RONDO Ruut X 2022 unveiled – With a new look on the quest for speed
RONDO release the first bike of the 2022 line-up and present the RONDO Ruut X. What is behind the new version of last season’s bestseller have the Poles from Tricity chosen to keep the customisable geometry? Find out all about it here!
The Polish bike manufacturer RONDO has managed to make a name for itself in the gravel, bikepacking and road bike community. We also regularly have a RONDO bike for testing in our editorial office and a promising steel bike BOGAN (click for review) was featured in our bikepacking group test. RONDO say they make crazy bikes, which exist outside the mainstream for the true gravellers out there. RONDO want to take things to the next level for the approaching 2022 season and for starters they’re coming in hot with the Ruut X.
The RONDO Ruut X 2022 in detail
The basis of the new RONDO Ruut X is the familiar Ruut carbon frame from the previous season. No changes or experiments were made here in terms of geometry or frame material. Never change a winning combination, right? The updates rather apply to the outer appearance (paintwork) and the inner values (components). According to RONDO, the result is the raciest gravel bike in their portfolio, both in terms of speed and look. It is designed to appeal to riders who are equally at home on the asphalt and off-road and who are always at the throttle. The Ruut X is built for all those who are used to the speed of thoroughbred road bikes and want to transfer it from the road to the gravel track. The sporty geometry should ensure maximum speed both on the trail and at the next cyclocross race. And if we are honest: who isn’t on a quest for speed when it comes to drop bar bikes? And if it’s speed you’re after, why don’t you have a look at our test of the fastest bikes on the planet with drop bars.
According to RONDO, the components that are used have a decisive influence, and so the Ruut X is equipped with an EASTON EC70 aero carbon handlebar, a RONDO carbon seatpost, comparatively narrow Schwalbe X-ONE Allround tires in size 700 x 33C, aero wheels from HUNT and a Shimano GRX shifting group with an 11–36 t cassette for sufficient range with small gear jumps. However, if wider tyres are more down your alley, you can breathe a sigh of relief: the RONDO Ruut X accepts tyres up to a size of 700 x 45C.
RONDO Ruut X
Specifications
Seatpost RONDO Carbon
Brakes Shimano GRX BR-RX400 160/160 mm
Drivetrain Shimano GRX RX800 42 (11–36)
Stem RONDO Aluminium
Handlebar Easton EC70 Aero
Wheelset RONDO X Hunt Aero Wide Aluminium
Tires Schwalbe X-ONE Allround 33C
Technical Data
Size S M L XL
Wheelsize 700C
The geometry of the RONDO Ruut X 2022
In their brand new Ruut X, RONDO also rely on the well-known TwinTip 2.0 system on the carbon fork, which allows two different positions of the front wheel axle and thus also two different geometries. When changing, however, it should be noted that the adapter for the brake caliper must be mounted or dismounted in the process, which precludes a quick change on the trail. In the HI position, the steering and seat angles are 0.5° steeper and the bottom bracket is lowered by 4 mm. This makes the seating position somewhat sportier and should appeal to all racers who have their eyes set on maximum speed. The LO position, on the other hand, provides flatter angles, an extended wheelbase and a somewhat more upright seating position for the rider. This position will be preferred by those who like to cover long distances on their gravel bike and sometimes venture into more challenging terrain. Speaking of positions: follow the link to find out who has secured the best place in our highly competitive group test of the best gravel bikes 2021.
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 495 mm | 530 mm | 560 mm | 590 mm |
| Top tube | 538/536 mm LO/HI | 553/551 mm LO/HI | 571/569 mm LO/HI | 585/579 mm LO/HI |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 130 mm | 160 mm | 180 mm |
| Head angle | 70.5/71.3° LO/HI | 71.5/72.3° LO/HI | 71.5/72.3° LO/HI | 71.5/72.3° LO/HI |
| Seat angle | 73.0/73.5° LO/HI | 73.0/73.5° LO/HI | 73.0/73.5° LO/HI | 73.0/73.5° LO/HI |
| Chainstays | 420 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm | 420 mm |
| BB Drop | 70/74 mm LO/HI | 70/74 mm LO/HI | 70/74 mm LO/HI | 70/73.8 mm LO/HI |
| Reach | 374/381 mm LO/HI | 382/390 mm LO/HI | 392/400 mm LO/HI | 400/406 mm LO/HI |
| Stack | 536/531 mm LO/HI | 558/553 mm LO/HI | 587/582 mm LO/HI | 606/601 mm LO/HI |
Our assessment of the RONDO Ruut X 2022
The trend towards ever faster and race-trimmed gravel bikes has already been going for quite some time and so it is not surprising that RONDO starts big with their first 2022 bike and goes straight to business with the fastest gravel bike in their portfolio. The version X of their bestseller, the RONDO Ruut, is claimed to provide maximum aerodynamics for new speed records. We are definitely looking forward to the first test and further development!
For more information about the RONDO Ruut X 2022, go to rondo.cc
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words & Photos:
