Flaanimal 6.0 Steel
Ever more capable.
Starting at $1,650.00
First introduced in 2016, Flaanimal has now built an 10 year legacy of function driven design and real world proven performance. Flaanimal has been proven across an incredibly wide spectrum of uses, from road, to gravel, to rugged and ultra endurance bikepacking, with a notable win at Tour Divide in 2021.
Our previous iteration of the Flaanimal, the 5.0 platform, was so well thought out that it enjoyed a six year run on the market, with no changes in its design, something that is nearly unprecedented in the fast changing adventure cycling category.
As great as Flaanimal 5.0 is, we’ve learned a lot about how to improve the bike’s feature set since we launched it in 2019. We’ve put all of that to work on Flaanimal 6.0 Steel.
6.0 Steel is not just an evolution at the margins, it’s a fresh look at how capable an adventure bike platform can be.
The Big Idea
A lot has changed for drop bar gravel and adventure bikes since we started developing bikes in 2013. Notably, riders keep taking their bikes on more ambitious adventures and pushing the capabilities of their bikes along the way. Speeds have gone up at the races, routes have gotten longer, and terrain has gotten more rugged. Flaanimal has, since it’s inception, always tried to cover a use spectrum from road to gravel to bikepacking as well as any single bike can. With 6.0 Steel we specifically wanted to push deeper into the rugged off road capabilities of the frameset, even at risk of making the bike less “at home” on the road. As off road tires have gotten larger and larger in recent years, rider’s appetite for more tire clearance has been seemingly insatiable. Where 45mm (1.8″) was previously considered large, 56mm (2.2″) seems like a new standard for modern drop bar bikes. Flaanimal 6.0 Titanium has allowed for 56mm tires for over a year, but our 5.0 steel frame was waiting to catch up – until now. 6.0 steel, when paired with the brand new Spork 4.0, can be run with tires up to 700×2.4″ (60mm).
It is one thing for a frame to accept the largest of tires, and it is another thing entirely for the bike to be designed around large tire capabilities. Larger tires change bike geometry. Larger tires increase the possibility of toe overlap. When considering the geometry for 6.0 steel, we wanted to create a bike that felt more at home in aggressive conditions with the largest of tires while still feeling great cruising around on something like a 40mm tire if you chose.
Previous versions of Flaanimal had a noticably lower stack than other frames in the drop bar endurance category. This made them feel low and fast when racing or when used on the road, but low stack heights are less suited to longer adventures in aggressive terrain, where more upright positions become more comfortable. With 6.0 steel, we decided to evolve our geometry again towards endurance, comfort, and an eye for the long haul.
Bonus: Even with the changes we made to the Flaanimal 6, the bike still retains great manners on the road, or in gravel racing situations, which we’ve verified by taking 6.0 prototypes to road, gravel, and cyclocross races.
FL60s – Features overview
What makes the Flaanimal 6.0 Steel truly unique
Starting at $3,035.00
Routing choice
There is no doubt that fully integrated, hidden routing is the most elegant way to build a bike. 6.0 steel supports full integration, but only if you want to.
Simply match the headset to the brand / spec of your integrated bar / stem and the frame has been designed for maximum compatibility. Alternatively, our Quite-Integrated headseat supports semi-integrated routing that does not run through the stem, but does route through the steer tube.
If you’ve select the Spork 4 option on your build, the D-shaped steer tube allows for fully integrated routing without the need for using large upper bearing cups or proprietary headsets, leaving your sleek headtube undisturbed by unnecessary clutter.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, you can route FL6 traditionally, avoiding headset routing all together for a bike that will be easier to service or travel with.
FL6 leaves the important spec decisions up to you.
Fully integrated routing
Semi integrated routing
Traditional routing
UDH Compatibility
With FL6 we feature an elegant sliding dropout system that we named LockJaw 2. LockJaw 2 allows for the wheelbase of FL6 to be adjusted providing three functional benefits:
- Increased tire clearance, up to 700×2.4 or 650bx2.4.
- Native singlespeed builds with no chain tensioner needed, using the slider’s adjustable range to set correct singlespeed chain tension.
- Geometry and handling adjustments. The further forward the sliders are, the quicker the bike handles, the further back the sliders are, the more stable and predictable the bike feels.
If you aren’t a rider who will ever take advantage of LockJaw features, you can simply set it and forget it, and Flaanimal will perform as any other standard dropout gravel bike.
