Like a living painting: there is something interesting to discover at every corner. The fork, with its eye-catching design, has an inconspicuous special feature at the lower end - the axle mount can be varied to adjust the wheelbase. There is even a cable duct for a lighting system inside the fork. Visually it is impressive, but in terms of feel it leaves a lot to be desired. Unfortunately, the handlebars are the exact opposite and immediately reduce the riding pleasure.
Rondo Ruut Al 1: Unpleasant step from handlebar to brake lever
The narrow bar with textile strap is reminiscent of racing bikes from the 70s and feels exactly the same. The brake levers had to be mounted low to avoid a horizontal position - this creates an uncomfortable step from the handlebars to the brake levers, which causes pain in the hands after a short time. And as if that wasn't enough, the front section of the handlebars is also rock hard compared to the comfortable rear section for longer journeys.
The Pirelli tyres are of high quality and have a height of 40 mm, but they are only 37 mm wide. This means that lowering the air pressure is not an option to ensure comfort. If the air pressure is lowered, the ride becomes spongy and there is a risk of punctures. The choice of tyres and a minimum gear ratio of 1:1 are more in favour of sporty use. However, the aluminium frame and wheels are a little heavy, although they are nice to look at. The little extras such as the frame-integrated tool are also noticeable here. The riding position towards the rear wheel offers little opportunity for dynamic pedalling. The combination of these characteristics leaves a rather limited range of use.
We like to compare the Rondo with Citroen cars: very creative, innovative design, well-made technology, but in some places simply not thought through to the end. A treat for individualists and especially as a commuter. And with a little tyre and handlebar tuning, also suitable for travelling.
More gravel bikes from the test
Rondo Ruut Al 1 in detail
- Price: 2399 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 10.37 kilos
- Frame sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL (test size greased)
- Note: 2,4
Facilities of the Rondo Ruut Al 1
- Plus: customised frame, comfortable rear, comparatively inexpensive
- Minus: Unergonomic handlebars, old 11-speed Apex, too heavy overall
- Brakes: SRAM Apex (160/160 mm) | Grade: 2.0
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Apex (1 x 11; 42, 11-42 t.) | Grade: 3.5
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato Adventure 700-40c (eff.: 37 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Impellers: SA Rondo aluminium
- Impeller weights: 1854 / 2387 grams (front/rear)
Geometry of the gravel bike
- Seat/top/head tube: 540 / 595 / 174.8 millimetres
- Wheelbase/caster: 1040 / 69.8 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 612 / 398 millimetres / 1.538
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 655 / 573 millimetres / 1.143
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: comfortable rear, customised frame, comparatively inexpensive
- Minus: old 11-speed Apex, unergonomic handlebars, too heavy overall
