Rondo HVRT – The aerodynamic race bike with VARIO geometry
The Polish bike brand Rondo have added yet another bike to their collection with the launch of the HVRT, a pothole-defying, aerodynamic race bike with VARIO geometry. Intrigued? So were we.
Having caused a bit of a stir with their gravel bikes in recent months, we’ve been paying attention the brand and have already put their Rondo RUUT ST and the Rondo RUUT CF through their paces. Today we’ve turned our gaze towards their youngest rig, the Rondo HVRT, the latest rockstar to emigrate from Poland.
Yep, you’ve seen that right. The Rondo HVRT doesn’t just come in different builds but also caters for two wheelsizes. Depending on what you want to ride, you’ve got the choice between 700c x 30 mm or 650b x 47 mm, essentially a toss-up between an aerodynamic disc racer or a rapid endurance bike. The HVRT also deploys RUUT’s VARIO geometry concept like the rest of their crop.
Rondo HVRT – VARIO geometry
Taking cues from their gravel models, Rondo have also deployed their own TWINTIP fork technology on the HVRT, which enables you to mount the front wheel in two different positions: in the LO position, the HVRT obtains a more relaxed riding position, lending it the persona of a comfortable training bike – in this set-up there’s also sufficient clearance for 650b wheels with a width of 47 mm. When riding the LO position with 700c tires, there’s also clearance for mudguards. Over in the HI setting, the HVRT brings its race genes to the fore with a more aggressive position and more agile handling.
Rondo HVRT – The Concept
Its aerodynamic frame profile, aggressive geometry, substantial tire clearance, disc brakes and thru-axles all hint at a pioneering approach to a sort of new school road movement. Given these features, Rondo are pitching their latest model as the pitbull of the peloton, unafraid of even the harshest and grimmest conditions. Depending on the build you go for, the HVRT looks as likely to crush a finish line sprint as it is to dominate the white roads of the Strade Bianche.
The Rondo HVRT is going to be launched in three specs. Unfortunately the CF2 with the Shimano 105 groupset is absent from the EUROBIKE Media Days, so we’ve just collected the spec of the two models show here.
Rondo HVRT CF0
Frame size S, M, L, XL
Handlebar Easton EC70 Aero
Stem Rondo
Saddle Fabric Scoop Flat
Brakes Shimano Dura Ace Disc
Drivetrain Shimano Dura Ace Di2
Hubs DT Swiss 240
Rims Rondo/Hunt 55 Carbon
Tires Panaracer Race D-Evo 28 mm
Axle vorn 100 mm/12 mm
Axle hinten 142 mm/12 mm
Rondo HVRT CF1
Frame size S, M, L, XL
Handlebar Easton EC70 Aero
Stem Rondo
Saddle Fabric Scoop Flat
Brakes Shimano Ultegra Disc
Drivetrain Shimano Ultegra Di2
Hubs Rondo
Rims Rondo 44 Carbon
Tires Panaracer Race D-Evo 28 mm
Axle vorn 100 mm/12 mm
Axle hinten 142 mm/12 mm
Rondo HVRT – Conclusion
The HVRT is another exciting concept to emerge from Rondo, testifying to their ambitions when it comes to breaking convention. This Polish pitbull brings a radical design and certain clever details to the roads and it’s certainly going to turn some heads. Stay tuned for a full test when we’ll assess just how versatile this bike really is.
For more information head to rondo.cc
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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl
