Rundo Ruut AL Gen3 – Overview
Rondo Ruut AL Gen3 – an old friend returns!
The Rondo Ruut AL test: I think back on it fondly. A touch of nostalgia comes over me when I read the information about the new Rondo Ruut Al Gen3. The Ruut was the first test bike for our at that time brand new lifeCYCLE magazine. With the Rondo Ruut AL, I embarked on an unforgettable journey at the end of 2017: From the Ruhr area to Gdansk in Poland. That’s where Rondo’s headquarters are and where I met the Rondo crew and was able to see everything on site.
A whopping six years later, lifeCYCLE magazine is still around. Just like the Rondo Ruut. We’ve been around for 21 issues now. And the Rondo Ruut AL has also evolved: It is now in its third generation. Find out what has been changed in this article. If you want to compare it directly with the first edition, then click here to read our Rundo Ruut AL Gen1 review.
“The Swiss Army Knife of Gravel Bikes” – that’s what Rondo called its latest model in 2017. Basically, that’s exactly what we were able to confirm: It was a sporty bike with a reasonable mix of road bike and off-road genes. It also looked good, came with down-to-earth equipment and, thanks to its aluminium frame, was on sale at absolutely fair prices. Has Rondo remained true to this concept?
According to Rondo, the third edition, the Rondo Ruut Al Gen3, not only fulfils existing expectations, but even extends them. The Rondo Ruut AL Gen 3 is intended to remain true to the basic idea of the Swiss Army knife, but nevertheless integrate completely new concepts. In this way, the Polish manufacturer wants to react to the rapidly growing world of gravel bikes and perfectly adapt the bike to the current wishes of the riders. The result? The RONDO RUUT AL Gen3 presents itself as the ideal all-rounder for all gravel adventures.
Rondo Ruut Al Gen3: New frame design with numerous innovative features
It’s clear from the first glance: the frame of the Rondo Ruut Al Gen3 has been given an intensive update. The new frame design was conceived by Jurek Dąbrowski. His vision was that the new aluminium frame would not simply serve to stably connect tubes together, but would transform into a sophisticated and highly functional tool for ultimate riding pleasure. For example, the new frame has a seamless integration of seat tube and bottom bracket and a very generous tyre clearance.
In terms of visual appearance, the third generation of the Ruut clearly stands out from its predecessor. RONDO has further refined the cable routing and given the bike an overall extremely slim and clean appearance. Details such as the revised TwinTip system in the fork and the integrated toolbox make life easier on big gravel journeys.
RONDO RUUT AL GEN 3 – Overview of features:
- Revised bottom bracket: The revised bottom bracket creates space for wider tyres (622-47 and 584-50) and opens up the possibility for larger chainrings. The smart design allows the integration of a small toolbox.
- Toolbox: The toolbox is located on the underbody of the frame and contains special mini tools, a chain tool and space for chain links. It is particularly practical that these tools can be removed with one hand. To do this, simply open a rubber flap and pull out the tool with one finger. The mini toolbox is easily removable and allows uncomplicated access to the bottom bracket area, making it easy to route the cables.
- Integrated cable routing: Another remarkable feature is the integrated cable routing. Wires and cables run specifically through the headset bearing and the specially designed channels under the bottom bracket, which not only ensures a clean look but also first-class performance. Even the cables for the mechanically adjustable seat post can be routed internally.
- Integrated frame design: The seat tube and the bottom bracket are seamlessly fused together. The slim, flat contours are intended to improve the flexibility of the frame.
- TwinTip fork: The TwinTip system on the revised fork allows you to adjust the fork offset and the steering angle to achieve a suitable riding position – depending on your preference.
- Maximum customisation: The TwinTip fork is just one of numerous options for customising the Rondo gravel bike. Whether 1-speed or 2-speed ath the front, with or without mudguard – thanks to the new frame, the bike can be adapted to personal needs better than ever before, according to the manufacturer.
Three versions, five sizes, even more possibilities: Models and prices
To ensure that there is something for everyone, RONDO offers the new RUUT AL GEN 3 in three different configurations. The RUUT AL0 GEN 3 (2,799 euros) comes with a Shimano GRX 600 groupset, a Microshift 11-42 cassette and 40-millimetre Vittoria tyres. The RUUT AL1 GEN 3 (2,399 euros) comes with a SRAM Apex 1 groupset, a Microshift 11-42 cassette and 40-millimetre Pirelli tyres. The RUUT AL1 2x GEN 3 (2,399 euros) has a 2x Shimano GRX 400, a Shimano 11-36 cassette and 40-millimetre Pirelli tyres. All models are available in five different sizes (XS-XL) to ensure an optimal fit for all riders.
The bikes will be available in stores in autumn 2023.