Since switching jobs in May, I’ve returned to mountain biking more in order to get fitter/lose the gut. I had access to a gym on campus in my previous job and had only been out on the bike infrequently. More regular midweek outings have been great, I’ve lost some weight and have re-learned some skills long forgotten [with some help from Ned Overend]. I find exercise is easier if you fool yourself into doing it, by enjoying it first and reaping the health benefits as a by-product.
Unfortunately, my old bike was a bit on the small side [Medium, allegedly]. It was never a problem until I started riding regularly. The small frame made it supremely manoeuvrable through the trees on my local trails, but it was cramped and uncomfortable and I was finding myself with neck and shoulder problems. Occasionally, bad enough to keep me awake at night. It slowly dawned on me that the bike was the issue. Having invested quite heavily in kit to ensure I can keep riding throughout winter, and with no other form of regular exercise likely to keep me motivated in the way cycling does, I splashed the cash on a new, large frame.
I’d promised myself a new bike if I reached my target weight of 15stone/210lbs/95kg [I’m not there yet]. However, if I can’t ride, I won’t lose weight. So a new frame was a compromise, I’ve transferred most of my existing components over to the new frame to keep costs down. Having said that, the frame wasn’t exactly cheap. Cotic are a small UK outfit, producing high quality steel frames. I first heard of them through Singletrackworld, as soon as I saw the frame, I fell in love with it. Despite it’s relatively understated looks [well, apart from the colour. Hopefully skinny, straight tubes will put off prospective thieves!], it’s a do-it-all frame and has been built quite burly to cope with my lack of finesse. Despite this, it climbs beautifully and really outlined just how much more difficult an undersized frame makes efficient pedalling. I felt like I could ride it all day, and that’s got to be a good thing. I felt less tired after today’s ride than I previously did on shorter rides with the old frame. I think I have a bit more fine tuning of saddle/bars to do, but I’m delighted with it. 😀
McAlisterium 
Its ‘bloody’ beautiful.
Looks mean in red!
OT, but if you get fed up with Spotify/FB, you can subscribe to Deezer for £4.99 per month with 320kbs streaming. I’ve just signed up for the 15 day free trial 🙂
The library is not as extensive as Napster (but still not bad). Don’t know relative to Spotify.
Thanks Robin, I’d heard of Deezer but not looked into it yet, sounds promising though. I suppose the real hassle of switching from one service to another is the migration of playlists/albums from one to another…
Been getting more in to my cycling as well recently, although can’t afford as nice a frame as that – it looks stunning and the colour is awesome 🙂 Having kids makes things a little trickier, but we have been given a Tag – along (one of the first, a shadow alleycat), a trailer and we have a seat as well so have plenty of options. Having a decent bike makes such a difference, just bought my 4 year old an Islabike after inheriting a cruddy Halfords special. He now regularly cycles for up to two hours and loving the mobility it gives us as a family. Have fun on the trails bud ….
Having no kids and no plans for kids means I can spend all my money on myself! 🙂
TBH, it was a bit of a stretch financially, but an investment in my health & wellbeing. Rather that than £50 p/m on a gym membership!
Get them started early I say!
“Having no kids and no plans for kids means I can spend all my money on myself!”
who told you that?????
2 friends have Cotic Souls and they love them, a very forgiving and comfy ride i thought on brief shots, enjoy your new bike!
Will do! I’m enjoying it so far. Your videos have been tempting my to get down to East Lothian, you got some nice riding down there…