Gravel bikes keep getting weirder - Rondo RUUT Gen 2

[@leonchan4325]

I owned a Rondo HVRT. The quality of the frame was poor. The bolt-through brake mount on the fork was not flat on the side where the bolt head sits. Even though the side where the caliper sits on was flat, the surface that the bolt head sits on was curved, so it was impossible to tighten the brake caliper down without it shifting. The bike was a complete build from the shop, and I didn't know much about bikes when I bought it. I rode that bike for 3 years before disassembling it for a complete overhaul by myself. At this point, I knew a lot more about bikes. When I did disassembled it, one side of the bottom bracket just came out with hand pressure, so the hole was way oversized. Credit to Rondo, they did actually accept my warranty claim, and the frame was replaced by a newer model called the RAAT. Thankfully the RAAT frame quality is much improved, as well as significantly lighter than the HVRT. The RAAT still has the same bolt-through front brake mounts but they are at least flat on both sides.

[@qwertyazerty2137]

What about wheels? There were numerous reports in the past that Rondo's rims are crap and often crack over time.

[@leonchan4325]

I've seen those posts on Facebook. I still have the original wheels, but they don't get any use as I switched to aftermarket wheels pretty early on.

[@imcbocian]

​@qwertyazerty2137 they changed those rims as well

[@msironen]

Uh, that sounds exactly like my 2020 HVRT both with the brake caliper tightening problem and my LBS just told me that the bottom bracket shell is oversized after I went in for a front derailleur cable replacement. But I guess I'm SOL since it's been about 5 years since purchase now. Other than that I've no complaints about the bike tho.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

​@@leonchan4325This is a reason why presenter Paul Vousden changed to his preferred wheel configuration/ set .

[@Oilyhands749]

The 40 year old me would have already ordered one The 50 year old me would’ve regretted buying it after 3 weeks The 60 year old me watched this video and smiled!

[@Mapdec]

😂

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

The almost 70 year old me didn't bother watching past the Cybertruck reference. Put E. Lawn Mulch on one at the top of a big hill, cut the brake hoses and enjoy!

[@FilipKopca]

I tested it for a local magazine. Very cyclocrossy. Jumped high, stiff, nimble quite light. I tried twin tip trailside just to se haw bad is it. The caliper alignment was challenging. Slack position tracked nicely on wide loose turns. Steep position is much sharper around middle, but more nervous in those wide loose turns. Hub dragged a lot while freewheeling. Its possible to mount 2x with adapter. Fully agree on Spank components! I think kink in the top tube is a way to get sloping and expose seatpost. Maybe good for CX bike carry as well. DEFINITELY bicycle designed more by graphic designer than mechanical designer.

[@garyfromtescos]

I know they are always weird but I kinda love them for it. At least they are bold. I have a aluminium gravel bike from them and it rocks

[@lazlo2511]

Yeah at least they innovative and not just maki to the same stuff everyone else is doing. When last did we see a real departure from the norm. But I see this guy has some beef with the brand so his opinion holds as much air as a porcupines pillow. Next. 😉

[@indybagral5101]

Those grub screws to hold the flip chip are going to get full of crud and 2mm hex bolts will round in no time if/when they seize.

[@imark9386]

I'm not keen on that bike 50mm clearance should be the norm on new gravel bikes with good quality wide rims, I come up to the lakes every year and I now only bring my gravel bike, would be cool if you could share some nice 2 hour gravel gpx files. Keep up the good work, love this channel

[@Mapdec]

Working on that.

[@rafaeldegiacomoaraujo8778]

Xc bikes are pretty cool too

[@storegga]

The amount of rondos ive repaired with the thru axles stuck because they have a retainer bolt on the threaded end. Rondo and distributors were really good. Main issue was the stock calipers and rims were shite. getting a load of the the bloody front fork asymmetric caliper bolts was hard so I had custom specs made in titanium . They were all faced well. Kudos rondo. Never seen a RAAT in the flesh

[@msironen]

Lol I did that to my HVRT, got the rear axle stuck because of that weird extra bolt on the drive side.

[@flexxx222]

only 45s in the back? Maybe they could implement a similar flip chip for the rear end to lenghten the back a bit to fit a bigger tyre. Would be great to get a 55/2.2 in to fit.

