020 Medium Dark Grey (in stock) | ORDER NOW |
| FlareMAX 2020 Large Dark Grey (out of stock) | OUT OF STOCK |
FlareMAX is a proper sweet-spot chassis; the perfect trail bike. It's the only bike you'll need for ripping through the woods and conquering mountains. Reynolds 853 steel keeps the frame light and responsive, yet fiercely capable.
The combination of big wheels and mid travel is an irresistible recipe for all round fun; whether it's an all day epic or an evening blast, steep and tech, or fast and flowy, FlareMAX is more versatile than you would believe.
Reviews
First ride review from Singletrack Magazine
"...comparing it to other bikes I have ridden in the last 18 months or so, its longer reached, longer wheelbased, lower stacked and yet it felt like a much smaller, more agile bike than all of those bikes."
"I really really like how this new Cotic FlareMAX rides."
Full 4.5/5 review on Bikeperfect
"The revised, shorter-travel shock layout actually feels more controlled more of the time but still keeps the FlareMax a very dynamic bike to ride, not a docile one.">
"The fact it consistently, definitively dropped our regular duelling partners on carbon or longer-travel bikes on most technical, treacherous descents while still feeling wonderfully warm and alive doesnt hurt its appeal either."
Read the full review: Click here
Live ride video including back to back comparison against the previous FlareMAX 132 on Guy Kes TV
"It has an amazing amount of grip...."
"Still that steel framed charisma...but revised Longshot geometry really makes it a noticeably more attacking bike."
4/5 First Ride review by BikeRadar
"Its the geometry that lets the FlareMAX punch above its weight on the descents."
"Dont get hung up on the frame material, its the suspension and geometry that make the bike, and Cotic has done a great job with both"
4.5/5 full review on Bike-Perfect:
"Steel and alloy frame delivers a fantastic mix of assured muscle Forward shifted geometry and flatter shock rate feel awesome"
"If youre after something genuinely charismatic with get stopped on the trail looks....then the new FlareMax should be on your wish list. The fact it consistently, definitively dropped our regular duelling partners on carbon or longer-travel bikes on most technical, treacherous descents while still feeling wonderfully warm and alive doesnt hurt its appeal either."
For it's 3rd generation the FlareMAX has upped the travel to 125mm with our Cotic droplink suspension layout providing the control. The bike retains its entertaining and engaging feel, but the progression rate is refined, with a longer stroke shock improving the feel and capability.
Choose 130mm forks for the perfect all rounder, or up the ante to 140mm for a slacker, faster ride. Radical Longshot geometry is tweaked and tuned with two more years of development and feedback, with seat angle over 2 degrees steeper and adjusted reach and sizing steps to suit. Taking the cues directly from our savagely fast RocketMAX 29er enduro bike and it's little bro, the award winning Flare 27.5" wheel trail bike, the improvements keep you better centred on the bike for technical climbs, and the longer reach gives a more confident feel over the front of the bike.
We are leading the industry in geometry and handling, having introduced our first Longshot geometry bike in August 2017. Most of them still haven't caught up with our combination of lively, interactive ride wrapped up with confidence inspiring feel and pin point precision. That being the case, we hit the nail on the head with the first Longshot FlareMAX for most of the geometry, so the 65.6 deg head angle, -32mm BB drop and 447mm chainstay carry over unchanged. The recipe was great, we just added some seasoning to make it better.
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 builds a light, lively and fantastically robust front end, and includes our custom ride tuned Ovalform top tube which helps to deliver that famous ride feel. The frames' steel construction is compliant and naturally ground moulding, warm feeling and traction rich. It extracts grip and feedback from the trail where you thought there was none.
Cotic MAX 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 regular 27.5" wheels.
Why Big Wheels?The way the MAX frames are packaged around the larger wheels (longer rear end, longer wheelbase, taller front end) can suit the proportions of a taller rider better, this will minimise any potential drawbacks, as a taller rider tends to have long enough arms and legs to move the bike around easily. Whatever height you are, if you're after more speed and stability from a bike, then the big wheels are the way to go.
All Cotic bikes are assembled in the UK from and frame up, right here in our workshop in the Peak District.
We have set specifications, but these are just the start. Want the Silver spec bike with tubeless tyres? Easy! Want a big can air shock on your RocketMAX instead of the inline? It's there too. No cost Womens Specific WTB Deva 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.
If you like the idea of a suspension trail bike from Cotic, but with the lighter, livelier ride of the smaller 27.5" wheels, you need our Flare.
Like your wheels big, but your ride a little faster and tougher? A little 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 SolarisMAX.
Want to get right into the details about why our bikes are built the way they are? Geek away my friend!
- Read our Founder and Bike Designer Cy Turners' thoughts on why steel is a high performance choice for our full suspension bikes here.....
- Read all about the development and features of the Cotic droplink suspension here.....
- Listen to the Downtime Podcast where Cy tells the story of the development of Longshot geometry.....
