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#BurfBTR #RatBike #DadRat #BikeLife #GravelBike #MountainBike #BikePacking #CyclingCommunity #BikeDesign #HandmadeBikes #CyclingLifestyle #BikeInnovation #CyclingPassion #BikeEnthusiast #BikeTech
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Paul ‘Burf’ Burford, renowned for his BTR mountain bikes and trail tools, unveiled a new project at Bespoked Manchester: Rat Bikes. This brand aims to produce affordable, versatile frames, with the first model, the Dad Rat, designed as a do-it-all bike for everyday use. The Dad Rat is a practical, multi-purpose bike suitable for gravel riding, cross-country, bike packing, commuting, and even school runs. It features rack mounts, mudguard mounts, and bottle cage mounts, making it highly functional.
The bike on display at the show was built with a custom rigid fork, which Burford crafted in the final hours before the event. While the fork isn’t part of the production plan yet, its design received positive feedback, prompting Burford to consider refining the manufacturing process for future production. The frame, however, is the focus of the Rat Bikes brand. To keep costs low, Burford has streamlined the production process, aiming to build 10 frames in 50 hours (5 hours per frame). This efficiency is achieved by eliminating customization options—frames will be available only in black, with pre-determined bottle bosses and seat clamps. This reduces time spent on customer interactions and manufacturing complexities.
The frame’s design incorporates cost-effective manufacturing techniques, such as using folded sheet metal for the rear triangle yoke and laser-cut dropouts. The chainstays and seat stays are designed for easy cutting and assembly, with fixtures that simplify the process. The rear triangle is standardized across all frame sizes, further reducing production time. Despite the focus on affordability and efficiency, the finished product is elegant and well-crafted, defying expectations of a “ratty” appearance.
The Dad Rat frame will be priced at £650, with the possibility of offering a frame-and-fork combo in the future. Burford plans to expand the Rat Bikes lineup with additional models, such as a Ranger-style bike, a suspension bike, and a bike-packing-specific design. The Dad Rat, however, is the starting point—a versatile, playful bike that bridges the gap between road and off-road riding.
Burford’s vision for Rat Bikes is to create accessible, high-quality frames that cater to a wide range of riders. By focusing on simplicity, efficiency, and functionality, he aims to make handmade frames more affordable without compromising on design or performance. The Dad Rat is a testament to this vision, offering a practical, stylish, and versatile option for riders seeking a single bike to handle multiple roles.
