Three years after the launch of the Rudy XPLR gravel fork, RockShox has unveiled its latest drop-bar suspension fork: the Rudy XL. The new fork offers 60mm of tunable travel, a stiff chassis and the updated Charger Race Day 2 damper. 

It’s also got clearance for meaty 2.25in tyres, further blurring the line between gravel and mountain bikes. There are two models on offer, with the Rudy XL Ultimate priced at £900, and the Rudy XL, which currently has no MSRP. 

Grountain bikes or just proper gravel?

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RockShox_RudyXL_Durango_RG_5078 (Image Credit: RockShox)

A gravel suspension fork has always divided opinion, with some commenters suggesting these components don’t belong on gravel bikes. Others, however, believe anything that makes the ride more comfortable and/or efficient is worth latching onto. 

Whether or not you think you need a suspension fork on your gravel adventures is a personal opinion, but whether or not you like them, it looks like they’re here to stay. The RockShox Rudy XL is two years in the making, according to the US brand, and is designed for riders who “see gravel as a challenge, not a compromise.”

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RockShox_RudyXL_Durango_RG_5533 (Image Credit: RockShox)

There are two models on offer, the Rudy XL and XL Ultimate – the difference being the damper choice. Both work with 700C wheels only, and can accommodate tyres up to 2.25in in width. 

They both also offer 50mm or 60mm travel options, which may not seem like much, but when you consider how much a suspension fork adds to the weight of a gravel bike, it’s perhaps a worthy compromise. 

XL Ultimate vs XL

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RockShox_RudyXL_Durango_RG_5922 (Image Credit: RockShox)

The XL Ultimate comes with a new electric red colourway and a Charger Race Day 2 Damper. It also uses a Solo Air spring, which is tuned for shorter travel than a typical MTB fork. For those who want to use mudguards, it’s possible to do so with the 2-bolt mounts (although RockShox-branded mudguards are sold separately). It’s priced at £900, which is over £120 more than the Rudy XPLR fork was priced at launch. 

The presumably cheaper option is the Rudy XL fork. We say presumably, as an MSRP is not available at the moment (so this may be an OEM-only fork), but it comes with a cartridge rebound-only damper rather than the Charger Race Day 2 option in the XL Ultimate. It also offers the same tyre clearance and mudguard compatibility as well as 50mm or 60mm travel options. 

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RockShox_RudyXL_Durango_RG_5119 (Image Credit: RockShox)

And if you fancy a RockShox Rudy XL Fender (or mudguard) it’s sold separately at a price of £22. The new Rudy XL fork is available to buy from RockShox dealers now.

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