Cotic Bikes Presents #26aintdead

Dec 3, 2013 at 6:54
by Steel City Media  
Views: 78,095    Faves: 1,414    Comments: 92

#26aintdead
To celebrate the arrival of our new 2014 colour 26" hardtails, check out the latest Cotic video from Steel City Media showing why 26" wheels are ace.

Craig Evans

Head over to Cotic Bikes now to check out the full range.

#26aintdead
Rider: Craig Evans
Photography: Duncan Philpott

Cotic.co.uk


Author Info:
SteelCityMedia avatar

Member since Mar 3, 2012
113 articles

176 Comments
  • 148 18
 26" It brings the trails to life , in fact it always did! The big manufacturers had to do something to boost sales and different wheel sizes were their marketing ploy.
DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE!!!!
26" for life!
  • 60 16
 But is 26" enduro compatible?
  • 41 105
flag mnorris122 (Dec 3, 2013 at 8:18) (Below Threshold)
 Dude, you do realize that the only reason 26" is the standard is because it's what was available when MTBs first started being made. Just because it's the first doesn't mean it's the best.
  • 20 11
 I'm pretty sure it's enduro specific actually @Caiokv
  • 8 21
flag caporalhicks (Dec 3, 2013 at 8:24) (Below Threshold)
 the fact that there are 29 and 27.5 do not mean to be good!
  • 32 8
 im ok with the market showing us 27.5 and 29 inch wheels i personoaly would not ride a 29er but would try a 650b ! the only thing i dont like about these new options is the fact that they are replacements for the good o'l 26ers!!!
  • 15 7
 Having more options for different riding styles and different riders is a good thing. I am 6' 3" and mostly ride xc so a 29er works super well for me. The first time I rode the 29er I wasn't impressed but after a couple of rides I felt way more comfortable. A single test ride on a 29er should not determine your opinion on the wheel size. take it out a few times and you might be surprised at how well they ride.
  • 35 2
 I want that T-Shirt!!!
  • 4 3
 Mnorris - yes! But I assure you that if industry went for 29ers as Gary wanted, we would still ride 26" DH bikes, just as ones like this one I am sure of it. It's just that it would be 26" wheels that would be a Fab not 650b Big Grin
  • 27 32
flag emsley (Dec 3, 2013 at 9:43) (Below Threshold)
 @carlosg - do you know the first thing about marketing and marketing forces? are you versed in physics? have you ridden, on numerous and extended occasions, multiple bikes across the "new" wheel sizes?

no? shocking...

guess what, buddy? the wizard of oz doesn't exist and not every company is involved in shady, capitalist conspiracy.

do you honestly believe a company as large as specialized (or their investors, for that matter) would throw in their lot for an immeasurable commodity? heaven forbid a collective of people want to make a living selling and spreading the word about something beautiful that they created - 26/27.5/29 - it doesn't f*cking matter.

the cotic brand is rad. for that matter, all well-made bikes are f*ckin' rad, irrespective of wheel size. if you can't have fun and/or rip descents on other wheel sizes (or let others do so w/out being made to feel like losers), maybe you should hone your biking skills instead of glaring angrily at the Enduro/Bronson/WFO9/Stumpjumper/Process like a meaty, closeted 29er-lover.

