RockShox’s new longer-travel Rudy XL gravel suspension fork
RockShox just announced a new gravel suspension fork that’s sure to steer a new range of more capable and rowdier gravel bikes. The new Rudy XL bumps the travel up to 50 or 60 mm, with 700 x 56 mm tyre clearance (29 x 2.2in). By contrast, the pre-existing (and continuing) Rudy XPLR fork offers 30 or 40 mm travel options with 50 mm of tyre clearance.
RockShox will offer the fork in a premium Ultimate version (US$930) with its Race Day 2 damper and fork-mounted lockout knob. There's also a more affordable Rudy XL (price TBC) with a simpler damper without the lockout. Both versions feature 30 mm diameter stanchions, a 100 x 12 mm thru-axle, and flat-mount brake compatibility.
That increased travel will be best suited to a bike designed around the notably taller axle-to-crown height, which sits at 470 mm for the 60 mm travel version. By contrast, most 40 mm gravel suspension forks are nearer to 430-435 mm in axle-to-crown, while some popular 100 mm mountain bike forks will be closer to 500-505 mm.
