The HVRT offers two ride geometries via a flip-chip within the fork dropout.
Massive tire clearance allows for 650b x 47mm or 700c x 30mm tires.
This rig excelled on descents, while a well-thought-out rear-end made for effective climbs.
Responsive and quick handling was reported from all testers.
The aero frame benefits from blended junctions, Kammtail tubes & dropped rear seatstays.
Fabric’s top-of-the-range Scoop Flat Ultimate saddle delighted reviewer butts.
The fork crown is neatly integrated into the downtube.
Its versatility saw the HVRT perform as a road-race or endurance machine, as well as a capable gravel-bike.
Dura-Ace brakes with Icetech rotors offered a high level of control.
The aero seatpost features an ingenious slot to allow easy mounting of a standard rear light.
Cables are not fully integrated by intention, to allow DIY maintenance in any location.
Innovative chainstays pass by the rear dropout, allowing for increased flex and compliance .
Easton’s EC70 aero bar was comfortable, ergonomic and easily adjustable.

2 reasons not to buy

Even though you get 3 bikes in 1, the CF0 will put the HVRT on your bank balance.
To reap the full benefits of the HVRT, riders will need an extra set of 650b wheels.

Bottom line

One of the cycling world’s most highly respected publications has rated the HVRT CF0 as their ‘Bike of the Year’. Via a unique thru-axle mounted flip-chip within the fork, geometry can be varied between an aggressive, aero-optimized stance and more-relaxed endurance-style ride that lends itself to all-day jaunts. At first, enthusiasts could be forgiven for thinking that it is a gimmicky concept that tries to be too many things to too many people. The thing is, it works. On top of this (and despite the manufacturer’s insistence that this was not their intention), the bike was found to perform well on gravel, without any compromise being made on speed or handling. The icing on the cake is that Rondo values practicality, opting to avoid trendy integration to allow owners to maintain their own vehicles. A wonderful bike made by true lovers of cycling. It will set you back a pretty penny, but you most likely get what you pay for.

By Owen Jesse

Expert Reviews

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BikeRadar

Level 5 expert

Rondo HVRT CF0 Review

Level 5 expert

…it may be one of the most expensive models to win our Bike of the Year award, but when you can turn something this good into three distinct ride experiences, then the HVRT makes a huge amount of sense.

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100

Cyclist

Level 5 expert

Rondo HVRT CF Zero Review

Level 5 expert

Rondo is one of the few brands really trying to maximise every opportunity that the newest technological advances in cycling can offer. The result is that the HVRT is innovative, fast and thoroughly good fun.

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220 Triathlon

Level 1 expert

Rondo HVRT CFO Road Bike Review

Level 1 expert

The HVRT is a road bike at heart but one that, with a few slight alterations, can be made to handle almost any terrain superbly.

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Cycling Plus

Level 1 expert

Bike Test – Rondo

Level 1 expert

…the HVRT feels every inch the race bike… I’m surprised that a bike as versatile as this hasn’t once felt compromised.

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Global Cycling Network

Level 1 expert

Exploring Poland’s North Coast | Rondo HVRT First Ride

Level 1 expert

The perfect bike for the mixed gravel and tarmac epic ride.

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BikeRadar

Level 5 expert

Road Bike of The Year WINNER | Rondo HVRT CF0

Level 5 expert

What Rondo have done with the HVRT… is really ambitious… they’re trying to create one platform which can effectively be 3 bikes in 1. That’s quite a difficult trick to pull off. We actually think they have.

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