The clean look of the Solaris is pleasing and the equipment is also impressive: wide, tidy cockpit, Shimano XT drivetrain with 11-46 cassette and robust Hope wheels. At the rear, Cotic puts a WTB Vigilante with Tough casing on the rim to prevent flats. Despite the robust set-up, the Solaris remains under 13 kilos, but wait: the telescopic seat post is missing. We would strongly recommend this to every buyer. Thanks to the long top tube and slack seat tube angle, the rider is positioned in a sporty position on the bike and climbs quickly. Saddle down and into the trail. Despite the long chainstays, the Cotic corners willingly, but only with pressure on the rear wheel. On fast descents, the bike from Sheffield holds its line securely and feels more comfortable at the rear than its aluminium competitors. The only limits are the fast tyre compound and your own riding technique.
Conclusionsporty tourer with a comfortable frame and superior downhill qualities.
PLUS High-quality equipment; comfortable frame; sporty, comfortable geometry; tidy look
MINUS No telescopic support; limited tyre grip
The alternative: For around 250 euros extra, Eaven Cycles also offers the telescopic seat post, which is almost indispensable. Alternatively, you can order the Solaris Max with Plus tyres.
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Stefan Frey
Editor
