Almost this time last year, we were detailing the updates for the Rodeo Adventure Labs Flaanimal 3.0. Well, they’ve gone and done it again with a new version of the Flaanimal – the 4.0. Like the Flaanimals before it, this isn’t a gravel specific bike, rather a do-it-all platform to ride to your heart’s content.
One of the most noteworthy updates would have to be the weight. We often write about new frames that save 50, maybe 100g off the previous model. But the Flaanimal 4.0 drops a staggering 800g on average over the 3.0! Rodeo Labs says that the 3.0 came in overweight, so they wanted to get a bit of redemption and get it right.
Part of that weight reduction includes a revised rear triangle with new butting for added compliance and less weight. With that said, it’s still not a super light by any means with frame weights ranging from 2000-2500g.
Built from custom butted, heat treated chromoly steel, the frame includes an EC44 head tube with a new metal head badge and a 68mm BSA English threaded bottom bracket shell.
Like the previous version, the frame has sliding dropouts with a 142 x 12mm thru axle and the ability to run belt drives with a split chainstay. However, the Gates Carbon Drive hardware is now stainless steel, and there are new dropouts available for Rohloff, Alfine, and large mechanical flat mount brake caliper installs.
Cable routing has also been changed from external to internal through the downtube with swappable plugs for Di2, hydraulic brakes, mechanical shifting, 1x, 2x, fully capped. We’re told that most installations now run Di2 wires 100% internally, though certain bottom brackets in BSA shells may not leave enough room in the shell to get the wires through. In that case, the wire just pops out in front of the BB and routes along the chainstay.
Rodeo Labs Spork 1.2
Along with all of the changes to the frame, the Rodeo Spork is now the Spork 1.2. The new version offers full internal dynamo hub, headlight, and USB stem cap compatibility. When not in use, the ports for the wiring can be capped off. Also, the fork can be converted from a 15mm to a 12mm front thru axle and the thread pitch has been changed to 1.5mm so it’s compatible with 3rd party axles.
- Fully internal dynamo hub and USB stem cap routing
- Tire clearances for 700 x 45 and 650b x 47
- Dual reinforced mid leg mounting options for racks and cages
- 15mm and 12mm through axle compatibility
- Rack and fender eyelets on the lower fork leg and crown
- Flat mount brake and post mount brake compatibility
- Internal brake routing
- Full carbon steer tube and fork construction
- 12.5kg load carrying capacity on eyelets
One thing that doesn’t change on the frame is the geometry, with Rodeo Labs aiming for a ride that offers plenty of pedal clearance over rocky terrain and a lack of toe overlap.
Of course it wouldn’t be a Flaanimal without some interesting colors. The 4.0 is available in Bleaux Deaux, Chocolate Creamsicle, or Pine Cone. Available as a frameset, the Flaanimal 4.0 runs $1,350 and are available now. The Flaanimal 4.0 is also available as a complete build with specs tailored to the individual owner at no additional charge – though they have put together some sample build templates to give you an idea on price and possibilities.
Flaanimal 4.0 specs:
- Reynolds 725 custom butted CroMoly Frame
- Rodeo Spork 1.2 carbon fork / dynamo hub / USB stem cap compatible
- Flat mount brake mounts front and rear
- 12mm through axle rear (included) 15mm through axle front (included)
- 27.2 seatpost (included)
- Sliding dropouts for geared, flat mount brake, 12mm axle builds (included)
- Internal down tube routing + configurable hardware (included)
- 68mm BSA English threaded bottom bracket
- Pump mounting peg
- Tire clearances for 700 x 45 and 650b x 47
- EC44 tapered headset spec. Headset available separately
- Single speed through axle dropout available separately
- Off the back large profile flat mount brake mount available separately
- Alfine / Rohloff QR dropouts available separately
- 12mm front fork axle conversion available separately
- 160mm rear flat mount adapter available separately
- 160mm post mount brake adapters available separately
Rodeo 2.0 650b Carbon Wheels
If you do go the route of a complete build, Rodeo Labs has a new 2.0 650b rim that may be of interest. The carbon rim has a 24.5mm internal width and a hookless bead that is tubeless compatible – and only tubeless tire compatible. They point out that the rims are not compatible with non-tubeless tires. Though you can run tubeless tires with tubes. Make sense?
Complete wheelsets start at $1,350 but are eligible for a $300 family discount if you own a Rodeo frame. There’s also an option for custom decals to match your frame with prices starting at $30-50. These wheels should be available by late February.
Specs
- Proprietary Rodeo 2.0 650b Carbon wheelset design
- Small batch hand built by Magnetic Wheel Co.
- Hookless bead profile with reinforced impact surfaces for adventure bike use
- Bead lock profile to prevent burps and leaks and makes mounting possible with only a floor pump on many models of tubeless tires.
- 30mm deep mid depth rim
- 400 gram rim weight
- 24.5mm internal width
- 30.5mm external width
- Sapim Race spokes
- Sapim brass nipples
- 28h / 28h spoke count
- 1450gr wheelset weight
- Bitex / Rodeo 2.0 custom annodized and 2 side etched centerlock disc hubs.
- Anti-scar, anti strip freehub body resists damage from powerful riders.
- 6 pawl freehub body design ensures maximal engagement.
- 15mm front through axle / 12mm rear through axle. (can be converted to 12mm front through axle)
- Tubeless valves included
- 24mm tubeless rim tape required but not included.
- Tubeless sealant required when running in tubeless configuration.
- Max suggested tubeless PSI is determined by manufacturer of tires. See tire sidewalls for indications.
- XD Drivers bodies are available separately for use with SRAM / eThirteen XD Driver cassettes
