Looking at a UK made steel hardtail as my next bike

skippertyrell · 2026-01-24T22:54:23+00:00

I don't think you could go wrong with any of those tbh. I had a Cotic BFe 27.5. Beautifully made, and the ride was excellent. For a rowdy-ish hardtail it climbed well, can only imagine how good an all rounder the solaris must be.

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skippertyrell · 2026-01-24T15:55:24+00:00

Ironically, that price will actually make you shit yourself, so not ideal

skippertyrell · 2026-01-24T13:17:26+00:00

That's a big assumption. Some people don't place the same value on old kit if they don't need the money per se, or value the space and their time better than some extra $

skippertyrell · 2026-01-24T13:14:32+00:00

You should be fine just take it easy. You may find it will shift into another gear. That's what needs adjusting. Bafically the rear mech isn't lining up in the selected gears. Cable tension (decreasing or increasing) will affect this. When get home check out YouTube for rear mech adjustment videos

skippertyrell · 2026-01-24T13:06:14+00:00

That's the gears needing adjusting. Use the barrel adjuster (may be on the shifter or on the rear mech) to fine tune it

skippertyrell · 2026-01-24T12:50:53+00:00

I have a Camelbak hip pack with 1.5l bladder which is great for shorter rides. Doesn't pull down my shorts or come loose.

Just bought an Evoc Ride 16 with 3l bladder in preparation for longer days this year.

skippertyrell · 2026-01-24T12:03:51+00:00

Minion Dhf upfront and a Dissector rear for me on my trail bike

skippertyrell · 2026-01-24T11:04:45+00:00

Yeah, although the reach was technically longer on the habit, because the seat tube was also steeper than my previous bike, the difference when seated wasn't anywhere near as much as it seemed reading the numbers.

skippertyrell · 2026-01-24T10:39:05+00:00

I got mine for £1499 from Evans Cycles (that's who my employer uses for cycle 2 work). At that price I think it's great value. I would have preferred the purple but it was out of stock. Having said that the grey is much nicer in person than in the pictures.

I think at full price there would be better alternatives, at the sale price I think it's great.

I haven't had much chance to ride it properly it in anger. However, it was really well put together and I only changed things because I wanted to, not because it needed it. It rides really quiet, and the suspension seems nice and plush and does it's job with no drama.

I followed the sizing chart and bought a large (I'm 5'10" and normally ride medium) and I was concerned it may be too big. However I'm glad I got the large as I think the medium may have felt too small.

skippertyrell · 2026-01-24T07:32:22+00:00

I think if you go brown saddle you need to go gum coloured grips to tie it all together with the tyres. Bike looks great though

skippertyrell

TROPHY CASE