Cotic has released a big wheeled version of their Rocket full suspension enduro machine. Named the RocketMAX, it sports 150mm at the rear and 160mm up front and, in a first for the UK brand, the Reynolds  853 steel front triangle along with linkage machinings are now fully made in the UK.

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As with all of Cotic's new output, the bike uses their Longshot geometry which, as you might have guessed from the name, uses a longer than standard reach to deliver a more stable ride but still reactive handling when paired with a dinky stem. In fact, the RocketMAX has a mighty reach figure of 490mm for a size large frame, along with decently slack 65.3° head angle and 75.3° seat angle to keep you centred on the bike.

Just like the rest of Cotic's full suspension range, the bike uses a Reynolds 853 steel front triangle paired to an aluminium rear end, which uses a four-bar Horst style 'Droplink' linkage to deliver up 150mm of progressive travel. That's meant to be paired with 160mm up front from the latest generation of long travel 29er forks and, as you'd expect, the bike is pitched at full-on enduro rough and tumble riding, with clearance for up to 2.5" rubber.

Of course, you can also stick in some 650b Plus wheels and mega fatty 3.0" rubber if you wish, while it's got all mod cons in the form of Boost spacing, a single ring only design for a stiffer main pivot, plus an integrated chain guide.

Production moves to the UK

The really interesting bit about this new bike is the fact that it's now partially made in the UK. While the aluminium rear end is still welded up in Taiwan, the steel front triangle and aluminium shock linkages are created in Scotland and Lincolnshire respectively, before the whole lot is mated together in Cotic's Peak District base.

Cotic has tried to create their bikes in the UK previously, but with limited success. However, the contacts they made and the experience they gained have led to them now being able to make this happen. It means that they can be more responsive with the colours and sizes they can provide to customers, plus it's made prototyping new designs much easier.

That said, Cotic still believe in their Taiwanese suppliers, so the Rocket, FlareMAX and all the hardtails will still be made in the Far East.

Prices and availability

Frame only options start at £1749 with a custom tuned X Fusion O2 RCX shock or £1999 with a Cane Creek DB Air IL. There is also a DB Coil IL shock option too, but we don't know how much that'll be at the moment. You can also choose from two colour schemes; grey Metal-on-Metal and a brighter Teal and Tangerine finish.

Complete bikes start at £2,999 for an Shimano SLX based Silver build, a mid-spec Gold Shimano XT and Gold SRAM Eagle builds with Cane Creek HELM forks and Hope bits goes for £4,049, while those with deep pockets can plump for the £5,648 for the Platinum build with very trick Crank Brothers eeWings titanium cranks. HUNT wheels are now available alongside Hope wheels across the range.

Orders have opened today with a delivery date for the first batch of 26th October. Head to the Cotic site for more details:

• www.cotic.co.uk/product/rocketMAX

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