get outside, the world isn't always as sinister as you make it out to be.
  • 4 3
 None of the wheels sizes in question were created for mountain bikes. They are all re-purposed from other types of bikes. While there are 3 "standards" now, there are obviously many other sizes out there (over 24") that could have arbitrarily become standards.
  • 9 4
 @emsley
Count to 10 and breath
Oh and I'm not your buddy! you don't know anything about me yet because my comment is at the top of the page you decide to have a go.
Internet warriors , pah.
  • 8 15
flag emsley (Dec 3, 2013 at 13:17) (Below Threshold)
 It's "breathe". "Breath" is a noun. And I realize we're not buddies - it's called sarcasm. I knocked one out at you b/c comments like yours are about as boring as poor grammar/spelling.
  • 3 5
 'hooked and reeled in' YAWN sarcasm- the lowest form of humour
  • 4 13
flag Italian925 (Dec 3, 2013 at 14:18) (Below Threshold)
 It's not hype. If you actually learn how to ride a different wheel size, and take time to get used to it, you'll be surprised on the performance you'll get. For most of us, a 29'er would probably be a better choice, or a 650B. I used to be against the 29 craze, then I threw a leg over a BMC 29. I out climbed, and out rode my buddies after a couple of rides. Sure, it felt weird at first, but I took the time and put in the effort to learn how to ride the bike. I will NEVER go back to a 26". A 29 rolls faster, easier, and it overall a better bike if you are on the right rig.
  • 5 1
 i'll wait for the 49ers, will be even easier to ride, might as well put a motor on it.
www.pinkbike.com/u/fredbruens/album/49er
  • 7 2
 do you honestly believe a company as large as specialized (or their investors, for that matter) would throw in their lot for an immeasurable commodity?
YES, if there is one company to do it (and they did), it's specialized...
  • 14 0
 Who cares about wheel size.. That guy was sending it!
  • 1 0
 @cbrider14
Absolutely !
  • 13 3
 WTF is 26"??? Stop forcing this new wheel size on us bike industry. No one asked for this!
  • 5 2
 If 24" was standard or most popular, like 26" is now, and then companies started making 26" wheels shortly followed by 25" wheels, I wonder if the argument would be the same, and if people would find a 26" downhill bike as shocking etc.
  • 5 2
 @emsley, @carlosg
Nothing like a good fight between Brits, thanks for cheering me up on this dull winter day when I cant ride my bike!
  • 2 0
 Lol .he's not British , I realised when he picked me up on my spelling then wrote realise with a z in it .
I'm glad your cheered up though ;-)
  • 66 3
 Oh my gosh it is so nice to see a video of someone riding a hardtail like they are meant to be ridden! Could almost care less about wheel size, that now and rider were just fast af X)
  • 3 5
 *bike (not now)
  • 1 0
 Now , that's bike ridding !
  • 2 0
 that was exactly my thought.... he was killing it.
  • 5 0
 Cotic videos make me want to throw my money at them every time. Great riding.
  • 1 0
 I can't believe no one said "@rjscherbaum thats what she said"
  • 49 0
 Sh*t the bed, that guy can ride! Awesome video, proper music and 26'' shredding. What more can you ask for!
  • 28 1
 Not one "putting goggles on" shot or dubstep/DH rig in sight. This is a strong contender for VOY
  • 1 0
 ABSOLUTELY
  • 48 0
 I've never seen a hardtail trail video so sick. He throws the bike around like its a dirt jump bike, but rips pretty much as fast as any full suspension rig
  • 15 0
 Full suss is'nt always the quickest way, he did shred that thing though!
  • 1 0
 I don't care what bike I'm on, I sure as hell ain't getting down to the bottom as fast as him.
  • 1 0
 Good effort JOE BO!!! parkwood springs makes the bitches go wild
  • 30 1
 26 inch wheels will never catch on
  • 11 0
 Anyone who got into the sport in the last two years probably doesn't even know what they are Wink
  • 2 9
flag treesmoker (Dec 3, 2013 at 9:53) (Below Threshold)
 yeah, not everyone can ride like this. I mean, sure, in the hands of a really expert rider they have some slight advantage, but the vast majority of bikers will be able to get down the trail faster and with more fun on a wheel that rolls over the little stuff and stays stable in the air.
  • 3 0
 That is so true. My local bike shop ONLY carries 29ers. There is literally not one bike with smaller wheels. I went in the other week and was blown away. If someone just getting into the sport went there they wouldn't even have a choice but to go 29.
  • 5 0
 @treesmoker, 26" is more fun than bigger wheels. heck even 24" my mate has a 24" identiti with a pike on it and it goes down trails in the most ludacris way but its sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much fun.I'm not a racer I ride for fun. I would prefer my trail to last longer and be more fun. 26" till death!
  • 3 0
 @treesmoker, bigger wheels roll over objects well, but IMO do not feel very good in the air.
  • 26 1
 Thank god someone is taking a stand against all this new wheelsize crap. Bike handling skills are way more important than wheelsize.
  • 2 14
flag Italian925 (Dec 3, 2013 at 14:21) (Below Threshold)
 Which is why you should learn how to ride a different wheel size. After learning how to ride a 29'er and a 650B, I'm never going back to a 26. It's a much more stable riding wheel size and bike if you find the right one.
  • 7 0
 Can be much of a ride if you need a 29er to stay stable
  • 20 2
 Awesome video, best HT shredding I have ever seen! Now, I see not a single hateful comment, it's just idyllic, thank you Cotic for bringing us together. No WC recap, rider story or bike test has ever made it - Cheers!

