The XMCS GRT is a gravel racing frameset with massive tire clearance (57mm, fitting 2.4" MTB tires with 4-5mm clearance), aero tube shapes, in-frame storage, and a T47 85.5mm bottom bracket. It is praised for its stable, compliant ride and strong aerodynamic performance (only 11W slower than the VRT at 35 km/h, CdA 0.301), but criticized for limited 1x chainring clearance (max 46T, 48T with certain chainlines), a proprietary aero seatpost, and long lead times. Priced at USD 1490 for the frame, it competes with premium gravel frames while offering custom paint and unbranded options.
Pros
- Excellent tire clearance: 57mm front and rear, fits 2.4" MTB tires with 4-5mm clearance.12
- Lightweight: complete bike 7.9kg excluding pedals; frame ~1025-1035g (size M).12
- Strong aerodynamic performance: only 11W slower than VRT at 35 km/h, CdA 0.301.1
- Supports both 1x and 2x drivetrains, electronic and mechanical; 2x 48/31T confirmed, 50/37T after update.12
- Compliant and stable ride feel, especially on rough gravel; more planted than some other gravel bikes.12
- Standard FSA ACR headset and round steerer provide flexibility for cockpit choices.12
- Available with or without branding, allowing custom paint and logo choices.2
- Handlebar design praised for comfortable drop position and large flare (90mm) for control.12
- No toe-overlap with 2.4" tires on size M frame (shoe size 43).1
- Includes mounting points on top tube and down tube for accessories like top tube bags.1
- Frame is rugged and suitable for ultra-distance events; can handle rough terrain.1
Cons
- Limited 1x chainring size: max 46T (48T possible with certain chainlines), may be insufficient for some riders.12
- Proprietary aero seatpost limits compatibility and customization options.1
- Lacks dedicated rack or fender mounts; no fork mounting points.1
- Long lead times: 2.5-3 months for custom builds; delivery May-August 2026.12
- High price: USD 1490 for frame; with handlebars and shipping ~$2000, approaching competitors like QUICKPRO/TAVELO/SEKA.1
- Steering less sharp and requires more force to change direction, less suited for twisty single track.2
- No dedicated US dealer; customers must order directly from China, incurring customs duties and import VAT.2
- Frame does not come with internal storage bags; sourcing aftermarket bags may be necessary.1
- Some early frames lack a third bottle cage mount under the down tube; updated frame available October 2026 will include it.2
- Customer experience and ordering process need improvement; some emails not answered promptly.1
- Branding and logo design received mixed feedback; some find it unappealing.1
Key Facts
- Tire clearance: 57mm front and rear; fits 2.4" MTB tires (61mm WAM) with 4-5mm clearance.12
- Frame weight: ~1025-1035g (size M); complete bike weight: 7.9kg excluding pedals (road spec with 65mm wheels and 28c tires: 7.4kg including pedals).12
- Bottom bracket: T47 85.5mm; headset: FSA ACR with OD1 steerer; proprietary aero seatpost.12
- 1x max chainring: 46T (48T possible with certain chainlines; 50T unlikely without transmission chainline).12
- 2x compatibility: GRX 48/31T confirmed; 50/37T after update; 52-36T compact road expected to work.2
- In-frame storage: door 4x13cm, deepest point 5cm; no internal storage bags included.1
- Aerodynamic performance: 11W slower than VRT at 35 km/h, CdA 0.301 vs 0.281.1
- Geometry (size M): reach 395mm, stack 568mm, STA 74°, effective top tube 558mm; close to Specialized Tarmac SL8 size 56.2
- Price: USD 1490 for frame; package deals: frame+handlebar USD 1690, frame+handlebar+wheelset USD 2390.1
- Delivery: size M May/June 2026, S/L June/July, XL July/August; pre-orders require 50% deposit.1
- Updated frame available October 2026 will include a third bottle cage mount under the down tube.2
Reviews & Ratings
The XMCS GRT is a gravel racing frameset from XMCS (formerly associated with the AERYS brand). It is designed for gravel racing with a focus on compliance, stability, and massive tire clearance. The frame fits 2.4" mountain bike tires in the rear with 4-5mm clearance (61mm WAM) and has huge front clearance. It features a slightly sloped top tube for seatpost compliance, a 1x-specific design with max 46T chainring (48T possible with certain chainlines), and internal routing with FSA ACR headset standards. The complete bike weighs 7.9kg excluding pedals. It is available as a frameset or complete build, with complete builds handbuilt in the Netherlands. The frame is offered with XMCS branding or unbranded. A 2027 model may feature a new name like AERYS. An updated frame available in October 2026 will include a third bottle cage mount under the down tube. The GRT is praised for its looks, compliance, and stability, but criticized for limited 1x chainring size and some geometry quirks.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent tire clearance: fits 2.4" MTB tires in the rear with 4-5mm clearance (61mm WAM) and huge front clearance.
