By popular demand, Cotic’s 7th Generation BFe steel hardtail mountain bike has been released ahead of schedule. The 140mm travel Burly Iron bike is available for pre-order now, with the first batch of frames expected in February 2021. BFe (beefy) has been a consistent part of Cotic’s line-up since 2005, continually evolving with relevant “hardcore” hardtail geometry to meet the demands of the UK’s ever growing trail network. Here’s what it looks like 15 years on.
7th Gen Cotic BFe 27.5″ hardtail MTB
Unfortunately, Cotic weren’t able to provide any proper photos of the BFe – even they still don’t have their hands on one from the Taiwanese factory. These sketches will have to suffice for now. The new steel frame sees a couple of key updates for 2021; we’ll take you through them.
The Cotic BFe now has a 10mm lower bottom bracket as compared to the previous generation. It now drops 53mm from the dropouts. Cy from Cotic says the lower BB proved to offer more cornering stability without sacrificing too much ground clearance.
The stack height is also increased across the S-XL size range, allowing taller riders in particular to more easily get comfortable on the BFe. The medium frame, recommended for riders 169cm-180cm tall, now has a stack height of 602mm.
A third update is the slightly steeper seat tube angle – now sitting at 74.5°, bringing it into line with its 29er brother the BFe MAX. The change should go some way to improving the climbing position. Reach figures remain unchanged, starting at 438mm on the small, stretching to 513mm on the XL.
Note: The geometry measurements for the 2021 Cotic BFe are based on a 140mm fork with 25% SAG. Cotic recommend any fork travel between 120mm and 160mm, but complete bikes will be shipped with a 140mm fork.
The final tweak is bottle bosses: Lots of them! The 2021 Cotic BFe features multi-option down tube bosses. All spaced as regular 64mm bottle boss spacing, with an extra set thrown in underneath. This will allow riders ample space and opportunity to fine tune their equipment provision for the day.
You can run up to 3 bottles, a tool keg under the down tube, or an Anything Cage 3 bolt style carry platform. You won’t find any bosses on the seat tube, which means you should be able to fit a super long dropper that can be slammed into the frame.
Pricing & Availability
Stock isn’t due until February 2021. Cotic are offering three build options for the 2021 BFe. The Silver build will set you back £2574, fetching you a Cane Creek Helm fork, Shimano’s SLX 12 speed drivetrain and Hope Fortus wheelset.
There are also two Gold build options. The one with a £3239 price tag features the Shimano XT 12 speed drivetrain, Deore XT brakes and a dropper seat post. The slightly cheaper Gold build will cost you £3099, with a SRAM GX Eagle group replacing Shimano’s offering.
All Cotic Bikes are available worldwide, with free shipping to the UK, Ireland, Europe, USA and Canada.
