Cotic is a brand that's always kept it real with steel and it's now gone full circle and updated its toughnut BFe hardtail with the Longshot geometry inspired by the original bike, with a number of tweaks to bring it bang up to date.

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Cotic promises outright versatility and fun with the updated BFe. To start, the frame can be run with a 100mm fork up to a 160mm unit but it's optimised towards the 140-160mm range. This means that, whether want to hit the local pump track or take on your next enduro, all it takes is a change in the fork. 

The small tweaks geometry is what makes the frame rowdier and more fun-loving than before. A 64.5-degree head angle (with a 150mm fork) is combined with a longer reach at 481mm on a large frame for even more confidence on when the trails get steep. The brand recommends sizing the bike towards a 35mm stem which they feel works best with the bikes reach and the steeper 73.5-degree seat angle. 

The new Boost 148 rear features Bridge-less S-bend chainstays allow for up to a 2.6 inch rear tyre and then some for ample mud clearance. They also inhibit fatigue in the frame. Cotic has done away with bottle cage bosses on the seat tube (don't worry, they're still on the downtube) so any seat post can be dropped as low as it can and they've added cable clips along the top tube if you would rather run an externally routed dropper post. 

The frame uses an ovalised Reynolds 853 steel top tube to add a bit of compliance and it has a 44mm headtube to accommodate most forks and for its durability.

Choice is at the heart of Cotics full bikes. While the brand offers Gold and Silver builds (with SRAM or Shimano options) they also offer the opportunity to alter the spec to your own needs. They also offer the chance to throw in a touch of Hope or Burgtech to your finished Gold or Silver build at a bit of extra cost, there's even a choice to fit a Hunt wheelset.

Frames come in Small up to Large with an added XL frame for the first time for the BFe. The BFe also comes in three new colours, Gloss Black X and Y, Sunny Yellow or Dark Grey.

Get your hands on a BFe frame for £550 with a Silver build starting at £1,800. A Gold build will set you back £2,500 and any custom options will alter the price as to be expected.

• https://www.cotic.co.uk/

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