8bitevolution

I've given some thought to a single-speed cyclo-cross bike for general riding around town and, hopefully, racing cyclocross next season.

The search turned up zero results for the Rob Roy so I thought I'd ask.

Also, does anyone have any thoughts on how a Rob Roy compares to a Bianchi San Jose as far as overall quality? I've read a ton of great things about the San Jose here.

ryand

Paging dirtyphotons.

FWIW, I really like his RR.

dirtyphotons

yup, i'm a happy customer, what would you like to know?

i personally can't compare to the san jose (never ridden one), but most people seem to like theirs as well.

8bitevolution

How long have you had it for? What do you like, and maybe more importantly, not like about the bike? Did you buy it complete or just the frame and build it yourself? Any pictures?

jyossarian

I got a RR and I like it a lot. I can't say there's anything I don't like about it. If I were to ever get a custom frame built, I'd probably just tell the guy to make a RR copy.

dirtyphotons

i've had it since august (just a baby still) but the powder coat is really burly, can't tell it from when i bought it.

i like that it's lighter than most conversions, that it has provisions for two bottle cages, fenders AND a rack, canti pegs and that the rear brake routing runs on the top of the top tube (pretty standard for cx bikes). i'm running 35mm tires with fenders so it has lots of clearance.

the only downer for me is that it's heavier than top of the line frames, but that's to be expected. plus i built it up without weight as a concern, since for now it's my rain/commuter/touring bike. if i decide to race it i'll be stripping down a lot and changing the saddle.

i built the frame myself, using an older iro wheelset. i think the wheels would be the big advantage over a san jose, these things are indestructible. threads and seattube are good, didn't need to be chased. i had tony press in the headset cups before shipping, so all i needed was a bb tool.

edit: oh yeah!! the rear spacing is 135mm (mtb standard). if you're using track hubs you will need spacers and a long axle, or to cold set the rear triangle. given the thickness of the tubes, i went with cold setting.

here's a photo:

ryand

If you got a custom frame copy of the RR, whats the point of getting a custom? You can always strip and paint your Rob Roy, or even have it powdercoated. That would be much cheaper then a custom frame/fork.

dirtyphotons

perfectly dialed fit, weight savings, material choice, et al. technically, i'd go for a shorter top tube and a longer seat tube if i had my druthers (note the spacers/short riser stem) but for the price and the application, this frame's hard to beat.

ryand

I'm assuming he meant same material and same dimensions.

But I do understand what you are saying.

darkmother

I've had one that I built up from a frameset for a couple of months. I use mine as a commuter bike and have it set up with full fenders, 35c slick tires and a rack. I like it-with the big tires I can really haul it over rough pavement, curbs etc. Very versatile frame. The handling is much like what you would expect of a road bike-stable and neutral, it's not a track bike.

It isn't the lightest frame and fork combo out there, which may be a concern to you for CX racing. I've ridden mine a little offroad and it does just fine. Personally, I would prefer a longer top tube, but you may have different needs.

Cromulent

I've had mine since September, and I completely love the thing. I got the RR because I wanted a sturdy, fixed, winter commuter bike, but I've only been on my geared road bike once since I got it. The RR kind of took over. Short trips, long rides... it's too much fun.

jyossarian

Yeah, I meant I'd tell the guy to use the same dimensions and use better tubing. It's comfy for long rides and it's lighter than my other bikes.

dirtyphotons

oh yeah, in this niche market, it's probably also worth checking out the on one il pompino. that one has the option of 120mm rear spacing plus a lot of the other plusses of the rob roy. i believe [165] has one.

JimmyMack

After completing 15 races this season, that last thing I want to do is maintain a drive train. The Rob Roy allows for great cross riding and easy cleanup. I ride it as a fixed and free depending on terrain. I’d like to explore some off road fixed gear riding with it too. The bike is fun, and gives me everything that I want. Fixed, Single Speed, Canti’s, and Tall Skinny tires in the dirt. It’s total freedom.

The LBS that sold it to me recommended the Bianchi San Jose over the Rob Roy due to better tubing. They are both heavy pigs, but they are stout machines that will serve you well for many years to come. If the Bianchi offers a flip flop hub now, then it would be cheaper to get the Bianchi. I wanted teh fixed option and the San Jose would require an extra rear wheel.

Gear it low also. My 42x18 feels about right for off road riding, but there are times a smaller gear might be beneficial.

Here are the pics and build list.

bonechilling

I don't know if any short people like myself were interested
in a Rob Roy, but I emailed Tony about a 50cm frame, and
he said he was going to make a few in the next batch, but
that that batch won't be available until summer.

dirtyphotons

also riding 42x18 right now, ss, primarily on the street. can't go as fast, but i'm trying to get more comfortable at 110+ cadences. besides, it's cold and my knees need a break.

remember that fat tires a)increase your gear inches (bigger wheel diameter) and b)are more squishy so they absorb more of your power. so it makes sense to gear down.

8bitevolution

It looks like most people here started with a frame and built it up themselves. Did you order yours complete? If so, how do you feel about the components it came with? I've heard great things about the wheelsets but not much else..

shapelike

Man I love that frame. Nice jobs w/ the builds, guys.

jyossarian

I got mine fully built from Tony. The Deep V's for my heavy weight and daily abuse, Brooks B17 for comfort and the King headset were the only changes from stock. I later changed from drops to risers to bullhorns. Click the IRO link in my sig to see it.

8bitevolution

dirtyphotons

That's a nice bike! How do you like the sprung Brooks saddle?

darkmother

Weight isn't too big of an issue; this season will be my first so my goal will be to just not come in last. What kind of wheels do you have on yours? I'd like to get something stout enough that could go over curbs pretty well. I've stopped curb hopping for now because it was putting my wheels out of true and all sorts of nasty stuff.

JimmyMack

I found your bike on VeloSpace when I was searching Google..almost contacted you there! So it did pretty good in cross?

And just a general question for all RR owners - when flipping the wheel back from fixed to SS, do you have a lot of issues getting the wheel to line up properly with the brakes or does it usually not require much adjustment?

Cromulent

Actually I ordered just the frame and fork. Then my LBS and I picked out the parts, and they put it together for me.

dirtyphotons

thanks!

the sprung brooks is nice and stiff. it barely flexes when i (155 lbs) sit on it. but it soaks up bumps, i really don't need to stand up for potholes at all. that being said there's a HUGE weight penalty. i don't have the number at hand, but it's easily 5x as heavy as a modern saddle. if i were racing it that would definitely have to go.

queerpunk

if i may.... jyossarian's is pretty sweet.

Cromulent

Yes. Yes it is.

jyossarian

Thanks mattio & cromulent! It has since been uglified w/ PB full fenders because even when it rains, I can't bring myself to give up riding the RR for the better suited mtb w/ full fenders.