Gravel suspension fork: Not tarred, but suspended - Rockshox Rudy XL 60 mm fork for gravel bikes

Rockshox wants to pave the way off-road for gravel bikers and is launching the new Rudy XL suspension fork with up to 60 millimetres of travel.

A rigid chassis should ensure that handling remains as precise as possible despite the increased suspension travel.

A unique feature of the new Rudy XL is the maximum tyre clearance of up to 2.25 inches.

Between 50 and 60 millimetres of suspension travel should make it possible to ride even on rough single trails.

The Charger Race Day 2 cartridge, which has been specially designed for gravel use, is intended to provide effective damping and a particularly tight lockout for riding on the road.

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Photo: Rockshox

Suspension, not tarmac: The Rockshox Rudy XL is a suspension fork for gravel roads. The gravel bike fork with up to 60 mm adjustable suspension travel is designed for coarse tyres up to 29x2.25 inches. Available as an Ultimate version with Charger Race Day 2 damping and as a basic model with simpler cartridge damping, it is designed to give gravel bikes access to challenging terrain.

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Rockshox is venturing into previously unexplored gravel terrain with the new Rudy XL. The suspension fork has been specially developed for riders who see gravel biking as a real challenge and not as a compromise between road and off-road. With an adjustable suspension travel of up to 60 mm, the fork sets new standards in the drop bar suspension fork segment. The new Rudy XL is designed to offer a high level of stiffness on fast sections as well as providing confidence on uneven terrain. The revised damping in particular should be a game changer for technically demanding gravel biking.

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Technical equipment and variants

The Rudy XL is available in two different versions: A higher-quality Ultimate version and a basic model. The Rudy XL Ultimate features Charger Race Day 2 damping, which is said to have a particularly tight lockout so as not to lose any efficiency on tarmac. This technology should make it possible to comfortably master rough sections of road without having to compromise on road riding. A visual treat: the new Electric Red Signature paint finish, which will only be available on the Ultimate version.

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Photo: RockshoxThe Charger Race Day 2 cartridge, which has been specially designed for gravel use, is intended to provide effective damping and a particularly tight lockout for riding on the road.

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The basic version of the Rudy XL is equipped with a simpler damping cartridge, which only has a rebound adjustment, but should still offer a wide range of adjustment options. Both models use the Solo Air suspension optimised for short suspension travel and can be configured with 50 or 60 mm travel.

The basic version of the Rudy XL without adjustable compression damping will initially only be available for original equipment manufacturers.

Photo: RockshoxThe basic version of the Rudy XL without adjustable compression damping will initially only be available for original equipment manufacturers.

Tyre clearance and integration

Another highlight of the Rudy XL is the generous tyre clearance. The suspension fork is designed for tyres with a width of up to 29x2.25 inches, which is well above the standard in the gravel sector. This feature considerably expands the fork's range of use and enables the use of wider tyres for even more traction and comfort off-road. Both the Ultimate and the basic version have a 2-hole mount for short mudguards. Rockshox offers a specially developed mudguard to match the Rudy XL, which integrates seamlessly into the design of the fork. It is simply mounted using the existing 2-hole mount, which makes the suspension fork and mudguard look like one piece.

Photo: RockshoxA unique feature of the new Rudy XL is the maximum tyre clearance of up to 2.25 inches.

Area of application and target group

The Rudy XL is aimed at gravel riders who reach the limits of classic gravel terrain on their tours and want more control and comfort. With the increased suspension travel of up to 60 mm and the option of mounting wider tyres, Rockshox has positioned the fork in the transitional area between traditional gravel and light mountain biking. Thanks to its specific tuning, the suspension fork is designed to reduce fatigue and enable more precision on technical passages. The rigid design of the chassis should ensure precise handling even at higher speeds.

Photo: RockshoxBetween 50 and 60 millimetres of suspension travel should make it possible to ride even on rough single trails.

Availability and prices

The Rockshox Rudy XL Ultimate will be available for 1,010 euros. The basic version of the Rudy XL will not be available in retail stores, but will primarily be used as OEM equipment for complete bikes. The separately available Rudy XL Fender costs 25 euros.