Ride 26" HT:s they come hate free Big Grin
  • 18 3
 wow 26 just looks more fun than other wheel sizes...ive ridden 29 and 27.5 and the 26 is by far the most excitiing/fun to ride. f*ck all the other sizes its all about my 26 inch d!
  • 14 0
 "Step 23: Pick a wheel size and me a dick about it"
  • 3 0
 Agree. Physics say the same. And slack 26 bikes with steel hardtails look the part.
  • 1 0
 I agree, it is all about your 26" d. For real though, wish bikes like this were more popular in the US.
  • 3 3
 "Step 24: Wheel size chosen, and I AM being a dick about it"
  • 1 0
 Amen
  • 16 0
 That was one of the best edits I have seen yet! Effin' jeans and a t shirt and fast music. Well done.
  • 17 1
 long live the 26 and Cotic ! Smile
  • 12 0
 I really like my BFe. Big tires. Climbs. Handles well. I can ride over some pretty rough stuff, the same stuff as my FS bike, just need more body english. Feels like the frame will last forever. I have friends that ride fs bikes and I have to ride the brakes if I'm following. I always have a good ride, never wishing for anything more. 20+ years, 8 different bikes, this is the best trail bike I've owned. Why change what feels good, right? I'm not racing, have nothing to prove, don't mind rough stuff, can keep up with FS bikes. I don't need to turn over slightly heavier wheels to feel like I belong, I'm riding a modern steel hard tail with a 140mm fork, I don't fit in anyway. And that's fine with me.
  • 14 0
 Freeride hardtails for life! This was awesome. Wish this style of bike got more attention.
  • 16 3
 - Man! That guy looks fast and seems to have fun !
- What ?? But he is not riding 650b ? How is it possible ? Is he not enduro ?
- Shut up, marketing sucks !
  • 13 1
 That video is 'Marketing' and is sure doesn't suck!
  • 4 2
 Yep, but ironic marketing !
  • 10 1
 Although I think that it's too early to bury and ressurect 26" wheels, the video is great! Love this kind of decent hardtail shredding with aggresive yet melodic music, please make more edits like that! tup 26" HARDTAILS (continue to) RULE!
  • 14 2
 shredding like a boss!! love my bfe and have no intention to ever use 29's
  • 6 3
 And not 27.5 !
  • 11 2
 ain't nobody on a 29 could ride like that. Something about them just don't look steezy. (And this coming from someone who has a 29 for XC - the bikes just can't jump for shit)
  • 11 1
 It shouldn't matter what wheel size you ride on as long as you enjoy riding your bike, that's the main thing
  • 9 1
 Awesome! Love my hardtail 26er... it's fast, responsive and fun as hell but it's definitely not a do it all bike.. there are places I ride on my full sus that would just be punishing and not fun on a hardtail.
  • 8 1
 If you ride to climb, you have forgotten the thrill of descent. It is NOT what you ride, it's how you ride. The rest is marketing. Visit Whistler on opening day and you'll witness the cock measuring. If you have fun on your bike, who am I to judge. But if fun for you is a 1:1 correlation with whatever 2014 is trying to sell you, then I think you've missed what it's about.
  • 1 0
 That is the truth, just get on a bike and shred on it, I don't care about the size of the fuckn wheels!
  • 1 3
 climbing is shit. you guys should do road riding if you love to climb so much, every tour de frande stage is uphill.
  • 8 1
 26 will always be more playful, will always allow shorter chainstays, will always allow stronger but lighter wheels and will always be able to generate more speed trough terrain than the bigger sizes!!!

