First revealed at the Cycle Show in 2009, Cotic’s new >X< cyclo-cross frame is the latest addition to the company’s range, and one of its most intriguing offerings to date.

There’s traditionally been a lot of crossover between road cycling and mountain biking, but many might not realise that cyclo-cross bikes occupy that middle ground between the two, offering the benefits of both disciplines with few drawbacks.

As a form of racing, cyclo-cross is getting more popular. It’s has always been a huge spectacle on the continent with it being one of the biggest televised sports in Belgium, and over in the US it’s massive. Its influence is shaping the UK scene too, with a noticeable boost in turnout figures in the past few years.

But its appeal is far more widespread than being solely a competitive pursuit. And it’s this appeal that Cotic is hoping its new cyclo-cross frame will tap into. While it’ll please the dedicated ‘cross racers, the >X<, with Cotic’s mountain bike roots, is ideally suited to that second, or third, bike in the shed for the person who’s looking for something a little different. A little unique.

We’ve been bashing around all winter on several cyclo-cross bikes, and have found them to be ideal for mixed terrain cycling, less technical trail rides that might feature canal towpaths, parks and bridleways, with a little bit of road thrown in between. For cycling to the office too, a light, fast yet rugged ‘cross bike has been Bikemagic’s commuting bike of choice.

Most cyclo-cross bikes come from brands rooted into road cycling, but there’s a growing number of mountain bike company’s getting into cyclo-cross. And the >X< is one of the more exciting prospects. For the >X< Cotic uses its own FX custom butted heat-treated chromoly tubeset.

Importantly, for its appeal to us mountain bikersr, it’s disc brake ready (removable V-brake mounts give a clean look if you use the disc mounts). Styling cues are taken from the splendid Soul, so there’s a skinny wishbone rear end with loads of tyre and mud clearance and the same sharp and simple graphics. Versatility is ensured of with mounts for mudguards and a rack, and there’s reinforcing gussets in key areas, the downtube and headtube junctions.

Available as a frame for £450 (price includes carbon forks, seat clamp, chainstay protector and UK delivery) or built up with the Weekday spec you see for £1000. That gets you a Shimano Tiagra groupset with Cotic finishing parts and Tektro cantilever brakes. A disc brake upgrade is available, which we went for, for an extra £75.

So this bike that you see in the photos to the left of these words has just turned up in the office, and on initial inspection it’s a real looker – it’s immediately very Cotic in nature. There’s lovely little details like the minimal cowled dropouts and the lush paintjob, and well executed cable routing.

Cotic first moved out of the comfort of the mountain bike world with its road going Roadrat, which went down a storm. It’s easy to see the >X< having the same impact. We’ll let you know how it rides.

More at www.cotic.co.uk