The Polish bike manufacturer, founded by a former rock musician, remains true to its bold philosophy and is once again launching a striking gravel bike on the market with the third generation of the Ruut AL. In contrast to the futuristic Ruut 2, which celebrated its world premiere at this year's Eurobike and is due to go on sale soon, the aluminium version is based on a classic diamond frame.
As with its predecessor, the frame features a twin-tip fork that allows the steering geometry to be customised. The front wheel can be mounted in two positions: In the high position, the gravel bike should be more manoeuvrable around bends, in the low position it should be more stable. TOUR tested the concept at the Ratt CF1 all-road bike already tested.
Another highlight is an integrated storage compartment under the bottom bracket. This has space for a mini-tool and chain tool, which can be placed in the plastic box. How the compartment performs in practice remains to be seen. Rondo has built the storage compartment in a place on the bike where it usually gets dirty quickly. Another new feature is the partially integrated cable routing. The shift and brake cables are routed into the head tube under the stem. Attachment points for luggage and mudguards can also be found on the robust aluminium frame.
Rondo Ruut AL: The facts at a glance
- Weight: not specified
- Stack/Reach/STR: 572/395 millimetres/1.45
- Maximum tyre clearance: 47 millimetres (700C), 50 millimetres (650B)
- Special features: adjustable steering geometry, storage compartment in the bottom bracket
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Prices: 2399 and 2799 euros
The maximum tyre clearance is 47 millimetres, with 650B wheels up to 50 millimetres are possible. Rondo does not specify the complete wheel weight. However, due to simple add-on parts, the gravel bike is likely to weigh ten kilograms or more, just like its predecessor.
Equipment and price
The Ruut AL has been available since the beginning of October in three equipment variants at prices between 2399 and 2799 euros. With a colourful mix of manufacturers for the mechanical drivetrains: The models share an in-house produced crank, while the rear derailleur and cassettes come from Shimano, SRAM and Microshift. The aluminium wheels also come from Rondo, which offers the new model in five sizes.
Ruut AL0
- Crank handle: Rondo Direct (42 Z.)
- Rear derailleur: Shimano GRX 600
- Cassette: Microshift (10-speed, 11-42 t.)
- Impellers: Rondo Lit/Superlight
- Tyres: Vittoria Terreno Dry (40 millimetres)
- Price: 2799 Euro
Ruut AL1
- Crank handle: Rondo Direct (42 Z.)
- Rear derailleur: SRAM Apex 1
- Cassette: Microshift (10-speed, 11-42 t.)
- Impellers: Rondo Aluminium/Superlight
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato Adventure (40 millimetres)
- Price: 2399 Euro
Ruut AL1 2x
- Crank handle: Rondo (46/30 Z.)
- Rear derailleur: Shimano GRX 400
- Cassette: Shimano (10-speed, 11-36 t.)
- Impellers: Rondo Aluminium/Superlight
- Tyres: Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H (40 millimetres)
- Price: 2399 Euro
Julian Schultz
Editor
