I know that this is probably not the best time to be asking bearing in mind Mike T's misfortune at the hands of the thieving B******s in Avonmouth but I have a dilemma. I am going to buy a second bike and I am not sure whether to go for a Cove Stiffee or a Cotic Soul.

Could anyone give me any advice? I am not an especially hardcore rider but then I am no cross country whippet either. I am going for a hardtail as I want to improve my riding skills and feel a Full Susser will flatter me too much.

I've heard that the Cove's ride is a bit harsh and I do not know how robust the Cotic is.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated especially regarding the sizing on the Cotic as I will not be able to test one.

I would say the Cove is a bit more 'core (rider permitting)- it's got a very low standover height and a short top tube. I don't think the ride is that harsh, especially as the short top tube puts you in quite a relaxed position, plus you can get silly huge tyres in the frame. Feel free to have a go on mine at some point.

Re the Cotic, I don't know anyone who has one you can try (at least not any more ) but if you email the chap who runs the company (cyATcotic.co.uk) he is very helpful about sizing.

Antony

Thanks for the advice. I have ordered a Cove as i had my mind set on one and you tipped the balance in its favour. So watch out for a gimp on a Stiffee who is thoroughly outclassed by his bike!

Cheers