wideopen magazine » BFe http://wideopenmag.co.uk simply a mountain bike magazine in the UK. we like mud, roots and sweet trails to ride... Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:47:32 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Longtermer: Superstar update to the BFe http://wideopenmag.co.uk/news/11545/longtermer-superstar-update-to-the-bfe http://wideopenmag.co.uk/news/11545/longtermer-superstar-update-to-the-bfe#comments Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:00:52 +0000 James http://wideopenmag.co.uk/?p=11545

We shared our thoughts of 6 months on the Cotic BFe in Issue 16 (see below). The build (see Issue 15) was deliberately selected with a mix of second hand older parts and new parts at the budget end of the spectrum to show that you can build yourself a custom hardtail with a lot of character and whole bunch of fun for less than you might think.

However, those that have followed this route themselves will know, upgrades are continually made as you wear out parts or just find yourself with a bit of spare cash.

Neil at Superstar has kindly loaned us a set of his custom built wheels – the possibility of dropping a couple of lbs off the BFe build was too much of an opportunity not to miss – so with a chat with Cy at Cotic we’re holding on to the BFe for the winter to see how a lighter build can breathe new life into an old friend.

First look: Superstar custom wheelset

We’ll cover these properly in Issue 17 but for now here are the vital statistics. Over the Voltage wheelset we were running you’re saving nearly 2lbs in weight. The quality of the hand build looks fantastic, and the rear hub with it’s 120 pawl ratchet sounds like no hub I’ve ever heard before!

Custom Wheelset Generator – Pair of Wheels


  • Superstar Switch EVO Front Hub
  • Superstar Trizoid Enduro QR AM/DH Rear Hub
  • Stans Crest Disc Black Rims
  • Black Double Butted SAPIM Race Spokes

RRP £328.99

www.superstarcomponents.co.uk

Longtermer: Cotic BFe

 

First look: Cotic BFe build

 

First look: Voltage rims / Switch hubs

  IMG_3806 IMG_3805 IMG_3804 IMG_3803 IMG_3802 IMG_3801 IMG_3800 IMG_3799

www.superstarcomponents.co.uk

www.cotic.co.uk

]]> http://wideopenmag.co.uk/news/11545/longtermer-superstar-update-to-the-bfe/feed 0 Cotic BFe has arrived (don’t get excited – it’s just the pre-prod) http://wideopenmag.co.uk/news/4868/cotic-bfe-has-arrived-dont-get-excited-its-just-the-prototype http://wideopenmag.co.uk/news/4868/cotic-bfe-has-arrived-dont-get-excited-its-just-the-prototype#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:35:29 +0000 James http://wideopenmag.co.uk/?p=4868 We're lucky sods here at Wideopen! Fresh in from the chaps at Cotic is this BFe, the pre-production prototype, for a few weeks of ragging before the production frames arrive...]]> It really is a lovely looking bike. This is the same build as those cheeky shots we got at Cycle 2009 last year, and the sleek oval top tube really does look amazing. The mahoooosive forks (160mm travel, 35mm tubes) are perhaps a touch overkill for the average UK trails but Cy assures me they’re a hell of a lot of fun.

You can pre-order one (the production frames are due in mid March) at Cotic’s site here…

£370 gets you a 5.4lbs hardcore hardtail with lovely finish, quality tubing, British design and great pedigree. The BFe was a burly development of the classic Soul. The production frames will feature slimmed down regular tubing on the rear seat stays to add a little more give to the rear end – it’s shaping up to be a real beauty.



Check them out at Cotic – and read all about her in Issue 12, due out in early March.

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