The XMCS Gran Turismo frameset is a well-built, one-piece molded carbon endurance road bike offering good value with a comfortable yet aerodynamic ride, though it has some design limitations like tight tire clearance and early production seatpost issues.
Pros
- One-piece molded construction with no adhesive joints for strength
- Clean internal construction with no visible joints
- Good finish on critical areas like headset seats and bottom bracket threads
- Comfortable yet aerodynamic ride with smooth handling and good stability
Cons
- Nude finish makes blemishes more visible
- Not as high quality as premium brands like Evolved Chamers
- Limited tire clearance (maximum approximately 35mm)
- Early production frames had seatpost tolerance issues causing sticking/seizing
Key Facts
- One-piece molded T800 carbon construction
- Frame weight approximately 987-997g (size M/56)
- Fork weight approximately 383-393g
Reviews & Ratings
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 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
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
Where to Buy
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
Questions about XM Carbon Speed XMCS Gran Turismo frameset
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