[@_J.F_]

I sort of love the fact that there are people and companies out there that will provide the most weird and wonderful contraptions for people with requirements that do not fit into any of the current and established boxes. That said, to me, this particular bike just does not really make any sense that I can think of and therefore it is tempting to think that it has been made simply to be different, which it admittedly certainly is. If anything I would call it the bike of contradictions and then probably forget everything about it as I am not really interested in gravel bikes anyway 😄

[@tommays56]

South Carolina mud gonna chew up that seat tube

[@LawrenceMacMacster]

Canadian winters would eat that in a couple of days, I'd stick layers of gorilla tape and switch it often 😅

[@NickolasRed]

we need more gravel bikes like Seigla. 38mm tyres are so stuck in the past, yet we don`t have a competitive offer around 2.1-2.2 diapason

[@reecedawson6113]

I kinda really want one, i really like weird looking bikes and different brands

[@lazlo2511]

Yeah go on…. Go against the grain man. Be different, some enjoy the safety of Time! 🤣🤣🤣

[@bluesthemoose]

The kink in the top tube is quite common in CX bikes.

[@geetee4037]

For shouldering the bike. Not needed on a gravel bike and actually, not needed on a CX bike.

[@lazlo2511]

And they had this design before… so let’s not be labelling it the weak spot unless his been at Rondo in front of testing machine. 🤔

[@LawrenceMacMacster]

My only gripe is with the headtube, ok perfect to fit a number plate or a custom pannier but ...

[@_cpdchua]

The slack in the seat post is crazy

[@chrisbenten9971]

Interesting...I would not mind reading a white paper where Rondo explains their design choices. I also visited the shop of their US distributors a few days ago...Mike's Bikes in N. California (at least he told me he was the distributor)...they did not have one of these Cyber Bikes in stock but they did have a spiffy looking steel bike. And the Carbon with more typical design looks pretty good also.

[@Csapi007]

The biggest miss with the aesthetics of the bike is the round seatpost. The whole bike is very bulkyand square, the skinny round seatpost totally breaks that synergie. A similarly bulky, D-shaped post would have made the look complete. Of couse, I know that they did it to make it dropper-post compatible, but with this tyre clearence you don't really need a dropper in this bike...

[@JC_Cycling]

Looking like cybertruck indeed. . . Cyber bike 😮

[@martinhotan8946]

Open and Salsa make that kind of brake mount for years… 😊

[@1942rommel]

This bike look beautiful . 99.9 % of bikes look same. This is pearl. Super

[@Stevehatesgravel]

Get to specsavers

[@1942rommel]

and you to a psychiatrist. I like the bike and you don't give a damn about it​@@Stevehatesgravel

[@altern8tive]

I'd not heard that about proprietary headset bearings in relation to Canyon, good info to know for any decisions on future bike shortlists. Thanks 👍

[@Mapdec]

Made by Acros. Just very very thin and not so easy to buy.

[@KNURKonesur]

I love they are called RONDO, the Polish word for a roundabout :D

[@drill_fiend1097]

Yeah, Rondo bikes are Cybertrucks of bike world, but at least the polygonal design doesn't degrade practicality as much on bicycles.

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

3:15 flip chip for gravel , front wheel !

[@lovenottheworld5723]

It's a log hopper design. A long top tube and adjust the rear wheel closer in.

[@danielbum912]

That bike looks... distinct 😬

[@FGIRAFFE]

I liked the logs very much. Nature. Non confusing. Unlike this Big Bad Boy Bike.

[@lichray]

The frame design is similar to 2023 Specialized Sirrus X 5.0 / 6.0

[@Cryptidcyclist]

First thing that came to mind

[@wiktorturo2417]

Rondo was first with this design

[@Cryptidcyclist]

@@wiktorturo2417 right on

[@Bonky-wonky]

Sounds like a quality bike, I just think it looks a bit ‘designery’ with all those tube shapes that don’t really serve a purpose other than looking futuristic. I wish they’d inherit more of NS bikes’ dna - sleek, understated dj frames at a fair price.

[@kalijasin]

Absolutely no way I’d ride something like that!

[@BendySendy]

the flat headtube is the result of a designer throwing a fit and gaslighting engineers until they just said screw it and let the designer have their way.

