I've got a RoadRat and love it. I've done some major road rides on it too with no problem. I'm thinking of changing the MTB gearing to a more road-oriented setup now though..
I've never run guards on it before (I have a CrudCatcher) but will need to fit some in the autumn - what do other RoadRat users use?
Apologies for the slight hijack but the OP is considering buying one and he is planning to fit guards... 
sks full length FTW.
the roadrat ticks all of your boxes a11y.
I love mine. Horizontal dropouts do mean that fixing punctures when running full mudguards is a wee bit awkward, but that's the only downside I have found.
As for mudguards I use full length SKS chromoplastics (FTW +1) for up to 28c tyres, although they do them for bigger rubber too.
It's great for the commute, trips to the pub and handles surprisingly well when laden down with too much beer/shopping. Comfy on longer rides too.
i've got some tortec reflector ones,
http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=9498
seeem pretty sturdy and have a nice reflective bit round the edge. the 700c 20-26 size is quite tight on 23mm tyres though. Think i'd size up if buying again.
I love mine. Horizontal dropouts do mean that fixing punctures when running full mudguards is a bit awkward, but that's the only downside I have found.
On my single speed road bike I have track ends and full sks guards.
if you fit the SKS secuclips designed for the front guards than you can disconnect the guard stays quickly without tools and it allows you to slide the back wheel out if you need to.
beanum - MemberApologies for the slight hijack but the OP is considering buying one and he is planning to fit guards...
No problem at all, useful to know!
rootes1, useful info, thanks. I'm using SKS Chromoplastics on my current bike but think I junked those plastic detacher things for the front, but I'd probably need new guards anyway as my front one's held together with duck tape...
**** it, I've not had an email back from that shop so I'll call them about a Roadrat. Thinking about the geared, V-brake model (£110 cheaper than the disc-equipped one) if it comes with disc-wheels. Could then fit my preferred discs (Shimano) rather than be tied to the ones it comes with).
debaser - Memberthe roadrat ticks all of your boxes a11y.
I love mine. Horizontal dropouts do mean that fixing punctures when running full mudguards is a wee bit awkward, but that's the only downside I have found.
I've never owned a bike with horizontal dropouts - is that a problem common to all horizontal dropouts? My singlespeed frames have always had eccentric BBs and vertical dropouts so I've no experience of horizontals.
I have been lucky avoiding punctures (fingers crossed) since changing to Schwalbe Land Cruiser tyres with puncture resistant stuff, so I'd hope not to have to remove the rear wheel often anyway. Damn, I'm already talking my way around the negatives on the Roadrat...
what about a Cannondale BadBoy 26 Disc - ticks all the boxes from the OP question
I've never owned a bike with horizontal dropouts - is that a problem common to all horizontal dropouts?
Depending on the guards and how tightly fitting they are. I use some SKS raceblades on my single speed and there's enough flex in them to just push them back in the event of a puncture. So from my experience not a big problem, but I'm not looking for Formula 1 wheel change times (truth be told I'm usually glad of a break :-))
Flat bar, disc'd, alfined Roadrats due back in stock early July, apparently.
I have a vouvher burning a hole in my pocket.
Looking forward to trying a number of new things (700c wheels, alfine etc) compared to a semi-slicked MTB. Commute will be pretty similar to OP's, road and trail.
A mate mentioned a Singlular Cycles Gryphon, which looked like an interesting option (looks being a big divider with that bike). Couldn't do it within my budget unfortunately.
TBH I think I'm swinging more and more towards the Roadrat. I've yet to hear that I can definately get one via my work's particular scheme, hence still wanting to hear about more "mainstream" possibiities should I have to resort to Halfords.
You can order a Roadrat through Halfords no problem - I ordered mine through my works scheme from there the year before last. I went into the store, told them what I wanted and they put it through on special order. I think I just had to call Cotic first to check on stock.
For what it's worth, I'd say it's a good match for what you're looking for and ticks all the boxes. You will probably need to be careful with tyre choice though given your mixed commute. I run drops and cross tyres on mine and it will go in most stuff, althought it gets a bit sketchy on really rocky trails. Absolutely rips on tarmac, fire roads and smooth singletrack and is a great mud bike.
Oh...and toe overlap has never been an issue on mine, even with the "short" frame.
this is what I got through Cyclescheme last year when faced with similar requirements :
This would seem to be just the ticket. Review doesn't specifically mention mudguards, but the concept looks made for these requirements.
Big tyres and mudguards with drop bars on a small sized bike will always give you toe overlap - the Roadrat in flat-barred/long frame guise avoids it because you need more frame stretch to go with the flat bars.
This topic has been closed to new replies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