650b and 29 can be built and sold also... i have no problem with that fact!!!

but noone should be forced to buy them just because the industry isnt producing 26 bikes or parts any more

for sure they will make more turnover when everyone needs to buy different rims, spokes, tires, frames and forks instead of being able to use existing stuff. and also there will be more broken wheels / rims.

i think another problem is, that older riders with an endurance- and comfort- riding style are the costumers which are responsible for the bigger part of the turnover because they have more money and buy complete bikes at the full price.

but
maybe justice will win this battle and 26 will continue to exist... (maybe also in a scott catalogue Smile )
  • 2 3
 right bro i like more 29ers and they are better when you are going over roots and rocks but 26 bikes are playfull, i ride a 29er and i think that the wheel size is good for me Smile
  • 8 1
 I see the logic behind 650b and 29ers and I understand why different people would prefer to ride different wheel sizes, but lets all face it, 26 will always be the most fun!!!!!
  • 4 5
 It has nothing to do with wheel size: a sh1te bike will simply not be a fun ride.
  • 3 1
 but some people find 29ers sh1te... I have rode a few and only one I have ever felt comfortable on as all the others had seemed to lose there "nippiness". Despite all the others looking like great bikes on paper, I just found they were boring to ride compared to a 26" wheel version, therefore making them sh1te to me! So it does have something to do with wheel size...
  • 1 1
 Simply because you don't like the S-Works Enduro 29er does not make it a shite bike. In fact dozens of reviewers and several enduro racers will disagree with you. Calling the Trek Session a POS, simply because I don't like it doesn't make it true either. On the other hand if there have been technical reviews of the bike that consistently say a bike is shite by people who have a descent command of the english language and tell me precisely why it's shite (Poor performing suspension, steep HA for a DH bike, long CSs, etc) , I'd take them WAY more seriously than the someone who can't string more than 5 words together in a sentence when describing WHY they think a bike is shite. "The wheel size is 29", therefore it's shite, is absolutely laughable as to why a bike is crap.
  • 12 1
 FAST
  • 8 1
 Thank you to Cotic have created it 10 years ago a super playful setting and very nervous in perfect harmony with the fun mountain biking. Thank you.
  • 9 1
 29 owners please don't watch.......
  • 4 0
 Last year Cotic were pushing their Solaris saying it was great, making a video saying its the future, Now this, stating 26 is the way forward. Forget the wheel size, its still a bike, and the rider can shred it. Both videos were sick so who cares !
  • 4 0
 Thanks Cotic that was an extremialy rad vid. No hate against any wheel size but I personally love 26. I'm not looking for the easiest way down just the most fun way for me. I ride with guys on all wheel sizes and guess what, we all have fun. Can you believe it? Props for no slo mo I think. Just fast music and riding. Now go out and have fun on whatever rig you ride....Smile
  • 8 1
 26,650B,29, I don't care, but how do you get those pants on???
  • 3 0
 You gotta lotion up before putting them on, that's for sure!!!
  • 2 0
 That probably goes for the iPhone in his pocket too
  • 8 0
 #26aintdead enough said
  • 3 0