[@madplanet3351]

Marmite bike. Forks are nice. Head tube isn't. Don't think this'll sell too well.

[@FGIRAFFE]

@madplanet3351 why not a haïku? 5-7-5 Marmite boils the bike I don't think this'll sell too well But nice are the forks

[@alfaromeo1996]

Stack and reach don't change when flipping the flip-chip. They're measured referencing the centre of the crank axle aren't they?

[@Mapdec]

Yep. As a vertical and horizontal virtual line. Take a look at the geo chart. Remember the rear axle is pivot. Note BB drop changes. 👍

[@Ryan.T89]

I owned a Rondo and it’s the worst bike I’ve ever had. Bottom bracket problems, brake mounts not flush, seat post slippage and a rear wheel pulled the nipple through the rim. Luckily I live in Belfast and CRC had a shop, and they did fix it but three warrenty frames later and I sold it.

[@tonygregg6957]

I wonder if the interrupted seatstay is meant to introduce some compliance? I just know I'd bang my knees on that top tube and the head tube just looks weird. I do like the stem and slightly challenging styling but it would be a pass for me.

[@Mapdec]

They haven’t advertised that it does, and it certainly doesn’t feel like it does. I’m pretty sure it’s mostly cosmetic.

[@alessandrovillain6193]

The headset area is not necessarily a poor aerodynamic shape. With the sorts of Reynolds numbers you're dealing with it could very well not matter, or trip airflow in a way that may be beneficial. It really depends what it was designed for

[@michaltreder]

its a definitely an original bike! at least stands out in the crowd!

[@bengt_axle]

What's the towing capacity for that thing?

[@Mapdec]

😂

[@petesjk]

This bike frame reminds me of house builders who try to construct a house the cheapest and least ambitious standards, but market it as ‘modern’, ‘upscale’ or ‘stylish’ and charge top dollar for it to millionaires who are completely clueless.

[@gsphone6501]

Hello, what saddle is that?

[@munrowheels]

Aaaah the original wheels are by Hunt

[@cogsnbanjo]

Very little mud clearance at the back - not much use in the UK unless you use it like most 4x4s in the UK and never go off-road.

[@macanbhaird1966]

Doesn't one of the Cinelli frames have that kind of kink on the top tube? Does it work for them too?

[@alanbussell7894]

Why kink a top tube upwards? 🤔 And all that faffing with the flip chip?

[@lenolenoleno]

I'm all for bikes doing things differently in pursuit of a specific flavour - I have a Lauf Seigla which IMO is a perfect example of making small/inconsequential design sacrifices for significant gain (e.g. not having a seat tube that intersects with the BB for more clearance at the loss of UCI accreditation, using SRAM Wide BB/BSA 73mm for more clearance and external routing on the fork for the suspension to work, using damped bearings to neutralise the inherent lower lateral stiffness of a fork on a floating pivot). This bike however feels like it makes about 10 points in compromise to gain 1 point in performance. Terrible rear end structure for a miniscule -5mm chain stay vs. many other gravel bikes and still has pretty middle of the lane tyre clearance. The flip chip system that isn't necessary considering the rear end seems like it only marries up to one of the modes (the high one it seems).

[@PeakTorque]

Acros was the biggest heap of shit problem no one asked for. Been a pain since the early days.

[@stevenaaus]

That fork is a beast. Nothing aero about it ffs :)

[@COYSMike]

Kinda like it, but it's like they thought about the concept before the practicality, eg the tyre clearances.

[@jrother]

I wouldn't ride this if they gave it to me...

[@davetbassbos]

Was the Bianchi Volpe the first gravel bike? I know there is a difference between cyclocross and gravel bikes but I don't know what it is, lol! This bike is something else entirely,

[@sreallybrah]

They lost me at the proprietary headset. On a road bike, it's already an eh for me. On a gravel bike, where dirt, grit, and rain can wreck bearings like they're nothing? Yeah no.

[@JanGoh-jb5ge]

I would expect it to be pronounced 'root'. Also, comparing anything to the absolute engineering nightmare that is the cybertruck is wildly insulting. I've never seen a worse performing, worse built vehicle.

