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#SteelFullSuspension #MountainBikes #RidersRides #CoticFlareMAX #StarlingMurmur #MTBSetup #ShimanoXT #OneUpComponents #WTBTyres #MaxxisTyres #HopeTechBrakes #RockShoxPike #CaneCreekShock #BritishBuiltBikes #MTBEnthusiast
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In this edition of Readers’ Rides, Neal and Sam showcase their unique steel full-suspension mountain bikes, each with its own story and character. These bikes highlight the enduring appeal of steel frames in the mountain biking world, offering a blend of durability, ride quality, and aesthetic charm.
Neal T’s Cotic FlareMAX Gen 3
Why This Bike?
Neal’s journey to owning the Cotic FlareMAX Gen 3 began innocently enough with a demo day ride. He joined the Cotic CC for a day, curious to try out 29″ wheels. This experience quickly turned into a full-blown adoption of the bike, which he affectionately refers to as his “Wee Steel Beastie.” Neal praises the bike for its ruggedness and sensible, high-quality componentry, making it a standout in his fleet.
Specifications and Setup:
- Fork: Cane Creek Helm Air (140mm)
- Shock: Creek db dog (air)
- Suspension Setup: Neal’s love for pies, ale, wine, and cheese is humorously reflected in his suspension setup: 96psi in the fork and 250psi in the shock.
- Wheels: Hope Fortus 26
- Tyres: WTB Verdict and Judge
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT
- Brakes: Shimano XT 4-pots
- Bars & Stem: Currently Cotic, but Neal is saving up for a OneUp setup
- Grips: Ergon
- Seatpost: OneUp
- Saddle: Ergon
- Accessories: Timber Bell
Additional Comments:
Neal’s bike is a striking orange and blue, described as brilliant and a bit of a bulldozer. Its large frame size and reasonable weight make it a capable and reliable companion on the trails. Neal hints at possibly adding tyre inserts to the rear in the future, further enhancing its robustness.
Sam D’s Starling Murmur
Why This Bike?
Sam’s choice of the Starling Murmur is driven by its geometry, simplicity, and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the fact that it’s British-built adds to its allure for Sam, who clearly values craftsmanship and local production.
Specifications and Setup:
- Fork: Rockshox Pike
- Shock: Cane Creek DBCoil IL with Sprindex Spring
- Wheels: DT Swiss 240 Hubs with XM481 Rims
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai & DHR2
- Tyre Inserts: Rimpact in the rear
- Drivetrain: RaceFace Turbine crankset with a mix of Shimano XT and SRAM GX components
- Brakes: Hope Tech 3 E4
- Bars & Stem: OneUp Bar with Hope 35 Stem
- Grips: DMR Deathgrip
- Seatpost: OneUp 210mm
- Saddle: Specialized Phenom
- Accessories: Nukeproof CS Pedals
Additional Comments:
Sam’s bike is a large frame, though he doesn’t mention the exact weight. He humorously notes that the tatty slabs in the background should be ignored, as he’s too busy riding bikes to worry about such details. This comment underscores his passion for spending time on the trails rather than fussing over minor imperfections.
Sharing Your Bike with the Group
The Readers’ Rides section is an open invitation for bike enthusiasts to share their unique setups. Whether it’s a brand-new bike or a cherished old companion, this platform allows riders to celebrate their machines with fellow enthusiasts. Submissions are judged on their beauty, curiosity, and the stories behind them, making it a diverse and engaging space for the biking community.
Related Content
In a related post, Ben shares details about his setup:
- Height: 185cm
- Weight: 73kg
- Bike: Orange Switch 6er
- Other Components: Saracen Ariel Eeber, Schwalbe Magic Mary, Maxxis DHR II
- Preferences: Coil fan
This additional snippet provides a glimpse into another rider’s preferences and setup, showcasing the variety and individuality within the mountain biking community.
Conclusion
Neal’s Cotic FlareMAX Gen 3 and Sam’s Starling Murmur exemplify the enduring appeal of steel full-suspension mountain bikes. Both bikes are tailored to their riders’ preferences, with thoughtful component choices that enhance their performance and personality. The Readers’ Rides section continues to be a vibrant space for sharing and celebrating the unique stories and setups that make mountain biking such a diverse and passionate community. Whether you’re a fan of robust builds like Neal’s or the simplicity and craftsmanship of Sam’s bike, there’s something here to inspire every rider.
