Cosmic Truce (2016) : ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

While having the initial touch and feel of the Cosmic Truce 2016, it is abundantly clear that plenty of the Truce's cost has gone towards the stellar alloy frame. Constructed high modulus alloy, the Truce's combination of sharp lines, curves and flawless finishing means it is certainly worthy of future component upgrades. As it is becoming increasingly common these days, the enormous tube shapes are nominally round or oval throughout and shape transitions are smooth and gradual.

The 60mm suspension fork is all-steel with skinny stanchions, and simple welds. It is heavy, flexible and bouncy but if you are not used to a decent suspension fork then you are unlikely to notice. There is no lockout adjustment, but it is quite firmly sprung which stops plunging and the travel is good enough for easy trails.

Like the Cosmic's other MTB bicycles in this line, the Truce is also equipped with Shimano Tourney as the front and rear derailleurs. During our test ride the tourney did show some lag on gear down shifts at the rear, which is not a surprise from this entry level Shimano gearing component. The gear shifters are placed at a comfortable hand position on the handlebar and does not leave any strain on the thumb during quick or continuous shifts.

The Shimano-branded EF-51 mechanical disc brakes do a perfectly adequate job of bringing the Truce to a halt. Given the bicycle's rather hefty weight, we can safely say that these brakes are reliable on flatter trails. These mechanical disc brakes might not perform at their best when put to test on a speeding downhill.

The handlebars are a bit shorter than expected. This especially affects the rider's posture while pedaling off the saddle on trails. This closes down the shoulder width which is uncomfortable as a broader shoulder position will give the rider more balance over the bicycle.

With dry conditions during the testing period, the well-treaded tires were not great but they also did not prove much of a hindrance either. On hard and flat trails, at slower speeds, these 26'tires are not at all bad, and the low rolling resistance goes some way to offsetting the inevitable weight of the bicycle. Start pushing the Truce on bumpier trails and the tires get interestingly drifty, and there is lack of traction when it hits anything resembling wet mud.