[@stevegriffiths566]

Are you selling Rondo bikes now ? Im.lookikg for one in the uk and cant find a re seller Thanks

[@Mapdec]

No. We can order things from Rondo, but we are not a bike retailer. We only sell custom projects. We can help if you know exactly what you want. Get in touch via the website. Thanks.

[@SrFederico]

You did not try the "Hi" position of bthe front wheel, did you?

[@Mapdec]

No. I didn't really feel the need. The bike was already very long, and where I ride a 71 HA is good, I wouldn't want to go steeper. The HI position essentially makes it a road bike.

[@BillyM213]

What the 'gravel' bike with the best geometry you can recommend? (good stack height, minimising reach)

[@Mapdec]

Best for what purpose and skill level?

[@BillyM213]

@@Mapdec wide tyres because I'm fat and I've found that works best, even though I still have to run them at max pressure. Skill level to match I guess.. I never find something that's right on paper. But I never see any specific video covering this sort of topic to point me in a certain brand/model direction.

[@Mapdec]

@@BillyM213 how about a Fairlight Secan

[@drill_fiend1097]

For racing, casual day ride, or bikepacking?

[@BillyM213]

@@drill_fiend1097 that all day type. It would all be made easier by losing weight. But I'm a firm believer of throwing money at a problem first.

[@MD0886]

@2:58 "you can adjust which hole you put the front axle in" 😂 naughty Paul!

[@Mapdec]

It’s a very accommodating frame

[@robertkeefer1552]

I guess I'll keep my Giant Revolt Advanced 2.

[@scotiavelo1405]

Looks like something out of Lidl

[@daveanolik8837]

Just like the cyber truck, incredibly ill-informed design placing style over function, by engineers (not designers) that play too many video games. Or… it looks like a first year industrial design college class’s group project, with every student trying to get their singular idea into the final prototype, and a sleepy drunk professor waving their hand and saying “sure, an aero fork underneath a flat head tube is fine. Now hand me a beer.”.

[@stevenaaus]

Bike Radar->Mapdec->Hambini->scrappile ;>

[@pgn666]

My comment was deleted? Maybe because i added my strava link. I have HVRT and i use it on road with 700c nad gravel with 650b 47mm tires. No issues with the frame what so ever but it was second generation one and i build it myself and never used a stock wheels.

[@morneauh]

If you post link, KZbin delete comment automatically.

[@byc1013]

It’s odd seeing some of the technology on my bmx race bike on a gravel bike…

[@detmer87]

I don't take those bike brands seriously if the come up with a flawed design.

[@marnig9185]

How does it feel packed for days?

[@Mapdec]

I didn't try, but I think you would probably want a shorter stem, that would them make the handling a bit flip flop.

[@richardhookway]

I quite like the design

[@keeferification]

That R on that head tube must stand for REAMING. You should have Hambini over for a special guest review.

[@edmundhodgson2572]

Now I'm at the end of the video, I'm glad not to be looking at it.

[@stevevarga8621]

Rondo has another model of gravel bike that takes larger tires and has slacker head angles. This bike is meant to be the racier bike.

[@Mapdec]

Yes. Weirdly the Mylc is slacker, but a lighter and trimmed design. Tyre clearance is still only 45.

[@stevevarga8621]

@@Mapdec Ya, that 45 limitation is ridiculous. What does it fit with 650b’s?

[@mattoconnor1694]

Remember when Cannondale revamped the Synapse? I do. A sick in mouth moment. This is worse.

[@davidcarino6500]

I bought a gravel bike, wasted my money! Built up a ligh weight mountain bike.

[@lazlo2511]

What’s the price…? Plenty of real estate on the headset tube for a real price tag! But If this wins Unbound, going to piss on alot of haters 🤣🤣🤣

[@gregmorrison7320]

That's not a triangle. Even my 2018 Checkpoint fits 50mm tires, have they learnt nothing in 6 years?

[@SandSanta]

That bike weighs more then my full suspension XC bike. Not sure where the 'race' comes into play here. The design seems unfocused, the engineering equivalent of trying too hard at being unique and not being particularly good at anything. The Cybertruck comparison is apt.