Complete bikes from: £3199
Bikes are now available worldwide, with free shipping to UK, Ireland, Europe, USA and Canada.
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? Colour matched Hope components? No problem. It's your bike.
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!
- Silver - Eagle GX MY20 - Trace36 RC - Superstar
- Silver - SLX 12spd + Hunt Wheels - McQueen Roughcut HLR
- Gold - XT 12spd - HELM Air
- Platinum - Eagle X01 12spd - HELM - eeWINGS Ti Cranks
| headset | Black Headset made by Superstar ZS44/EC44 |
|---|---|
| bottom bracket | SRAM DUB BB for DUB Cranks - BBDUB5000 |
| fork | X-Fusion Trace36 RC Boost black - 140mm |
| shock | Cane Creek DB Air IL Climb Switch 50 |
| wheels | WTB i29 on Superstar V6 UK Made Hubs |
| cassette | EAGLE GX 12spd 10-50 Cassette |
| disc brake | Pair of Shimano Deore M6100 brakes |
| disc brake | Pair of Shimano rotors 180/180 6bolt |
| groupset | SRAM Eagle GX MY20 1x12 Drivetrain |
| chainset | SRAM Eagle GX MY20 Chainset 32t DUB |
| finishing kit | Black Lockon grips and saddle |
| tyres | Continental Trail King 29 2.2 with innertubes |
| handlebar | Cotic Calver Bars - 780 x 25 rise, 5deg up, 9deg back (black) |
| stem | Cotic SHORTERSTEM - 35mm |
| seatpost | X Fusion Manic Stealth 31.6 x 375 Seatpost 125mm drop |
| seat clamp | Hope Bolt Up Seat Clamp (black) |
| price | £3199 |
- Radical Cotic Longshot geometry is specifically designed for 30-40mm 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 One Up Components award winning Top 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
- 1 bottle mount
- Clearance for big tyres - 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
- 125mm of Cotic droplink suspension brings traction, fun and interaction via a strong progression rate on the linkage driven single pivot layout
- Sizes - Small (390mm), Medium (425mm), Large (460mm) or XL (495mm)
- Weight - Gold Spec Bike 30.3lbs w/o pedals
ORDER YOUR FRAME
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 30-35mm stem. It's a game changer. 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. 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.
130mm travel forks
| Frame Size | Small | Medium | Large | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube (centre-top) | 390mm | 425mm | 460mm | 495mm |
| Top Tube Length (Effective) | 596mm | 623mm | 648mm | 676mm |
| Head Angle | 65.6° | 65.6° | 65.6° | 65.6° |
| Effective Seat Angle | 75.3° | 75.3° | 75.3° | 75.3° |
| Chainstay Length | 447.5mm | 447.5mm | 447.5mm | 447.5mm |
| BB Drop | -32mm | -32mm | -32mm | -32mm |
| Head Tube Length | 100mm | 110mm | 120mm | 130mm |
| Reach | 444.0mm | 467.5mm | 490.0mm | 515.0mm |
| Stack | 609.2mm | 618.3mm | 627.4mm | 636.6mm |
| Wheelbase | 1200.9mm | 1228.5mm | 1255.2mm | 1284.3mm |
| Usual Height Range | 165cm - 172cm | 169cm - 180cm | 178cm - 188cm | 186cm - 195cm |
| Stem Length | 30-40mm | 30-40mm | 30-40mm | 30-40mm |
| Frame Wheel Travel | 125mm | 125mm | 125mm | 125mm |
| Wheel Size | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" |
| Max Tyre Size | 29 x 2.5" | 29 x 2.5" | 29 x 2.5" | 29 x 2.5" |
| Maximum Seatpost Insertion (including actuator mechanism) | 160mm | 197mm | 232mm | 267mm |
| 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. | ||||
5" travel forks
| Frame Size | Small | Medium | Large | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube (centre-top) | 15.35 | 16.7 | 18.1 | 19.5 |
| Top Tube Length (Effective) | 23.5 | 24.5 | 25.5 | 26.6 |
| Head Angle | 65.6° | 65.6° | 65.6° | 65.6° |
| Effective Seat Angle | 75.3° | 75.3° | 75.3° | 75.3° |
| Chainstay Length | 17.6 | 17.6 | 17.6 | 17.6 |
| BB Drop | -1.2 | -1.2 | -1.2 | -1.2 |
| Head Tube Length | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 5.1 |
| Reach | 17.5" | 18.4" | 19.3" | 20.3" |
| Stack | 24.0 | 24.3 | 24.7 | 25.1 |
| Wheelbase | 47.3 | 48.3 | 49.4 | 50.5 |
| Usual Height Range | 5ft 5in - 5ft 8in | 5ft 7in - 5ft 11in | 5ft 10in - 6ft 2in | 6ft 0in - 6ft 5in |
| Stem Length | 30-40mm | 30-40mm | 30-40mm | 30-40mm |
| Frame Wheel Travel | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Wheel Size | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" |
| Max Tyre Size | 29 x 2.5" | 29 x 2.5" | 29 x 2.5" | 29 x 2.5" |
