RONDO RUUT CF2 2X
Any bike faces a difficult task when asked to handle confidently and correctly on tricky off-road terrain while simultaneously delivering speed and efficiency on gentler gravel and back roads. The Ruut, on the other hand, took it all in stride. They was able to maintain a fair speed with the fork in the high position and the 37mm Riddler tyres with their file center tread, and posture on the bike seemed reasonably low and efficient. The tyres were too small for the larger boulders on the South Downs Way or the roots of local forests, but the Riddlers were a fine match for the smoother hardpack surfaces found on converted abandoned railway lines – but you don't really get to know a bike on that kind of non-technical terrain.
That became much more apparent as they swapped in the 45mm Schwalbe G-One Bites and turned the fork for a slacker angle. They was able to really tackle the terrain with the right rubber - the kind that are a little monotonous on a mountain bike but come alive once you shed the suspension and flat bars. The Ruut isn't the most cost-effective option. At this price point, the 2x10 GRX groupset (equal to Shimano's fourth-tier Tiagra road groupset) and a relatively heavy OEM wheelset are all a step below what you'd expect. Other bikes in the test have second-tier groupsets, while the Canyon Grizl and BMC URS have DT Swiss wheelsets. With its balanced geometry and ability to switch between quick 700c wheels and large MTB-style 650b wheels, the Ruut is still a blast to ride. However, given the low value for money and the lack of bottle bosses on the downtube's bottom, it's difficult to suggest it over the competitors.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Frame : Rondo Ruut Flex Design EPS carbon
- Fork: Rondo TwinTip 2.0 carbon
- Groupset: Shimano GRX 2x10 // 46/30 x 11–36t
- Wheels: Rondo aluminium 622-23, tubeless-ready, 700c
- Tyres : WTB Riddler 700x37c (Max clearance: 700x45 or 650b x 57 (2.2”))
- Weight: 10.6kg
REASONS TO BUY
- Huge tyre clearances - 700 x 45mm or 650b x 2.2"
- Great handling on twisty trails
- Variable geometry fork increases stability
REASONS TO AVOID
- Wheelset is quite heavy
- 2x10 GRX groupset is a lower tier than you’d expect at this price point
Website: rondo.cc/ruut-cf2-2x,464,pl
