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Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer provides a detailed analysis of the XM Carbon Speed XMCS Gran Turismo frameset. They note it is a one-piece molded frame, which is complex and expensive to manufacture, contrasting it with typical multi-piece frames that have adhesive joints. The frame arrives with a fork, handlebars, seat post, headset spacers, bearings, and other accessories. It has a nude carbon finish with clear lacquer, a T47 bottom bracket, internal routing, an oversized headset, and dropped seat stays. The reviewer highlights the clean internal construction with no visible joints, good finishing on critical interfaces, and overall solid build quality. They mention it is not as high-end as brands like Evolved Chamers and lacks some accessories like a manual, but it is also not as expensive. They plan to build and ride it for further subjective feedback.
AI-Summary
Pros
- One-piece molded construction (no adhesive joints, stronger)
- Clean internal construction with no visible joints
- Good finish on critical areas (headset seats, bottom bracket threads)
- T47 bottom bracket with good threads
- Internal routing for cables/hoses
- Oversized headset (1.5" top and bottom)
- Removable front derailleur hanger for 1X compatibility
- Reasonable length head tube for more comfortable position
- Frame weight is 987g
- Fork weight is 393g
- Seat post weight is 133g
- Fork steer tube is round and concentric
- Dropouts are flat and smooth after finishing
- Handlebar has internal routing and dimpled top
- Abundance of headset spacers included
- Overall first impressions are positive with not a lot wrong
Cons
- Nude finish makes blemishes more visible (one small speck noted on top tube)
- Not as high quality as premium brands like Evolved Chamers
- Does not come with a manual or some expected accessories
- Seat post design appears backwards (sharper end at front)
- Some filler around hydraulic line ports on fork (deemed largely unavoidable)
- Pitched as not having all the bells and whistles
Key Points
- Frame is one-piece molded, not multi-piece with adhesive joints
- Frame weight: 987g
- Fork weight: 393g
- Seat post weight: 133g
- Bottom bracket: T47 (85.5mm or 86.5mm compatible)
- Headset: oversized 1.5" top and bottom
- Handlebar: 380mm wide, 130mm drop, 77mm reach, 100mm stem, -10°, internal routing
- Seat post: wedge clamp system with two rivnuts
- Finish: nude carbon with lacquer, shows reinforcement areas
- Logo: default is XMCS, can request 'Carbon Speed'
- Dropped seat stays
- Internal routing from handlebars through frame
- Fork has long steerer tube requiring cutting
The XM Carbon Speed XMCS Gran Turismo frameset is an aero road bike with endurance geometry, featuring high stack and low reach for a comfortable yet aerodynamic riding position. It uses T800 carbon fiber with T47 bottom bracket (T47i internal preferred for stiffness/aero), UDH hanger, and internal cable routing. The frame is praised for its build quality, smooth ride comfort, and stable handling due to long chainstays (422mm). Price ranges from ~$1009 (unpainted) to ~$1350 (painted with handlebar). Weight is approximately 997g for frame (size 56, raw carbon) and 383g for fork. Paint jobs are available but decals (especially "Revenger") are controversial; newer frames may have fewer mandatory decals. Some early units had seatpost tolerance issues (sticking), but manufacturer states these are resolved in later production.
AI-Generated Forum Summary
Pros
- Excellent build quality and finish, with top-tier carbon layup and attention to detail
- Comfortable yet aerodynamic ride, with smooth handling and good stability (especially descending)
- Good value for money compared to Western brands, with responsive customer service from Peter/XMCS
- Stiff and responsive under power, with no noticeable flex during climbing or sprinting
- Well-thought-out design details like internal Di2 battery mount and quality included hardware
Cons
- Early production frames had seatpost tolerance issues causing sticking/seizing, even without carbon paste
- Slack seat tube angle (73°) combined with setback seatpost may limit forward saddle position for some riders
- Limited tire clearance (max ~35mm with 4mm clearance), and long chainstays don't improve clearance
- Mandatory decals on painted frames (especially "Revenger") are unpopular with many buyers
- Potential toe overlap with 30C+ tires due to relatively short front center
Key Points
- T800 carbon fiber construction
- T47 bottom bracket (preferably T47i internal)
- Endurance geometry: high stack, low reach
- 422mm chainstay length for stability
- Internal cable routing only
- UDH hanger
- Frame weight ~997g (size 56, raw)
- Fork weight ~383g (uncut)
- Price range: ~$1009-$1350+ depending on options
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price and what does it include?
Price varies: ~$1009 for unpainted frame without handlebar including shipping/taxes, ~$1350 for painted frame with handlebar. Includes frame, fork, seatpost, mounting hardware, UDH hanger, front derailleur hanger, thru axles, and grommets.
What is the tire clearance?
Maximum clearance is approximately 35mm tires with 4mm clearance on each side. Some users run 34mm Vittoria Corsa or similar.
Are there seatpost issues?
Early production frames had tight seatpost tolerances causing sticking. Manufacturer states this is resolved in later production, and zero-offset seatpost option is now available.
Are decals mandatory on painted frames?
Initially, decals (including "XMCS" and "Revenger") were mandatory on painted frames. Recently, manufacturer stated only XMCS/Carbon Speed decal on downtube will remain, with fewer decals on new frames.
What bottom bracket standard is used?
T47 bottom bracket is used. Some debate about T47i (internal) vs. T47 (external), with T47i considered stiffer and more aero. SRAM DUB BBs with small bearings may have longevity concerns.
What is the geometry like?
Endurance geometry with high stack and low reach for comfortable, upright position while maintaining aero capabilities. Long chainstays (422mm) provide stability. Seat tube angle is 73°, which some find slack.