Compatibility
Secure interlocking plates with Ti hardware
40mm of slider travel
UDH Support and traditional derailleur hanger support
Chose Your Spork
6.0 Steel is available with either Spork 3 or Spork 4. Both are incredibly capable, but differ in the details.
| Spork 3.3 | Spork 4.0 | |
| Weight (average) | 525g | 475g |
| Max Tire | 2.1″ / 54mm | 2.4″ / 61mm |
| Routing | Steer tube or Standard | Steer tube or Standard |
| Rotor | 140mm / 160mm | 160mm / 180mm |
| Axle | 12mm / 15mm | 12mm |
| Offset | 45 or 50mm (per size) | 50mm |
| Eyelets | crown / 3 mid leg / end of leg | crown / 3 mid leg |
| Dynamo Support | Hub plug / internal wiring | Hub plug / internal wiring / Son Self Connecting |
| Wiring holes | 1 axle / 1 crown | 1 axle / 2 crown |
| Steer Tube | Round | D-Shaped |
The Keg T47 threaded BB
Every frame that Rodeo offers has featured a threaded bottom bracket since the inception of the T47 bottom bracket standard.
T47 bottom brackets have the reliability and quiet operation provided by threaded bearing cups, and the large diameter bearing shell can accomodate any crankset and spindle standard that the industry dreams up.
The Keg BB shell on 6.0 Steel creates a more generous internal bottom bracket shell volume which dramatically improves ease of assembly when running internal routing for brakes, derailleurs, or dropper posts.
The Keg BB shell also creates a stiffer frame laterally, with noticably less side to side frame deflection under heavy pedaling loads. Less deflection = more power transfered to your rear wheel.
Features
Threaded cups for quieter operation
Large shell area for max compatibility
Easier access to internal routing
Stiffer, more efficient frame under pedaling loads.
Every tube considered
Every tube and component of the 6.0 steel frame is deeply considered.
The shaped head tube, Keg bottom bracket, and LockJaw 2 dropouts are completely unique Rodeo Labs designs, and are CNC machined to our spec.
The top tube is a continuously ovalized profile which creates a distinctive, elegant look ,and also improves side to side rigidity.
The chainstays are shaped with incredible precision and nuance, allowing for generous tire and mud clearance while retaining internal routing capability.
The heat treated steel tubeset uses custom butting profiles on every tube to minimize weight and maximize strength.
Features
Custom machined
Custom butted
Custom shaped
ISO tested to MTB 4210 standards
Tire clearance
Flaanimal 6.0 is entirely redesigned and optimized for tires that will get you through the most rugged conditions.
With clearance up to 700×2.4 (61mm) with Spork 4, the tire size decisions are left entirely up to you. Large volume provides more comfort, traction, and lower rolling resistance in rugged terrain.
We didn’t leave more traditional tire sizes behind in our quest for clearance. During development we raced and proved the bike’s good manners with slick tires as low as 34mm, and gravel tires across the entire size range. If you’re no sold on large tires, or are leaving extra room for mud and clay between the tire and the frame, FL6 is still a well mannered and willing steed.
Adventure Ready
With a more upright riding position, large tire clearance, dynamo lights / charging compatibility, and mountin options for all the bags that you care to carry FL6 can take you across town or across continents.
The improved stiffness of the 6.0 frame over the 5.0 frame creates a better, more stable platform for loaded touring or bikepacking.
Flaanimal has been proven world-over for its ability to load up and roll out, from The Great Divide Trail, to a bike-ski lap around Iceland, to crossings of Uganda, Morocco, Armenia, and adventures we don’t even know about.
Technical Information
Everything you need to know about geometry, fit, and the technical makeup of the bike.
Geometry
To compare TD4.2 geometry with a bike you already own, we highly recommend the excellent tool from the folks at Bike Insights. Simply search and load your existing bike in the left column, and load the TD4.2 in the right column. Adjust size / tires / etc as needed. These links will help you get started:
| Frame size | 52 cm | 54 cm | 56 cm | 58 cm | 61 cm | |
| Seat tube (C-T) | 450 | 470 | 490 | 520 | 540 | |
| Top tube length (effective) | 520 | 540 | 563 | 581 | 605 | |
| Chain stay length | 435 (variable) | 435 (variable) | 435 (variable) | 435 (variable) | 435 (variable) | |
| Seat tube angle | 74° | 74° | 73° | 73° | 73° | |
| Bottom bracket drop | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | |
| Head tube length | 125 | 145 | 160 | 175 | 207 | |
| Head tube angle | 70° | 71° | 72° | 72° | 72° | |
| Reach | 366 | 374 | 386 | 393 | 408 | |
| Stack | 538 | 559 | 578 | 595 | 625 | |
| Fork length | 395 | 395 | 395 | 395 | 395 | |
| Fork rake | 50 | 50 | 45 | 45 | 45 | |
| Front center | 595 | 606 | 609 | 616 | 641 | |
| Wheelbase | 1022 (variable) | 1032 (variable) | 1036 (variable) | 1043 (variable) | 1067 (variable) | |
| Standover height at center of top tube, 700 x 40mm | 773 | 793 | 812 | 833 | 858 | |
| Dimensions listed in millimeters and degrees unless otherwise indicated. | ||||||
Fit Chart – Flaanimal 6.0 Steel
We’ve used these fit basics to fit riders all over the world for over a decade. 95% of riders can be well fit for frame size based on height alone. If you find yourself on the border between two frame sizes, you can generally be fit on either with just a small adjustment to stem length and saddle position.
| Frame size | Rider height |
| 52 cm | 5’4”-5’6” |
| 54 cm | 5’6”-5’9” |
| 56 cm | 5’9”-6’0” |
| 58 cm | 6’0”-6’2” |
| 61 cm | 6’2”-6’4” |
Every Rodeo bike is built to order, so please do let us know if you have custom component size requests.