| Maximum Seatpost Insertion (including actuator mechanism) | 160mm | 197mm | 232mm | 267mm |
| All measurements are static based on 5.1 travel fork. Seatpost Maximum insertion is guidance based on leaving 1" 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
| Frame Size | Small | Medium | Large | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube (centre-top) | 390mm | 425mm | 460mm | 495mm |
| Top Tube Length (Effective) | 599mm | 626mm | 651mm | 680mm |
| Head Angle | 65.1° | 65.1° | 65.1° | 65.1° |
| Effective Seat Angle | 74.8° | 74.8° | 74.8° | 74.8° |
| Chainstay Length | 447.5mm | 447.5mm | 447.5mm | 447.5mm |
| BB Drop | -27mm | -27mm | -27mm | -27mm |
| Head Tube Length | 100mm | 110mm | 120mm | 130mm |
| Reach | 436.0mm | 458.0mm | 481.5mm | 508.0mm |
| Stack | 612.2mm | 621.3mm | 630.4mm | 639.6mm |
| Wheelbase | 1205.7mm | 1232.5mm | 1260.5mm | 1289.8mm |
| Usual Height Range | 165cm - 172cm | 169cm - 180cm | 178cm - 188cm | 186cm - 195cm |
| Stem Length | 30-45mm | 30-45mm | 30-45mm | 30-45mm |
| Frame Wheel Travel | 125mm | 125mm | 125mm | 125mm |
| Wheel Size | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" |
| Max Tyre Size | 29 x 2.5" | 29 x 2.5" | 29 x 2.5" | 29 x 2.5" |
| Maximum Seatpost Insertion (including actuator mechanism) | 160mm | 197mm | 232mm | 267mm |
| 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. | ||||
5 ½" travel forks
| Frame Size | Small | Medium | Large | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube (centre-top) | 15.35 | 16.7 | 18.1 | 19.5 |
| Top Tube Length (Effective) | 23.6" | 24.6" | 25.6" | 26.6" |
| Head Angle | 65.1° | 65.1° | 65.1° | 65.1° |
| Effective Seat Angle | 74.8° | 74.8° | 74.8° | 74.8° |
| Chainstay Length | 17.6 | 17.6 | 17.6 | 17.6 |
| BB Drop | -1.05 | -1.05 | -1.05 | -1.05 |
| Head Tube Length | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 5.1 |
| Reach | 17.2" | 18.0" | 18.95" | 19.8" |
| Stack | 24.1 | 24.4 | 24.8 | 25.2 |
| Wheelbase | 47.5" | 48.5" | 49.6" | 50.7" |
| Usual Height Range | 5ft 5in - 5ft 8in | 5ft 7in - 5ft 11in | 5ft 10in - 6ft 2in | 6ft 0in - 6ft 5in |
| Stem Length | 30-45mm | 30-45mm | 30-45mm | 30-45mm |
| Frame Wheel Travel | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Wheel Size | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" |
| Max Tyre Size | 29 x 2.5" | 29 x 2.5" | 29 x 2.5" | 29 x 2.5" |
| Maximum Seatpost Insertion (including actuator mechanism) | 160mm | 197mm | 232mm | 267mm |
| All measurements are static based on 5.5 travel fork. Seatpost Maximum insertion is guidance based on leaving 1" 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 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 our Race Team. They are fully certified and lab tested in excess of the requirements of ISO4210 safety standards.
This frame is hand made in Taiwan by our specially selected framebuilder, chosen because of their vast experience with our favourite materials, and their top quality finish. They are the best in Taiwan for what we need.
Each frame is dip coated inside and out with zinc phosphate before painting, to prevent corrosion and ensure the best paint finish. After we've agonised over the colours, designs and decals the frames are painted to the highest quality including a protective clear coat, before extensive QC by our agent in Taiwan. Once the frames reach us in the UK, we carry out further QC, and prep the frames for headset and bottom bracket installation.
As always, all complete bikes are built to order by us here in the Peak District, to the exact spec of your choice. We build your bike for you.
Seatpost diameter: 31.6mm (get 380mm long minimum)
Front Mech: Not applicable - 1x drivetrains only.
Fork: Minimum 130mm. Maximum 140mm travel, 551mm axle-crown (without sag)
Bottom Bracket width: 73mm
Bottom Bracket thread: Conventional English/BSA
Chainring: Single only, boost chainline
Chainguide Mounting: ISCG05 bottom 2 tabs. Integrated Cotic x OneUp Components 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: 200 x 50 AIR SHOCK ONLY
Shock Fittings: 15.75 x M8 Down Tube End, 24.0 x M8 Seatstay End
Dropper Post Routing: Stealth via the down tube
Rear Brake Mounting: I.S. Compatible with up to 203mm diameter rotors
