Cotic is a small company that have primarily focused on MTB’s, turning out a couple of fine high-quality steel and titanium frames, but that’s about to change with the release of the Roadrat. Cotic wanted something fast for the road, and versatile, so the Roadrat, with its Dogsbody dropouts offering fixed, singlespeed or geared and happily taking either 700c or 26” wheels, is their street-warrior/commuter-style bike.

With a wheel or tyre change it’ll happily dance between some cyclocross, commuting, gentle tow path bashing, touring (with rack and mudguard mounts) and everything else in between. It’s an interesting frame with some nice detailing. There’s rack and mudguard mounts all over, a headtube/downtube gusset so it’ll take a pounding on the streets, and the skinny seat stays will offer some compliance for rough riding. And there’s plenty of mud clearance for cyclo-crossing – and check out the bridgless chainstay, we like.

The frame, based around an Ultra Compact Geometry is designed primarily with flat bars in mind, with a long and low stance. It’ll work equally well with a drop bar configuration as well. Cotic have even designed their own rigid fork, with front mounted disc mounts and rack/mud guard mounts.

Price is £255, for the frame, mech hanger and fork. Watch out for a test as we’ve got one winging its way over to us soon.

Check out www.cotic.co.uk for more info.