If you have questions about your fit, we’re here to help. You can get in touch with us via phone, text, or email on our contact page.
Technical Specifications
| Frame Material | Toray T800 Carbon Fiber |
| Country of manufacture | China |
| Design / Tooling | 100% Designed and Engineered by Rodeo Labs |
| Tire clearance 650b | Max width: 2.4″ | Min. recommended width: 40mm | Varies by tire / rim / conditions |
| Tire clearance 700c | Max width: 55mm / 2.1″ | Min. recommended width: 28mm Varies by tire / rim / conditions. Don’t get greedy. |
| Frame weight | 58cm 1190g raw. Other sizes approx. 50-100g lighter per size. Hardware – approx. 150g. Painted frames will be 100-250g heavier. |
| Fork | Rodeo Spork 3.3 / Full carbon adventure fork |
| Fork weight | Average 495g |
| Cable routing | Mechanical, Di2, eTap. Convertible or cappable modular endcaps. Full internal housing runs through downtube / BB / Stays |
| Dynamo routing | Internal fork. Front and rear light, USB stem cap, dynamo hub compatible. Top tube port. Seat stay ports. |
| Brake Standard | Flat Mount, 140mm/160mm front brake plate | 160mm flat mount native rear brake |
| Bottom Bracket | T47 threaded for inboard bearing, 85.5 mm width. |
| Seat Post | 31.6mm or 27.2mm. 27.2 shim supplied with each frame. |
| Dropper post | Internal, cable routing through BB area via pass through for easier routing. |
| Seat Clamp | TD4 clamp designed to integrate with frame shape. Simple clamp design, no internal wedge or proprietary clamp oddities. |
| Thru Axles | Rear – 12mm x 175mm total length // M12xP1.0x14.5mm threading Front – 12 x 127mm total length // M12xP1.5x16mm threading Front optionally convertible to 15mm. |
| Headset | 52mm integrated frame cups. Rodeo semi-integrated headset included w stainless bearings. IS 52 | 40 upper, IS52 | 40 lower. Integrated stem / bar installations will typically use a matching headset. |
| Chainring compatibility | 2x: max 50/34, min 36/24. 1x: max 48, and larger is possible with a WIDE spec crankset. |
| Front derailleur mounting | Braze-on, removable derailleur hanger available upon request. |
| Rear derailleur hanger | Aluminum, replaceable UDH native slider allows for SRAM Transmission drivetrain installations. Standard derailleur supported using the SRAM UDH standard derailleur hanger. |
| Di2 battery position | Downtube. Secured with hardware / ties. Accessed via downtube storage hatch. |
| Fender mounts | Frame and fork with Stay Dry kit. Max 65mm outer fender width at 700c. M5 bolts. |
| Bottle cage mounts | 2 positions inside main triangle via 3 bosses per position. 1 on underside of down tube. 2 on fork, one per leg. Two top tube eyelets also support bottle or bag mounting. |
| Rack mounts | 1 on seat stay bridge. Lower seat stays 1 per side. Tailfin mounting supported on frame eyelets or via through axle kit from Tailfin. Must use the optional Tailfin UDH adapter matched to your derailleur. |
| Fork mounts | Three mid-leg eyelets per fork blade, spaced for a water bottle cage or three bolt cargo cage. (M5 x 0.8mm). Use 25mm bolts with washer for heavy loads. Two eyelets near axle per side (M5 x 0.8mm). Optional offset eyelet kit available. |
| Fork crown bolt | Not included. 75mm length typically needed for lights / racks. Not compatible with recessed brake nuts. Use nylon washers on each end of bolt to protect fork. |
| Fork cargo capacity | 27.6 lb / 12.5 kg total cargo weight, evenly distributed |
| Headset spacer max height | 40mm between headset and stem |
| Frameset rider weight limit | 280 lb / 127kg |
| Slider Range | 425mm – 455mm |
| Certification | Traildonkey 4.2 has passed the entire suite of ISO 4210 MTB Racing suite of tests. |
| Warranty | Warranted for life to the original owner against defects in design, materials, and workmanship. Please read our complete warranty policies here. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Launching a new bike brings up a lot of questions. We’ve got answers. As we get more inquiries on details, we will add them to this page. If you have a question of your own, just email us at bikes@rodeo-labs.com.
FAQ
Downloads
Helpful resources designed to support your build, setup, and gear customization.
Owner’s Manual
This owner’s manual seeks to cover all of the uniquely developed features on the Flaanimal 6.0 frameset,
Frame Bag Templates
If you are working with a custom bag maker or checking the size of any bag, you may download our scale-accurate templates here.