Rondelli R.S.one: First Ride review
All in, the Rondelli is a supremely stiff frame, in every respect, which makes it an uncompromising race bike. Frameset: £1,250 Bike as tested: £1,999
-
+
Good looks
-
+
Stiff
-
+
Custom spec
-
-
Harsh ride
-
-
Bit sluggish on the climbs
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
Its swooping rear seatstays and aggressive angular main tubes make the Rondelli R.S.one a fierce-looking piece of kit, with its looks suggesting that its priority is all about stiffness.
What this translates into is an incredibly stiff ride and you certainly don't feel as if any energy is being lost, particularly when sprinting hard, which is ideal in a frame designed for racing. With it being so stiff this naturally translates into a superbly responsive frame, allowing you to turn in with the confidence that the bike is going to end up where you put it through a turn. This is partly thanks to the large, square-edged top tube.
The downside to the frame being so stiff is that the ride is somewhat compromised with a harsh feel that translates a fair amount of the road vibration to the rider. I like a solid feeling ride but the R.S.one surprised even me with the amount of road feedback. You'll either love that feeling or you won't.
There was only one other area that it was left wanting. Sadly it lacked a light-footed feel of a truly classy ride and although the bike was not sluggish, the lack of vivaciousness was definitely felt on the steeper climbs, something I put partly down to the overall weight and specifically the wheels. Rondelli builds all its frames to the customer's requirements so the weight is something that could quite easily be reduced.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Specialized announces partnership with FDJ-Suez after Demi Vollering signing
2023 Tour de France Femmes champion to stay on S-Works bikes after joining French team from SD Worx-Protime
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
British Cycling reveals National Road and Circuit Series calendar for 2025
Ryedale GP missing from Road Series after final edition in 2024, while south-west round is added
By Tom Thewlis Published
-