- Compliant and stable ride feel, especially on rough gravel; more planted and confidence-inspiring than some other gravel bikes.
- Attractive, classical design with a slightly sloped top tube that looks 'right' from every angle.
more pros in the review
Cons
- Limited 1x chainring size: max 46T (48T possible with certain chainlines), which may be insufficient for some riders needing higher gearing.
- Steering is less sharp and requires more force to change direction, making it less suited for very twisty single track.
- Some early frames lack a third bottle cage mount under the down tube; updated frame available October 2026 will include it.
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Fits 2.4" tires in the rear with 4-5mm clearance (61mm WAM).
- Complete bike weight: 7.9kg excluding pedals.
- Frame weight: 1025g (size M).
more key points in the review
The XMCS 2026 Gravel Bike (GRT) is an aero gravel frame designed by Peter, featuring 57mm tire clearance front and rear (confirmed to fit 2.4" tires with 4-5mm clearance). It has a T47 85.5mm bottom bracket, proprietary aero seatpost, in-frame storage, UDH compatibility, and mounting points on the top tube and down tube. The frame weight is approximately 1035g (size M) with a 450g fork. It supports both 1X and 2X drivetrains, though front derailleur mount may be tight with large tires. Two handlebar options are available: GR: AERO and GR: RISE (with 25mm extra stack). The frame is priced at USD 1490, with package deals including handlebars and wheelsets. Delivery is expected from May to August 2026, starting with size M. The design focuses on aero performance and wide tire clearance for racing, rather than adventure or touring features. The first frame has been produced and was displayed at Eurobike in June 2026, receiving significant attention. Recent testing confirmed that a 46T chainring fits with 57mm tires; 48T may be possible with a wider chainline, but 50T is unlikely. The official website currently states 1x 46T only, but they are working on an update for 48T or 50T. The team is investigating small chainstay refinements to allow up to 50T in a future version, though this may require dropping mechanical groupset compatibility. The branding and logo have received mixed feedback; in 2026 the frame will use the latest XMCS logo, with an option to order without decals. The team is working on a new branding concept for 2027. Standard paint is one simple color, with custom colors available at extra cost. The headset is standard FSA ACR with OD1 steerer. Some customers have noted that the ordering process and customer experience need improvement; communication has been criticized, and some feel the launch was mishandled. The bike is now available for purchase on the XMCS website. First ride reports from Tim (Requiem84) indicate excellent comfort and compliance, with stable handling and a praised handlebar design. No toe-overlap was experienced with 2.4" tires on a size M frame. Aerodynamic testing showed the GRT is only 11 watts slower at 35 km/h than the VRT, with a CdA of 0.301 vs 0.281. In road spec with 65mm wheels and 28c tires, the bike weighed 7.4kg including pedals. The frame does not come with internal storage bags, and custom logos are not offered. Recommended bottom brackets include Bikone and Ceramicspeed. The internal storage door is 4x13cm, deepest point 5cm high, and can fit a small pouch. Frame protection must be added by the user; there are mounting holes on the underside of the down tube for a bottle cage. The frame is rugged and suitable for ultra-distance events, though racks and fenders are less ideal. The GRT has been selling well, with coverage on Rennrad news and GCN Global, and XMCS had to hire more sales reps.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent 57mm tire clearance front and rear without compromising geometry
- Aero design with modern features like in-frame storage and proprietary seatpost
- Good geometry with racy handling (e.g., 71-71.5° HTA, short chainstays)
more pros in the review
Cons
- High price (USD 1490 for frame) compared to some competitors
- Proprietary aero seatpost limits compatibility and customization options
- Lacks some mounting points (e.g., rack, fender mounts) desired for versatility
more cons in the review
Key Points
- 57mm tire clearance (2.4" fits with 4-5mm clearance)
- T47 85.5mm bottom bracket
- Proprietary aero seatpost
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
XM Carbon Speed XMCS GRT (Gravel Racing Technology) Aero Gravel Frameset (30-50 days lead time now, depends on finish and paint)
XM Carbon Speed Frame | xmcs.nl
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Ordering & delivery
6Price & value
1Sizing & fit
3Compatibility
17Build & setup
1Ride & performance
4Durability & quality
1Finish & options
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