[@happyharry7331]

cheap, light, strong, choose two , as Keith Bontrager once remarked

[@Mapdec]

He was so right

[@qwertyazerty2137]

Visually they have overdone it. Mylc model looks way better albeit still weird with its short stem and overly slack HTA. The company that owns Rondo, 7Anna also owns brands like NS Bikes, Octane One and Creme. The first two also have gravel bikes in their lineup which look more traditionally and are a bit cheaper but lower-speced. I wonder if this flip chip feature makes any noticeable difference. On domestic, polish market, Rondo is considered a premium brand. Some even say, it's boutique, but that's far fetched. They used to have issues with poor quality wheels whose rims were often prone to cracking. I don't know if they rectified it.

[@Mapdec]

lol. Its why I used my own wheels

[@paljasvonpinguin]

Yes, Ruut Generation 1 revision saw greater tire clearance and hunt wheels specced.

[@BOONERBOYO]

if it was given to me I'd take it.

[@LawrenceMacMacster]

I'd even pay for it.

[@matthewlewis2072]

I'd sell it

[@matthewlewis2072]

If it comes with Hint wheels and crap tyres, that's how you should test it. Don't upgrade it out of the box.

[@Mapdec]

But then it just becomes a review about the wheels made by a 3rd party.

[@tomahoks]

HAMBINI!

[@Bandyrobs1]

Seems like another case of design for design sake.

[@Chris._P._Bacon]

I wouldn't know.........I'll never ever gonna get that......I mean, me getting a Cyclo-Cross bike? no thank you.

[@Shadowboost]

That headtube is cursed. I have never seen such poor bicycle design in my life. Absolutely ridiculous

[@valmorell]

Odd design decisions because they don't seem to have any benefit. Guess it all comes down to whether you fancy one or not.

[@hamiltonalves6472]

nope, not for me.

[@julmeissonnier]

At 9.8kg I'd rather have a good cromoly bike with quality carbon wheels... Or a 40 year old cyclocross steel bike...

[@add28]

I don't like it and don't get those peculiar frame design decisions. It looks weird, and as you said, it doesn't offer you anything special in terms of the bike feel and ride quality. If that's the case, what's the reason they make sach a strange frame? They probably want to stand out, but with those potential weak spots and heavety price, I would think of many better bikes that would be couple kilos lighter.

[@Cycle.every.day.]

Mkm ultimate

[@adamcoppock5018]

Why would anyone buy this bike? I am scratching my head on this. I picked up a Lauf Seigla Rigid this year after selling my Crux. The bike is excellence and a great deal. Popped some 2.1 Racekings on it for BC trails.

[@universe-juice]

Poland makes extremely good lego sets (cobi). But that thing is ugly.

[@JamesSocialCycling]

Bit of an eyesore in my opinion. Lots of geotech that might or maybe not needed, not skilled enough to comment😁👍

[@chrisjong8412]

Unique looks but with what purpose....

[@qibble455]

looks kinda like an ebike. The flat headtube doesn't look very good at all imo, Way too chunky..like an ebike.

[@Chunky246]

Acros...... 😩

[@budlacombe]

The number of verified buyers would tell the story… I’m guessing it’s less than 50 units. Pass.

[@byciggle]

looks ugly, IMHO. Would send it to Hambini 😅

[@topaz_climber]

It looks great… until you put a rider on it… then it looks way too angular and impractical.

[@KOL630]

A truly shocking contraption. Pretty sure I’ve seen some nice bikes made by Rondo but someone has taken leave of their senses here. Modern bike designers are doing everything in their power to undo all the hard work our forefathers carried out. I’m all for quirky design if it facilitates tangible benefits I.E. Canyon have done some whacky designs which improve the ride experience and they always seem to pull it off as it’s tastefully executed. However in this case I cannot see the benefits of the weird frame shape and other ‘design features’. God help us.

[@tednruth453]

Highly illogical captain.....🖖

[@bigwave_dave8468]

Just no. But then again, I wouldn't buy a Cybertruck either.

[@chrisbowman2030]

I had the Ruut Gen. 1. Worst build quality i had in a very long time. Headset bearing was cheap as can be without proper seals and shot after just 100 km on muddy roads. Rear wheel more or less desintegrated in only 300 km. Spoke tension was all over the place. And the list goes on and on... Sorry, but the new ones are the ugliest bikes I've ever seen.

[@leaveitalone777]

No music when talking please WHY.....can't hear the presenter 🤦