Cotic bikes are now available in a Peak District retailer

Cotic, the Sheffield-based mountain bike manufacturer, has announced a significant shift in its distribution strategy. From March 6th, 2026, their bikes will be available for display and demo at 18 Bikes in Hope, Derbyshire, marking their first physical retail presence. This move also introduces a new 'Dealer Collection' option for customers, allowing them to pick up their Cotic orders directly from the Peak District store, complete with immediate access to local trails.

This development is particularly noteworthy given Cotic's long-standing and staunch commitment to a direct-to-consumer sales model since its inception. For years, founder Richard Baybutt has championed the efficiency and customer connection of selling exclusively online. This partnership with 18 Bikes, a well-respected independent retailer in a prime riding location, represents a calculated evolution, potentially aiming to broaden Cotic's reach and offer a crucial 'try before you buy' experience without fully abandoning their core direct sales ethos.

Ultimately, Cotic's foray into brick-and-mortar retail, however limited, is a pragmatic nod to the enduring value of tangible interaction. It seems even the most committed direct-to-consumer brands occasionally concede that some things are best experienced, not just clicked.