The latest Cotic Escapade 6 is a full ground-up redesign of a bike that helped define gravel before the category even existed. Retooled around larger tires and the brand’s Sureshot geometry, it promises a rare blend of stability, responsiveness, and all-day ride vibes. Find details here…
The Escapade has been part of Cotic’s lineup long enough to predate the “gravel” category, according to its founder Cy Turner. Since its introduction in 2014, the Escapade has served as the brand’s take on a versatile, big-tire, disc-brake drop-bar bike. With the arrival of the sixth generation (Cotic Escapade 6), however, the Escapade has undergone a complete redesign rather than a routine update.
What began in mid-2024 as a straightforward goal to accommodate the latest generation of 700 x 50mm tires quickly evolved into a full-scale rethink. Aside from the bottom bracket shell, virtually no elements have been carried over from the previous model. The development was led by Paul Dexter, who even went so far as to apply a DIYpaint finish to the first prototype. The project aimed to translate the composure and confidence of the Cascade to the Escapade platform, bringing with it the brand’s “Sureshot” geometry philosophy. Here are the quick specs from Cotic:
Custom blended tubeset made in England with Reynolds 853 front triangle, custom drawn head tube, Columbus chainstays and custom made T45 seatstays. Strong, supple, long lasting, beautiful.
3D Printed dropouts incorporate the latest UDH/Full Mount compatibility, thru axle, FM160 brake and integrated rack/fender bosses.
Custom Cotic x Works Component flush fit 1 1/8″ headset to match the fork, because details matter and this compliments the new fork beautifully.
Designed for 700×50 tires (although it’s not clear what the max clearance is).
Brand-new Cotic steel gravel fork: Slim, supple, and purpose-built.
Future-Proof: UDH for SRAM Full Mount derailleur options and 40mm suspension fork compatibility
Paint: Matte Copper Orange stock color, with A La Carte custom options
Custom 3D printed removable cable management for clean lines when running wireless transmissions.
Plenty of mounts, including rack and fender eyelets, two three packs on the downtube, a pair of bottle bosses on the seat tube, and three-pack clad fork legs.
Cotic Escapade 6 Geometry
Despite the extensive redesign, Cotic states that the core fit remains familiar from the previous generations. The relationship between the bottom bracket and handlebar position is unchanged, preserving the feel longtime riders expect. Around those fixed points, however, the geometry has been changed.
Frame Size
XS/52
SM/54
MD/56
LG/58
XL/60
Top Tube Length (Effective)
547
563
580
600
620
Reach
384
397
410
425
441
Stack
569
578
595
610
623
Head Angle
69.5°
69.5°
70°
70.5°
70.5°
Seat Angle
75°
75°
75°
75°
75°
Seat Tube (centre-top)
450
480
510
540
570
Chainstay Length
435
435
435
435
435
BB Drop
75
75
75
75
75
Head Tube Length
100
110
125
140
155
Wheelbase
1044
1061
1074
1090
1111
Usual Height Range
155–166cm
165–175cm
173–180cm
180–191cm
183–196cm
Stem Length
70
70
70
70
70
Fork Length
430
430
430
430
430
Fork Offset
44
44
44
44
44
To clear larger 50mm tires, the rear end was lengthened and balanced with a longer front center. At the same time, the bike has been optimized around a shorter 70mm stem—reduced from 100mm on the previous generation—resulting in a more agile and responsive ride.
Cotic claims the updated platform delivers a blend of stability, responsiveness, and improved clearance, including the elimination of toe overlap. The result is a bike that remains composed over rough terrain, offers precise and engaging steering, and retains the lively character that has defined the Escapade since its inception. According to impressions from the development team, the new Escapade feels immediately intuitive, with a balanced ride quality that stands out even in short test rides.
The new Cotic Escapade Gen6 is available for pre-order now as a frameset for £1,999 and completes starting at £3,249. Find further details over at CoticBikes.com and watch a video released by Cy below.
Further Reading
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