COTIC ROCKETMAX 150 GOLD XT £5,778

Cotic is probably best known for its hardcore steel hardtails, originally the Soul and more recently the BFe. And what started out in the Peak District over 20 years ago as a relatively small direct-sales operation to scratch owner/founder, Cy Turner’s itch, Cotic has grown in size but has always remained true to its roots. As the brand has evolved, so has the range of bikes it offers, the latest and most accomplished being the Gen 4 RocketMax. A fullsuspension enduro bike that blends a custom 853 Reynolds tubeset with alloy chainstays.

The steel tubing for the front triangle is designed in Sheffield and immaculately welded in Scotland by Five Land Bikes. The top tube is ovalised and tapers neatly to merge seamlessly with the seat tube. Being a steel front triangle, there’s no shortage

of reinforcing gussets around the head tube, while a small tube straddles the down tube and seat tube to shore up the bottom bracket area. As a result, the Cotic definitely looks more industrial, especially some