OK, so Cotic has long been a proponent of quick releases on their hardtails. Over the years it may have sounded like they were just resistant to change, but Cotic really didn’t see much of a stiffness or handling performance benefit for a steel hardtail. And to be fair they still don’t. But as Cotic founder Cy Turner put it to us, he remembered not buying a certain mountain bike back in the 90’s because Keith Bontrager said that an 1 1/8′” headset wasn’t necessary. Cy understood the argument but didn’t want to buy a new fork with a 1″ steerer that would soon be obsolete. Along the same lines bringing a thru-axle to the BFe lets riders buy modern wheels, or maybe even swap wheelsets more easily with their other bikes. Take a closer look below the fold…
The thru-axle comes by way of the popular Syntace X-12 system, for 12x142mm spacing. It’s the same setup that Cotic uses on their DropLink full suspension bikes like the Rockets and Flares that we saw updated about a week ago. It’s easy to use and about as lightweight as a 12mm setup can be. And of course the thru-axle is a good bit more secure and probably more idiot-proof.
With that said Cotic says they’ll keep the QR version of the bike too, for those who want to stick with their quiver of quick release 27.5″ wheels, or those who just don’t see the need.
Other than also adding the same stealth dropper post routing and switch to side swing derailleur mounting for more tire clearance that were put into the new 26″ Butly Iron, the rest of the BFe275 is unchanged. So fans of the long slack geometry, designed around longer travel trail forks and zero-offset dropper posts, should still be happy with the solid value and predictable steel ride. A new modernized steel hardtail.
The updated BFe275 is already available, and comes in Fast Red or the lower-key Grey. The new Syntace 142 thru-axle version sells for £400 as a frame, and complete bikes start at £1580 with tubeless ready wheels. The QR bike will be a bit cheaper at £350 for the bare frame and bikes from £1500. (Oh and until they are gone the old QR-only bike, minus the new routing, is selling for just £250.)
Cotic has also recently added a Go Custom program that lets you fine tune the build even more to suit your riding style.
