Frame for commuter build - Cotic Roadrat
sicknewt
Posts: 181
Hi all,
I'm looking to build up a bike for my daily commute. I do about 12 miles total each day and currently use a 2007 Giant FCR1.
I like the bike but hate the way I have to slow down to negotiate the crappy Sheffield roads - they were much easier to negotiate on my hardtail...
Anyway, I'm looking to build something from scratch. The main requirements are a tough but not too heavy frame. I'm gonna put hydro disc brakes on it, chunky tyres (to cushion those pot holes) and it needs to be able to take mudguards so it can be used all year round. I'm not going for suspension forks, at least not to start with. I'll probably go for a compact chainring up front, maybe see if I can get hold of some SRAM Apex stuff http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/sram-apex-road-groupset-first-ride-25835.
So, I've been doing a bit of research and think a Cotic Roadrat would be a good frame to build up. See http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat
I've read mostly good reviews (on singletrackworld) and it got a decent review on bikeradar but would be interested to hear what people think, and if you have suggestions for alternatives.
Cheers,
Nick
I'm looking to build up a bike for my daily commute. I do about 12 miles total each day and currently use a 2007 Giant FCR1.
I like the bike but hate the way I have to slow down to negotiate the crappy Sheffield roads - they were much easier to negotiate on my hardtail...
Anyway, I'm looking to build something from scratch. The main requirements are a tough but not too heavy frame. I'm gonna put hydro disc brakes on it, chunky tyres (to cushion those pot holes) and it needs to be able to take mudguards so it can be used all year round. I'm not going for suspension forks, at least not to start with. I'll probably go for a compact chainring up front, maybe see if I can get hold of some SRAM Apex stuff http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/sram-apex-road-groupset-first-ride-25835.
So, I've been doing a bit of research and think a Cotic Roadrat would be a good frame to build up. See http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/roadrat
I've read mostly good reviews (on singletrackworld) and it got a decent review on bikeradar but would be interested to hear what people think, and if you have suggestions for alternatives.
Cheers,
Nick
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Comments
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Nobody? Doesn't anyone even want to tell me I should be using drops?0
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Sounds like a good choice. A compact would be a good choice, but what will you use as a front shifter if you're going for flat bars? Also, I reckon v-brakes should be sufficient for Sheffield (I lived in Brocco Bank for 4 years), although disks would be fun. If you want a wild suggestion, go to JF Wilson and have him braze a frame for you (or Brian Rourke in Stoke).0
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Girlfriend has one of the first ones, and has knocked up about 5k miles a year on it and loves it.
Cotic are based in Sheffield, so you should be able to talk to Cy pretty easily and/or see one in the metal. 18Bikes in Hope have built loads of custom ones, and I think have a demo bike.0 -
I run a cotic roadrat singlespeed with deore hydraulic discs. It is great for the commute if a little harsh on uneven/potholed roads though I run them with 23mm tyres so 25mm ought to offer more cushioning.
I use the sks clip on mudguards and they fit fine though you could fit full mudguards if you prefer, though it might be more difficult to take out the rear wheel as it has horizontal dropouts.0 -
The Roadrat has a very long top tube and is therefore better suited to flat bars.
28 or 32c tyres would be a good choice.0 -
tenor - 'rats are now available in long and short versions for flats or drops as appropriate.
The SO runs Crud Raceguards on hers - plenty flexy enough to just bang the wheel straight out.0 -
Cheers for the responses, good to hear people like the frame - some replies...
acorn_user - if I go with a compact I could use Shimano SL-R440 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=30139) with Shimano R440 or R443 front derailleur’s. That's what I have on my FCR and they work pretty well.
JonEdwards - didn't know they were from Sheffield! I go past 18bikes quite a lot so I'll pop in sometime. I've got some Raceguards for the FCR but I doubt they will fit with bigger tyres. I'm thinking of something a little less wobbly anyway - I like the idea of them but they annoyed me a bit this winter!
weapons/tenor - I'm gonna put as large tyres on as I can! I was thinking of some Scwalbe Marathon Supreme (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=24539). Do you reckon the 35s would fit? Maybe not with mudguards? I had these on my MTB when I commuted on that and they were great.0 -
As far as tyre clearance goes - have a look at the 18bikes website - they've done quite a few "MonsteRat" builds with 38 or 42mm cross tyres.0
