MATT’S COTIC ROCKETMAX £1,499 (frame)

To mix things up, I switched my trusty rigid 29+ mile muncher for the Cotic to tackle my local training loop. With 2,100ft of climbing, on a mix of back-roads and bridleways, it’s a departure from the Cotic’s regular stomping ground. While fast times are never my goal, using the heavier full-sus made for a noticeably longer ride, especially on the tarmac – although the way it flattened ruts, rocks and roots on the descents gave a new feel to these familiar trails. It won’t be my go-to bike for the loop, but did make a refreshing change.