First Look at Rockshox Rudy XL
Give gravel more travel
Gravel bikes keep pushing further into MTB territory, and RockShox’s new Rudy XL fork is the clearest sign yet. With up to 60mm of suspension travel and clearance for 29 x 2.25 ” tyres, it’s built for drop bar riders who see gravel as a challenge rather than a compromise.
Built for adventure
The Rudy XL has been two years in the making and arrives with a bold new chassis, updated internals, and a crown design that looks more like a mountain fork than anything road derived. It’s aimed squarely at riders chasing more control and comfort on chunky gravel, fire roads, and singletrack.
Options and features
There are two models in the lineup:
- Rudy XL Ultimate – featuring the Charger Race Day 2 damper. It’s firm when you need efficiency, yet composed when things get unpredictable. It also brings a rock solid lockout for smoother transitions between road and trail.
- Rudy XL – running a rebound only damper, offering the same 50mm or 60mm travel options and big tyre clearance at a lower price point.
Both models use the Solo Air spring tuned for short travel, come in a 700c/45mm offset, and include two-bolt mounts for an integrated short fender.
Why it matters
RockShox claims the Rudy XL reduces fatigue and boosts precision compared to rigid gravel bikes, it’s a theme we’ve seen echoed in bikes like Trek’s new CheckOUT SL, which launched with this fork fitted.
Available from September 25, 2025, through RockShox dealers worldwide.
