Cotic is a familiar name in off-road circles but they also flirt with these pages, both through the >X< cyclo-cross bike, which we had on test earlier this year, and the Roadrat, first unveiled in 2006 and back at RCUK five years later.
- Parked up
It’s a versatile machine, which will take gears and racks for touring, disc brakes and knobblies for ‘cross or go single speed or fixed for no-fuss commuting. All courtesy of Cotic’s Dogsbody dropouts.
The chromoly steel frame features Cotic’s Ultra Compact Geometry, making for a long, stretched and low riding position that’s designed to bring out the street hooligan in you. But what kind of rider are you? The Roadrat is available as frame and fork only, or as a geared, single speed or, as on test here, Shimano Alfine hub build, all with flat bars.
- Our build, with disc brakes, retails at £950
The eight-speed Alfine rear hub makes for quick, smooth shifting in an easy-to-maintain package. Cotic’s CC finishing kit is made up of handlebars, stem, seatpost and chromo rail saddle. Shimano’s Alfine cranks provide the power on a 45 tooth chainring, while Nutrak 700x28c tyres complete the look.
Shimano V-Brakes are included as standard in the £875 package or, to mirror our machine, you can upgrade to Tektro disc brakes (£950 for the full bike) for additional stopping power, ideal for weaving through traffic. Other options available include swapping out the Roadhog fork for a carbon number (an additional £100), upgrading to a Hope headset (£65) or throwing in an extra pair of Continental Cyclo-Cross Race 700x35c tyres with inner tubes.
Stock colour is black with a white panel but there are a limited number of orange frames on offer. Three sizes – small, medium, large – are available. First Ride report to follow.
