Cotic update Roadrat

Cotic have launched a new version of their mega-versatile Roadrat with an updated cromoly tubeset and geometry.

According to Cy Turner from Cotic, “The frameset was born from a desire for something swift and rugged to take on everything from the rapidly crumbling tarmac of the urban jungle to disappearing into the hills for a few days with nothing but your sleeping bag and mat for company. Faster that a mountain bike on the road, way more fun and versatile than a road bike, it's your perfect 'other' bike.”

The new version has a lower bottom bracket than before to increase the stability, a longer head tube for a slightly more upright ride position, and lightened chainstays. The dropouts have been simplified and now come with an integrated mech hanger, and the disc brake mounts have been moved to the chainstay making mudguard and rack mounting easier.

The new Roadrat still has removable V-brake bosses; you can’t fit either caliper or cantilever brakes. The taper-legged RB2 fork is taken from Cotic’s latest >X< frame. You can choose either a disc-only option or a disc/V-brake model, colour-matched to the frame.

Speaking of colours, the Roadrat is available in this duck egg blue or in Gritstone with silver reflective graphics. Prices start at £299 for the steel fork frameset, with complete bike options starting at £799. Versions with a Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub cost from £849.

We reviewed a drop bar version of the Roadrat ages ago and called it, “Possibly the ultimate ‘do it all’ bike”. Our man Tony has one too and loves it. One of the big benefits is that you can fit a wide variety of different wheels and tyres and use it for pretty much anything other than mountain biking. 

Here’s Cy himself to tell you all about the new design tweaks…

Cotic Roadrat from Cotic on Vimeo.

For more info go to www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat.