The new big-wheeled RocketMAX builds on the success Cotic’s original steel full-suspension enduro bike, but now stretched out for steeper and more technical riding. Developed around their longer Longshot geometry, the new RocketMAX steps rear wheel travel back up, paired with the latest long travel 29er forks to shred harder than ever before.
Longer Cotic RocketMAX 150mm travel steel enduro 29er
Cotic’s Reynolds 853 steel Rocket full suspension enduro bike got its last major update two summers ago when the MAX version debuted, adding the option for big 29er wheels or even 27.5+ tires. But that model actually dialed back the travel to accommodate the larger tires in the same basic frame. Now the RocketMAX steps up to 150mm of Drop-Link linkage-driven single pivot suspension out back, paired with 160mm 29er forks thanks to updated long, low & slack modern trail geometry.
Cotic RocketMAX – Longshot Geometry
Cy Turner of Cotic says their updated Longshot geometry is the heart of the new bike. Designed with super short 35mm stems, the long toptube design has been refined over the last two years of prototyping to differentiate the RocketMAX from the more trail-focused, shorter travel FlareMAX. The longer bike was developed to have more composure at high speed to take on anything from steep technical trails to proper EWS & DH tracks.
Another big driver of stepping back up to 150mm, was the latest crop of capable 160mm 29er enduro forks. With the long front end and a 63.5° head angle, the RocketMAX longs for steep & technical terrain. A steep 75.3° seat angle, combined with the added traction of big tires and progressive suspension design promises that you’ll be able to pedal to the top for the next descent, too.
Cotic RocketMAX steel enduro bike – Tech Details
The new RocketMAX is still built around a Reynolds 853 main triangle with custom ovalized tubing for a compliant ride with accurate tracking, plus steel seatstays. In fact, this is the first model for Cotic to actually be fabricated from steel in the UK. The front ends will be produced by Five Land Bikes in Scotland. Then the bikes will be assembled & painted in the UK as well.
The 6066 alloy chainstays/swingarm & link are still made in the same Taiwanese factory as before, and Cotic plans to keep working with their trusted production team in Taiwan for their other bikes. But that’s still a big step for Cotic, and likely a sign that more steel bike production will come back to the UK for the brand.
The new RocketMAX is 1x specific, Boost-spaced and features ISCG05 chain guide tabs around the standard threaded bottom bracket. It actually also includes a newly integrated One Up Components 1x top guide on the updated alloy swingarm.
The frame sticks with easy to manage external cable routing, plus stealth dropper routing of course, and rear derailleur routed through the steel seatstay for protection & quiet running. It also gets a 44mm headtube for the tapered fork, and gusseted top & downtubes.
Tire clearance is still super big up to 29 x 2.6″ or 27.5 x 3.0″ rubber, even with the longer travel.
You can get one in four stock sizes (S-XL), now adding the Small option to the longer bike. Then it comes in two colors, either ‘Metal-on-Metal’ gray or ‘Teal and Tangerine’ green with orange decals.
New Cotic RocketMAX – Pricing & Availability
The new RocketMAX is available on its own as a frameset from £1750 with a custom tuned X-Fusion O2 RCX shock, £2000 with a Cane Creek DB Air IL, or £2080 with a Cane Creek DB Coil IL.
Complete bikes start at £3000 with Cotic’s Silver line builds featuring a Shimano SLX kit, and tons of build out customization.
Their most popular builds tend to be the Gold XT & Gold Eagle completes which include the Cane Creek HELM fork and some Hope finishing bits for £4050. From there the sky is the limit up to around £5650 for the Platinum bikes, even with those killer eeWings ti cranks. And anywhere in the line you can swap in Hunt’s latest mountain bike wheels too.
All of the new bikes start shipping later this month, with Oct 26 quoted as the first UK frames delivery date. It’ll add a week later for complete bikes in the UK and global frame delivery. After the first batch goes, it’ll be til mid-November to get ahold of a new RocketMAX.
