The XDS X-LAB AD9/RT9 is a lightweight, competitively priced carbon race bike with pro-level components and aerodynamic performance, though it faces criticism for harsh ride quality, limited size range, and availability challenges.
Pros
- Very lightweight (frame ~550g, complete bike as low as 6.39 kg)
- Competitive price for pro-level components (under $9,000 USD)
- Stiff frame with good handling and sprinting capability
- Threaded T47 bottom bracket and UDH for easy maintenance
Cons
- Harsh ride quality, especially on rough roads
- Limited size range (only XS to L, largest ~56 cm equivalent)
- Proprietary handlebar/spacer system limits customization
- Frame finish easily scratched (improved in later batches)
Key Facts
- Frame weight 550g (claimed) using Tore T1100 and M40X carbon fiber
- Total bike weight ranges from 6.39 kg (14 lb 3 oz) to 7.79 kg depending on spec
- Price under $9,000 USD for top-tier build with Dura-Ace Di2 and carbon wheels
Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer tested the XDS X-LAB AD9/RT9, a lightweight carbon road bike with disc brakes. They praised its low weight (6.39 kg) and stiff frame but criticized the harsh ride quality, which they attributed to the carbon-spoked Branta wheels. The frame finish was easily damaged, though XDS claimed to have addressed this in later batches. The bike's limited size range and the wheels' resemblance to Zipp were also noted as negatives.
AI Summary
Pros
- Extremely light frame (550 g) and overall bike weight (6.39 kg)
- Stiff frame with good handling
- Round tube design reduces crosswind sensitivity
- Threaded BSA bottom bracket and UDH derailleur hanger
- Free swapping of cockpit and cranks after order
- Lower price compared to competitors like Specialized and Scott
Cons
- Harsh ride quality, especially on rough roads
- Carbon-spoked wheels are uncomfortable and feel like 'Flintstones car'
- Frame finish is easily scratched or marked (though later batches have improved coating)
- Only four sizes available, with largest equivalent to 56 cm
- Wheels have branding similar to Zipp, causing confusion
- Stock components (cranks, bars) are very short/narrow, likely for weight saving rather than fit
Key Points
- Frame weight: 550 g
- Total bike weight: 6.39 kg (14 lb 3 oz)
- Wheels: Branta C50 ULR, 50 mm deep, 22 mm internal width, carbon spokes
- Tires: Michelin Pro 5S 28 mm
- Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace
- Frame material: Tore T1100 and M40X carbon fiber
- Price: $9,150
- Frame sets to be available in the future
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L (largest ~56 cm equivalent)
- BSA threaded bottom bracket, UDH derailleur hanger
The reviewer presents the XDS X-LAB AD9 as a new 2026 model race bike that he believes will challenge the bicycle industry. He highlights its professional specifications, competitive pricing under $9,000 USD, and performance features, noting it is used by Team Astana in the pro peloton. He shares his initial riding impressions and details the bike's components, aerodynamics, and design.
AI Summary
Pros
- Under $9,000 USD for a pro-level bike
- Full Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset
- In-house carbon fiber cranks with integrated power meter (±1% accuracy)
- In-house carbon fiber wheels (Brenta C50s, ~1230g for 50mm depth)
- Very lightweight (15 lbs 15 oz / 7.17 kg in medium with accessories)
- Aerodynamically tested faster than Canyon Aero and Scott Foil in wind tunnel
- Beautiful color design (violet/purple fade to pink with raw carbon)
- Race-ready out of the box
- Includes 165mm cranks and zero-offset seatpost on medium size
- 20mm of stack height for aggressive race positioning
- Comes with 38x100mm handlebar/stem on medium
- Up to 32C tire clearance
- UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) compatible
- T47 bottom bracket for reliability
- Stiff carbon fiber frame
- Magnetic charger for power meter
Cons
- Medium size sent by accident is slightly short for the reviewer
- Handlebar tape becomes slippery when wet from sweat
- Wheel nipples are internal, requiring tire removal for truing
- Wheel hubs have exposed heads (prefers enclosed)
- Comes with tubes (reviewer swapped to TPU tubes)
- Battery for Di2 is inside downtube, requiring bottom bracket removal for access
- UDH hanger is heavier than standard
- Reviewer prefers Continental tires over the stock Michelin Pro Fives
Key Points
- 2026 model year
- 15 lbs 15 oz (7.17 kg) in medium with pedals, power meter, cages, and mount
- Price under $9,000 USD
- Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12-speed groupset
- In-house carbon cranks, power meter, chainrings (52/36), and wheels
- Brenta C50 carbon wheels with carbon spokes (~1230g)
- 20mm stack height, zero-offset seatpost
- 165mm cranks on medium, 170mm on large
- 38x100mm handlebar/stem on medium
- T47 bottom bracket
- UDH compatible
- 32C tire clearance
- Used by Team Astana in pro cycling
cyclingnews.com
The reviewer states that the XDS X-LAB AD9 is an extremely competent aero road bike that performs comparably to WorldTour competitors, with neutral handling and good sprinting capability, though it is not the most exciting ride and has some purchasing limitations.
AI Summary
Pros
- Extremely competent and sure-footed
- Neutral but pleasing handling characteristics
- Good for high-wattage sprints
- Gloss paint job is easy to maintain
- Wheels work well with the frame
- Fit and finish on par with established Western brands
- Reassuringly predictable at high speeds
- Stable feeling with no hint of instability
Cons
- Not the most exciting to ride
- Cannot swap the cockpit at point of sale
- Harder to get hold of compared to more common brands
- Fork clearance is quite tight with 30mm tires
Key Points
- Weight: 7.79kg (with pedals, computer mount, bottle cages and 30c tyres)
- Prices: $13,499 (Astana spec), $3,751 (frameset incl seatpost and cockpit)
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Colours: Black, Blue fade, Astana
- Geometry: 73 degree head angle, 73.5 degree seat tube angle, 553mm stack, 395mm reach, 410mm chainstays
- Compared to Canyon Aeroad with claimed 0.4-watt efficiency saving
- Wind tunnel results placed it in the middle of the pack
- Handling described as similar to Giant Propel
The XDS X-LAB AD9 (also referred to as RT9) is a lightweight carbon road bike discussed by forum users. It's compared to the Specialized Aethos, with users noting its competitive weight (around 6.1kg in a ready-to-ride setup with 50mm aero wheels) and potential as a more affordable alternative. Key attributes mentioned include its use of high-modulus carbon fiber to achieve low weight, IS52 headset standard for compatibility, and mixed signals about international availability. Users debate whether it's a direct Aethos competitor or knockoff, with some noting limited production and high costs.
AI Summary
Pros
- Competitive lightweight performance similar to high-end bikes like Specialized Aethos
- Potential price advantage over comparable lightweight bikes
- Uses standard IS52 headset for easy component compatibility
Cons
- Limited availability and unclear international distribution strategy
- Proprietary handlebar/spacer system that may limit customization
- Reportedly high production costs leading to limited production
Key Points
- Weight around 6.1kg in ready-to-ride setup
- Uses high-modulus carbon fiber construction
- IS52 headset standard
- Designed as lightweight non-aero bike comparable to Specialized Aethos
Where to Buy
XDS X-LAB AD9
Specifications
Included Components
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