Saturday 17 August 2013

My rocket


My rocket ........

As a Cotic fan of a few years I really wanted to like their new Rocket full suspension bike when it came out, however my skeptical side was a little unsure as I had ridden many brands of suspension bike before this one and really not found one to my liking as yet - I also loathed the look of their first suspension creation.

From the first out of focus glimpses Cotic showed us of the this bike it sure looked like a beautiful machine with purposeful lines and angles made to go fast.

So I eventually got my own........



......and after several months of riding at home and abroad I can honestly say that this is still one awesome machine.

It is so fast downhill that I cannot keep up with it most of the time, cornering is rapid with the low BB and slack front end.  Taking flight off lumps and bumps is as easy as changing gear and it is well managed in the air giving you a confidence to get airborne as often as possible.

The full Fox Suspension system I chose due to wanting a feel of balance is just the job.  With slight increase in progression damping thanks to the guys at Mojo Suspension the bike does not dive when braking hard anymore and feels truly balanced in the rough stuff - ironing out the most uneven rocks and roots.



Biggest surprises to me are the aesthetics - I reckon its one of the best looking full suspension bikes out there and how quiet it is compared to others I have tried.  Also the climbing speed - its fair to say its no xc racer but it is also not a winch and plummet behemoth either.

Finally - How many full suspension bikes can you think of that are made of steel these days and that makes this Rocket unique.  Also see our little edit from last year on the Rocket.

Spec:
Cotic Rocket (Med)
Fox Float CTD Rear Shock
Fox Float 32 CTD Forks
Hope hoops - stans flow rims
Maxxis Tubeless Tyres - various - finding a lack of grip so experimenting at the moment
SLX Discs - 180/160
SLX 1x10 with clutch rear mech
Renthal 34T Chainring
Blackspire Chainguide - Fantastic - tried a Hope top guide but these don't work!
FUNN Full On 750mm Bars (Not OS)
Thomson Elite 50mm stem
RockShox Reverb seat post - No hi posting here thank you very much
Weight - a touch over 29lbs

Side note - would a 650b or 29er be faster/more fun/grippy/stable etc etc..  Who's to say - but compared to other 26" wheeled 140-160mm travel bikes I have tried this is the most fun and fastest one I have ridden and compared to a few 29ers it still wins on the descents in my book for fun factor which is most important - right!