RONDO BOGAN in bikepacking review

Polish bike brand Rondo was founded by ex-rock star Szymon Kobylinski and the Bogan, which we were sent for this test, is their dedicated bikepacking rig. We found out whether the € 1,999 bike has everything you need for your next adventure.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best bikepacking bike in review

**RONDO** BOGAN | 11.45 kg in size L | Manufacturer’s website

Based on feedback from the bikepacking community, Rondo’s designers developed the Bogan for serious adventures. Upon closer inspection, the frame’s classic silhouette reveals numerous features. Besides countless mounting points for absolutely every conceivable accessory and integrated cable routing for a dropper post, the TANGE steel frame has a handle between the seat stays and the seat tube. Anyone who has ever had to lift or carry a fully loaded bike knows how useful it can be to have somewhere to grab the bike.

The carbon fork of the € 1,999 bike features a flip chip, the so-called TWINTIP 2.0 system, via which you can adjust both the geometry and handling of the Bogan. In the “HI” position, the head and seat tube angles are 0.8° steeper, the bottom bracket is dropped by 6 mm and the riding position is a bit more aggressive, making it suitable for fast rides. The “LO” position slackens the angles, lengthens the wheelbase and makes the riding position slightly more upright, which is better suited for long distances and demanding terrain. When changing between the “HI” and “LO” position, you’ll need to either add or remove an adapter for the brake calliper, so it isn’t suited to on the fly adjustment. Our testers preferred the more composed “LO” position and stayed in it for the majority of the time. The 29 x 2.1” WTB Nano tires measured 53 mm on the aluminium Rondo rims, making full use of the Bogan’s tire clearances. Despite the big tires, we encountered no toe overlap on the 11.45 kg Rondo in size L. Other than the frame and the tires, the components on the Bogan couldn’t convince any of our test riders. Neither the shifting performance nor the gear range of the 1×11 SRAM Apex drivetrain, or the acceleration of the in-house wheelset were able to deliver. The aluminium in-house components used for the cockpit and the seat post don’t do the frame justice either due to their poor ergonomics and lack of compliance.

**Strange curves**
The ergonomics and comfort of the aluminum handlebar couldn’t convince our test crew.

**Better with a handle**
The additional handle between the seat stays and the seat tube makes it much easier to carry the bike when fully loaded.

**Flip chip**
With the help of the TWINTIP 2.0 system, the handling of the Bogan can be adapted to be more or less aggressive. When adjusting the position, you’ll need to either remove or mount the adapter for the brake calliper.

**Like the good old days**
As with traditional road bike frames, the steel frame of the RONDO has a hanger for the chain when you remove the rear wheel.

RONDO BOGAN

€ 1,999

Specifications

Seatpost RONDO 350 X 27.2
Brakes TRP Spyre-C 160/160 mm
Drivetrain SRAM Apex 42 (11–42)
Stem RONDO 60 mm (S,M) / 80 mm (L,XL) 80 mm
Handlebar RONDO BOOMERANG 460 mm
Wheelset RONDO ALUMINIUM
Tires WTB Nano TSC Light Fast Rolling 53C

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 11.45 kg
Wheelsize 700C

Specific Features

Flip Chip in the fork – adjustable geometry
bosses on the fork (certified to carry up top 2 kg per side)
rack, fender, and dropper post compatible
handle on the rear triangle

**Restrap**
Bar Bag Large (14 l, € 137.999 | Frame Bag Large (4.5 l, € 83.99)
Saddle Bag (14 l, € 129.999 | Top Tube Bag (0.8 l, € 39.999 | Stem Bag (1.1 l, € 39.99)

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	470 mm	490 mm	510 mm	530 mm
Top tube	573 mm	583 mm	598 mm	618 mm
Head tube	140 mm	160 mm	180 mm	200 mm
Head angle	70.0°	70.0°	70.0°	70.0°
Seat angle	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°
BB Drop	80 mm	80 mm	80 mm	80 mm
Chainstay	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm	435 mm
Wheelbase	1,079 mm	1,090 mm	1,106 mm	1,122 mm
Reach	401 mm	406 mm	414 mm	424 mm
Stack	582 mm	601 mm	619 mm	638 mm

Other than the tires, you’ll have to upgrade all of the components on the Bogan to allow the frame to live up to its potential. The frame itself is excellent!

**Helmet** Oakley ARO3 | **Glasses** POC DO Blade | **Jersey** Flannel #ftw | **Shorts** Jeans

When accelerating, the Bogan’s performance is average as it is held back by the sluggish feeling wheelset. Once up to speed, it does a good job of carrying its momentum thanks to the efficient rolling characteristics of the WTB tires. Riding uphill, the Rondo can’t be called spritely and you’ll be wishing you had a bigger gear range on the cassette with the 42 t chainring up front. While it isn’t the most agile bikepacking bike, the Bogan scores for its composed handling and stability as well as its intuitive behaviour through corners.

Even in technically demanding terrain, it remains in control and isn’t affected by heavy luggage. Only when leaning over on loose surfaces do the tires reach their limit but they perform impressively on compact terrain, in wet conditions and on asphalt. The frameset offers a comfortable level of vibration damping and a natural amount of flex that is by no means unwelcome. Together with the handling, this adds to the frame’s confidence instilling nature. Here’s a bike to prove once again that steel is an excellent choice of frame material for bikepacking bikes. Unfortunately, the handlebars don’t score well in terms of ergonomics and compliance, which, together with the unusual feeling modulation of the brakes, robs you of confidence.

Tuning tips: Call RONDO, tell them we say hi and ask if you can buy the frameset individually or if they’ll be speccing the bike with better components any time soon.

Conclusion

The frameset of the Rondo Bogan has a lot of potential and could even have won this test with its numerous mounting points, long-distance comfort and adjustable geometry, forming a solid foundation for your next adventure rig. Unfortunately, due to the compromises in its components, the Rondo’s performance can’t live up to its potential. If you’re able to buy the frameset on it’s own and build it into your dream bikepacking bike, you’re guaranteed to have a great time on the Rondo, regardless of the terrain and regardless of the load you carry. Unfortunately, we can’t recommend the Rondo in its stock configuration.

Tops

great frameset
very composed and stable
long-distance comfort
intuitive handling

Flops

components limit the frameset
inappropriate gear ratio
uncomfortable handlebar
modulation of the brakes takes getting used to

For more info head to rondo.cc.

The test field