 ok enough of the wheel debating for just one post. lets just all agree that that video was an absolutely BRILLIANT ! And its made us all want to go ride like a spastic on coffee, and have shed loads of fun doing it!!
  • 7 1
 This eulogy is fucking hilarious. Great job guys!!!
  • 7 0
 Come on 26"!!
  • 6 1
 Bilimy put that rider from the video on a full sus downhill bike and you could have a world cup rider!
  • 5 0
 Well done Craig,nice to see you ripping up Warny and not needing 8" of travel.
  • 4 0
 Added to my favorites... Along with all of Chromag's HT vids, so I can perv out before I go rip my steel 26" bitch. Best fun ever.
  • 2 0
 ^^^ this dude knows what's right in the world
  • 4 1
 think i saw that guy riding the f/s version of the cotic at woburn sands - his riding style is nothing short of inspirational
  • 8 3
 Sick video, sick bike... but come on, Cotic sales 29 " too, so....
  • 12 1
 Why the neg props? they do make 29" too at least they're giving the consumers a choice unlike many of the big players.
  • 2 6
flag treesmoker (Dec 3, 2013 at 9:59) (Below Threshold)
 Anyone who has a problem with 29ers in general has their head up their behind, they definitely offer an advantage in some situations for many riders. It's all about offering consumers a choice so that people who prefer not to make the trade-offs for those advantages have the option of buying what they prefer.
  • 6 1
 The only place a 29er has an advantage is on the road. 29 is dead
  • 3 6
 I agree. Road = 29er/ 700c, mtb= 26. Big wheels offer improved ability to roll over cracks in the asphalt and that's it. Anyone who prefers them off road is a sucker who doesn't know how to ride. 29ers are to real mountain bikes as razor scooters are to skateboards: the only reason you'd choose them is if you can't ride a real bike. And we all know how razor scooters changed the world, what with everyone commuting to work on them and the off-road razor scooter race being hailed as the next olympic sport.
  • 4 1
 ^^^ what planet are you from?
  • 1 2
 The planet where only dentists and lawyers who want to show off their new toys but couldn't bring themselves to get airborne if you held a gun to their head are basically the only people gullible enough to fall for the wagon wheel fad? AKA EARTH!!!
  • 6 1
 26" for fun and lively bikes.
  • 6 1
 I'm sure he'd be 0.2 of a second quicker on a 650B!
  • 5 0
 Riding 650b is like driving a Prius.
  • 6 2
 you all sound like my girlfriend, always complaining about a couple inches...
  • 5 1
 proud owner...I like how they emphasize the fun factor in whole concept..
  • 6 1
 Yeeeah! 26 for life!
  • 3 0
 dude knows how to rip thats for sure! where the hell is that track tho? i wanna play!
  • 4 0
 That was some proper shredding on a proper wheel size!!!! LONG LIVE 26"
  • 2 0
 Super stoked to see legit hardtail shredin get more attention, fuck wheel size 26,29,650b they all shred if you know how to ride
  • 1 1
 26 will accelerate fastest of the three wheel sizes but reach the slowest top speed. The bigger the wheel, the higher the speed and better the roll over, but with increased weight spinning round your axles and hanging on the end of your suspension. Bigger wheels have a fraction more tyre contact surface, but with a fraction more flexibility in the rim and tyre or more weight as the material is added to stiffen them. A bigger wheel cannot turn as tight a turn as the smaller, but will be stable at high speeds.

So it's a balancing act where you can build a bike to suit you and your style.

Just please, don't stop making 26" frames.
  • 2 0
 26 forever! Smile or as long as they make them. Frown I can't make my own, can I??
  • 2 0
 Great video and riding BTW. Made me go and look at their frames it did.
  • 6 1
 that was SICK!
  • 4 1
 Cy and Paul, great bikes, great people, great company, great educators. Well done gents!
  • 2 0
 bringing biking back to its roots. reminds me of all the good old days thrashing my planet x hard tail round my woods. spot on video
  • 3 0
 Quality vid on my fave local track parkwood springs too....hardtails rule.....cotics are awesome!!!!
  • 3 0
 I ride a BFe.. On trails like this, in the UK. This video is SO SICK. (so rad. so gnarly. SO SICK.)
  • 4 0
 If 26 is gone im definitely moving to motocross
  • 3 0
 Amazing vid! We should all fav this to deliver this message to the rest of the bike industry.
  • 1 1
 Ok such a sweet video. This is how i 'think' i ride my 26 hardtail, so inspiring, love the way it rips..... BUT i just bought my first 29er and guess what its still just as fun! Its like our last pinkbike survey said, its all about the rider, put this guy on a 29 and id guess we'd all be like "holy f*ck what a sick video"
  • 6 2
 #24aintdead
  • 2 0
 yess! this is how i like it! steel! 26! hardtail! and shreding as hell thanks!
  • 4 1
 And that, is how you ride a bike.
  • 3 0
 Tall M'er F'er and he rips!! Awesome!
  • 4 0
 HELL YEH
  • 2 0
 dafaaaag.... whats wrong with that guy?! hes rocking the shit out of that trail! AMAZINGLY PUMPED!
  • 2 0
 Ok....if I could rise with 0.005% of the "schhhmmmoooovvvvnnneesss" as that guy I would be a very happy rider
  • 1 2
 The utter disdain for anything other than a 26 is unbelievable, you all sound like a bunch of whining babies. If you don't like what they're selling dont buy it. In fact that's probably a reason they're trying to drum up some business; when was the last time any of you purchased a new bike instead of sourcing used parts off of Pinkbike?
  • 1 0
 Awesome. That's pretty much my local trails being shredded right there. Prop's to Cotic for supporting 26" in times like these....
  • 3 0
 Pfff! Everybody I know rides 26. What's the issue?
  • 3 1
 holy smokes, that was fast
  • 1 0
 Yeah effin' sweet but what band is that?
Sounds like a cross between Zebulon and Zeke... anybody..?
  • 3 1
 Brilliant! Now can someone tell me where I can buy one in the US?
  • 11 1
 They ship direct dude, give them a call or email Smile
  • 4 1
 He's shredding hard!
  • 2 0
 He can tear the arse out of a hardtail!
  • 2 0
 Great video! Sick riding!
  • 2 0
 faith in humanity - restored
  • 1 0
 I was totally digging this vid. Then he started riding down a gravel road. Whatever floats yer boat I guess.
  • 1 0
 OMG he is more eager than a signed koala looking for a 24 hour burn centre! and where can i get one of those shirts?
  • 2 0
 Just watched the vid. Yesssssssss!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Its a hardtail ... so time too get ride of all that fullsuspension stuff nobody needs not the wheelsize that matters
  • 1 0
 ive got a dh bike, and where i live (super flat, bikepark 2 hrs away) all i need is a hardtail like that Smile
  • 1 0
 Speechless! Im going to wharny and parkwood this weekend with my cotic wohooo!
  • 2 0
 Now that's some serious f*^>ing shredding
  • 1 0
 Apparently riding in tights ain't dead either.
Skinny Jeans = Spandex Tights. There is no difference between the two.
  • 2 0
 Awesome video, hardtails fucking rule!!
  • 2 0
 LONG LIVE THE 26" HARDTAILS
  • 3 1
 Wo!
  • 2 0
 Feck! Mind blown
  • 3 4
 "Pick a wheel size and be a dick about it."

Can't shred, ride 29. Curtis Keene would Beg to differ.

Sell your soul, ride 650b. No, just go buy a new one.
  • 1 1
 I notice an unusually high number of the big S's riders on 29s. Think it's a coincidence?
  • 2 2
 Nope, specy bikes = short CS, which equals fun.
  • 2 0
 Want levels very high.
  • 1 0
 Damn, now I want my hardtail back! Thanks alot
  • 1 0
 Video didn't kill radio either.
  • 2 1
 Nobody ever said that it was dead.
  • 2 0
 amazing
  • 1 0
 Hold tight Cotic, sick sick vid
  • 1 0
 wouldn't it be nice if you could reply to replies on PB.
  • 1 0
 26 aint dead, just like guys wearing tight pants and long sleeve t-shirts!
  • 1 0
 Was that Kiril Benderoni?
  • 2 0
 yep
  • 1 0
 WE've heard many times that size doesn't matter!!!!
  • 1 1
 All size gayness aside, sick sick video. Me likey
  • 2 2
 Oh joy another discussion about wheel sizes on pinkbike. BORING.
  • 1 2
 Just makes me wonder what on earth i just went and bought a full susser for
  • 2 2
 Got a Soul for sale if you're in the UK it's on Pinkbike - Sick riding BTW
  • 1 0
 love it
  • 1 0
 That is a great video.
  • 3 4
 I would like to see the same video with a 29.
  • 4 2
 that would be proper kooky, 29 cant shred, the end.
  • 5 2
 Cotic have made a vid on there 29er go check it out....it still rips like this
  • 2 0
 I would say the video with the 29 er still rips but not like the 26. The riding in this video is on another level.
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