When RockShox first introduced the Rudy XPLR gravel fork, the gravel world was just coming to grips with the idea of a suspension fork on gravel. It was also at a time when the average gravel tire was 45mm or smaller. While Gravel is still too broad a category that covers many types of riding and terrain, one thing that almost all types of gravel riding have in common is a trend towards bigger tires.
To be fair to RockShox, the original Rudy XPLR already had decent tire clearance at 700c x 50mm (less with the RockShox fender). But it seems that we’ve gotten to a point where 50mm isn’t enough, or at least those running 50mm tires may want more tire clearance and the ability to run the integrated fender, so the Rudy is going XL.
On the surface, the RockShox Rudy XL looks familiar, but there are changes inside and out to give it the XL moniker. The biggest change is likely the chassis itself, now offering tire clearance up to 29 x 2.25″ and more travel with 50mm or 60mm options. RockShox has not yet provided a weight for the Rudy XL so we don’t know how it will compare to something like a SID with even more travel and tire clearance, but we can at least assume it will be heavier than the current Rudy XPLR.
The lower casting looks very similar to the current XPLR model, but the XL has an all-new crown which looks like the stanchions could sit a little wider to provide the increased tire clearance. The crown looks burlier, now with recesses cut into the shoulders to allow room for the fork top caps. RockShox has also not specified whether the XL retains the 30mm chassis size of the XPLR model.
Inside, the Rudy XL gets a new Charger Race Day 2 damper with lockout which should be better able to handle the demands of more rugged gravel riding than the original. The XL sticks with a Solo Air spring tuned for short travel.
Like the XPLR, the XL model gets a dedicated fender that is available separately for $25. The fender bolts onto the fork with two bolts for a clean look (no zipties). RockShox doesn’t yet specify the tire clearance with the fender installed.
Available in the Rudy XL with rebound damping adjustment only, and the Rudy XL Ultimate model with the Charger Race Day 2 damper. The Ultimate fork is priced at $929 while the XL base model price is not yet available. Both forks will be offered in 50mm or 60mm travel with a 45mm offset for 700c wheels.
