The Framed Rodez.
Lowdown: Framed Rodez Road Bike
A good option for the value focused rider, the Framed Rodez brings some high end features to the entry level price point. The carbon frame paired with disc brakes and internal cable routing makes for a lightweight and versatile bike that's built to perform in all conditions, which it does relatively well. However, a few minor but notable compromises in options (namely, size and tire clearance) make for a bike that may require considerable compromise. It also must be noted the the test bike we received did not have the same parts spec as what is currently available at retail. Primary differences include SRAM Rival drivetrain (versus the Shimano Ultegra we tested) and Alex Draw wheels (versus Zipp 30 Course). To see complete spec of the available bike, visit www.the-house.com.
| Frame: High mod carbon w/135mm QR | Bars: Alloy 6061, compact drop |
| Fork: High mod carbon w/100mm QR | Stem: Framed Aluminum 100mm |
| Headtube angle: 73 degrees | Wheels tested: Zipp 30 Course Disc clincher |
| Wheelbase: 979mm | Tires tested: Continental Grand Prix 4000s II 25c |
| Saddle: Selle Italia X1 Flow | Sizes: 52, 54, 57 |
| Chainstay length: 414mm | Price for available SRAM Rival build: $1600 |
| Brakes tested: TRP HY/RD Disc | Price as tested: Not applicable |
| Drivetrain tested: Shimano Ultegra 6800 | Rating:
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| Test bike weight: 18 pounds |
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Review: Framed Rodez Road Bike
Named after the small French town at the foot of the great Pyrenees, the Rodez is Framed's first foray into the performance road category. Framed has been making waves in the burgeoning fat bike market for the last few years, and we were excited to put this new model to the test. For a road bike in today's market, a carbon fiber frame is all but a prerequisite. The Rodez offers a full carbon, lightweight, internally routed frame design with slightly relaxed geometry that is suitable for the long haul and offers a bit of extra confidence in all conditions. To match this utility, the Rodez sports disc brakes, improving stopping power. What's more, the Rodez offers all this at an impressively low price of $1600.
The slack geometry made for an interesting on-bike position.
Ride Feel and Performance
The Rodez rides as smoothly as any modern carbon bike. It is stiff enough to be responsive and predictable under power, yet the material absorbs plenty of the unwanted road noise both on good tarmac and off. The disc brakes inspire its rider to push the limits a bit on the descents, knowing there is plenty of stopping power to catch any slips or mistakes in line choice. The slightly slack head angle (as compared to a more traditional race bike) fit well with that design, providing a bit more leniency and comfort at speed.
The biggest qualm we had with this bike was the sizing. To be fair, at 5'11", I had no business on a 54cm frame. But with a proportionally short inseam, a 57cm frame seems a bit too large. In hindsight, the 56.5cm effective top tube length on the larger frame size would have been a better option for this rider, considering the intended application for this bike. Undersized, it felt like a confused criterium race bike. Tight geometry and a slack head angle don't match up for either category. It would be great to see the folks at Framed take on a few more sizing options for in-between riders like myself.
All the highlights of this build package do not come standard on the $1600 base model.
Build Highlights
The TRP HY/RD cable actuated/hydraulic reservoir disc brakes were a great pairing with the Zipp 30 Course tubeless-ready wheelset and Shimano Ultegra 6800 11-speed drivetrain. This setup offered an impressive mix of performance, durability and value. But remember that unlike this test bike, which would sell for around $2300, the standard $1600 build package comes with an Avid BB7-S mechanical disc brake and Alex Draw alloy rims paired with Framed factory hubs, a heavier and lower performance setup. And rather than Ultegra, the standard build on the Rodez is SRAM Rival 22. Framed also sells a SRAM Red eTap spec'd version for $3300.
The bike's namesake is a small French village in the shadow of the Pyrenees.
Final Word
Overall, the Framed Rodez is a solid option for riders who are on a budget but want an all-round bike that's quick on the road and capable when things get a bit rough. We're not quite sure why the sizing options are limited to just, but someone who's not looking to race the Rodez or spend an overwhelming amount of time in the saddle can certainly make all the minor components adjustments to be at least comfortable with the fit, if not entirely efficient. The Rodez also sacrifices a bit of capability in its touted performance in all conditions by failing to accommodate tires any larger than 28c, despite it's disc-brake design. But for those riders who happen to be spot on with regard to the sizing spectrum (or those who are simply "close enough" to deal) and for those who don't require anything larger than a 28c in a road bike, this bike may be a great option.
For more information visit www.the-house.com.
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