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XDS has not too long ago unveiled its X-LAB collection, a high-performance lineup that includes the ultra-lightweight RT9, the aerodynamically optimized AD8, and the GT8 gravel bike. Lengthy acknowledged as a major manufacturing companion for most of the trade’s prime labels, the Chinese language big is now leveraging its huge manufacturing scale, over 5 million bicycles yearly, to straight problem Western manufacturers like Specialised, Trek, Cannondale, and extra.
By providing professional-tier specs at disruptive worth factors, XDS is signaling a significant shift within the premium market. This world growth is already hitting the bottom within the US, the place full X-LAB bikes have begun showing at main retailers like Jenson USA, and XDS had its personal sales space on the Sea Otter Traditional 2026.
Collectively, these three fashions ought to seize budget-conscious riders who’re uninterested in spending a fortune on pro-level bikes. Beneath, I summarize a very powerful issues you might want to know in regards to the three new street and gravel fashions.
X-LAB RT9: The World’s Lightest Manufacturing Body
The RT9 represents a major engineering milestone for XDS, claiming the title of the lightest manufacturing street body ever constructed, weighing an astonishing 550g for a measurement medium. To place this into perspective, it undercuts premium light-weight benchmarks just like the Specialised S-Works Aethos, which sits round 585g, and the Cervélo R5, which weighs roughly 651g.
Designed particularly for climbing, the RT9 body prioritizes a excessive stiffness-to-weight ratio over aerodynamic shaping. At a worth level of $9150 for the flagship construct, it ought to supply easy elevation achieve and immediate acceleration.
The body is constructed utilizing Toray T1100 carbon fiber mixed with M40X high-modulus carbon, utilizing tow-spreading know-how to scale back resin content material and general mass. To attain these weight targets whereas sustaining needed sturdiness, the body options wall thicknesses as skinny as 0.4mm in non-critical zones.
The whole top-tier construct weighs roughly 6.2kg, that includes a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset and a Branta carbon crankset. This drivetrain consists of an built-in energy meter and Apple Discover My anti-theft know-how for contemporary safety and efficiency monitoring. This can be a fairly cool function, so that you don’t should search for a hiding spot for Apple AirTags.
The bike is provided with Branta C50 ULR wheels that includes carbon spokes, bringing the wheelset weight to simply 1230g. The body makes use of the BSA threaded backside bracket customary, a regular 27.2mm spherical seatpost for compliance, and provides UDH compatibility.
X-LAB AD8: Skilled Aerodynamics for Each Rider
The AD8 serves because the real-world counterpart to the AD9 flagship utilized by the Astana WorldTour workforce, designed to bridge the hole between skilled racing know-how and client accessibility. Whereas the AD9 is an uncompromising machine constructed for the best stage of competitors, the AD8 makes use of a Toray T800 carbon layup to create a platform that’s extra sturdy and accessible for day by day use.
Regardless of the change in supplies, it retains the core aerodynamic profiles and aggressive geometry of the team-issue mannequin. At a worth level of $4499, it provides a flexible platform for aggressive cyclists on the lookout for skilled efficiency with out the flagship price ticket.
Like its skilled sibling, the AD8 contains a absolutely built-in design with hidden cable routing and the Branta Carbon Built-in handlebar system to reduce drag and enhance look. The construct features a Shimano 105 Di2 groupset, complemented by a Branta carbon crankset. This crankset can be geared up with an built-in energy meter and Apple Discover My anti-theft know-how.
The construct options Branta C45 UL carbon wheels weighing 1330g, which contribute to the full bike weight of seven.41kg. The body itself is tuned for responsive dealing with but in addition provides sensible versatility, with clearance for tires as much as 32mm to enhance consolation on various street surfaces.
X-LAB GT8: The Versatile Gravel Specialist
The GT8 is X-LAB’s first devoted gravel platform, designed to increase the model’s efficiency engineering into off-road terrain. It balances a race-ready carbon development with the utility required for long-distance journey and mixed-surface using. Priced at $3199, this mannequin represents a flexible addition to the lineup that adapts to each aggressive racing and rugged exploration.
The standout function of the GT8 is its huge 55mm tire clearance, which accommodates aggressive off-road tires that considerably exceeds the 32mm restrict discovered on the road-focused AD and RT collection. Constructed from Toray T800 carbon fiber, the body is engineered for sturdiness and consists of built-in in-frame storage to maintain necessities protected against the weather.
For these planning long-distance journeys, the bike options a number of accent mounting factors on each the body and fork, offering vital bikepacking versatility. Much like the street fashions, the GT8 employs a semi-integrated cockpit and a Branta alloy energy meter crankset. This drivetrain additionally consists of Apple Discover My anti-theft know-how built-in straight into the system.
The usual specs embody a Shimano GRX 717 Di2 1×12 groupset, offering exact digital shifting tailor-made for off-road use. The bike rolls on Branta C45 GT gravel-specific carbon wheels and makes use of a T47 threaded backside bracket, a alternative that ensures improved longevity and simpler upkeep in dusty or muddy situations.
I don’t learn about you, however I’m excited to see what lies forward for the biking trade over the approaching years. Chinese language manufacturers are more and more competing with Western manufacturers and placing strain on ever-rising costs. Ultimately, we as shoppers ought to win large time.
By the way in which, here’s a walkthrough of the XDS sales space at Sea Otter 2026.
Preview picture supply: @CarsandBikes YouTube Channel
