The XMCS VRT (also called XM Carbon Speed VRT or AERYS:VRT) is a direct-to-consumer aero road frameset that delivers wind-tunnel-verified aerodynamics competitive with the Cervélo S5 and Quick Pro ER:One at a fraction of the price. Independent testing and early owner reports praise its build quality, stiffness, and value, but the steep 74° seat tube angle, limited seatpost setback, crosswind sensitivity, and lack of UCI approval are recurring concerns. The wheels sold with the frame have been criticized for a weak radial-lacing pattern that led to a spoke failure.
Pros
- Wind tunnel data shows aerodynamic performance competitive with Cervélo S5 and better than Quick Pro ER1 in all configurations; lowest rider-inclusive drag among tested bikes123
- Excellent value: $1,650-$2,000 for frame, cockpit, and custom paint, undercutting established brands143
- High-quality build: clean threads, no facing needed, perfect BB threads, premium paint and decals, easy to build152
- Stiff and responsive: no bottom bracket flex, accelerates quickly, holds speed well, climbs well out of the saddle52
- Comfortable ride with good vertical compliance, more comfortable than Scott Foil and Quick Pro ER:One52
- T47 bottom bracket, UDH compatible, mechanical and electronic shifting compatible423
- Custom paint and logo options included; raw carbon no-logo option available452
- Five-year warranty3
Cons
- Steep 74° seat tube angle and limited seatpost setback (~8mm) cause fit issues for riders needing significant saddle setback; 15-20mm setback post not yet widely available123
- Crosswind sensitivity due to deep head tube, especially at 40kph; marginally worse than QuickPro ER1 and Scott Foil RC Pro123
- Wheels have radial lacing on rear disc side, leading to a spoke break within a month; cannot be relaced due to spoke hole drilling4
- Real-world frame weights higher than claimed (size L measured 994g vs 925g quoted; size M 930-994g vs 885g claimed)32
- Not UCI approved yet as of August 2026; certification pending, which may hinder competitive use23
- Full wind tunnel report not publicly available; only shared with select reviewers, raising transparency concerns2
- Packaging issues: hardware scattered due to broken internal packaging; slight uneven spot in head tube where upper headset seat sits5
- No storage compartment or bento mounts; head tube bearing cover sits proud2
Key Facts
- Wind tunnel tested at Silverstone: bike-only drag within 0.7 watts of Cervélo S5; rider-inclusive CdA 0.3313 (fastest tested combo), independent CdA 0.281 hoods / 0.239 aero123
- Claimed frame weight 885g (size M) / 925g (size L) including hangers and bolts; measured 930-994g (M unpainted), 961.9g (L painted without UDH hanger); fork 445g claimed, 439-470g measured; seatpost 167-192g32
- Price: $1,650 USD for frameset (frame + hardware); $1,800-$1,900 including handlebar and basic custom paint213
- Tire clearance: officially 35mm; can fit up to 38mm measured tires (especially with 1x setups)214
- Frame uses Toray T1000, 40T, 30T carbon and Mitsubishi SCM material with a monobloc mold; threaded T47-85.5 bottom bracket; UDH compatible; system weight limit 115kg324
- Seat tube angle 74°; seatpost setback ~8mm, with 0mm and 15mm offset options available and a 20mm setback version expected12
- Available in sizes XS to XXL (M, L, XL initially; XS not yet as of mid-2026); custom paint and logo options included32
- Five-year warranty; UCI approval still pending as of August 202632
Sources
- 1Patrick LinoFASTER Than Cervelo S5 & Quick Pro - XM CarbonSpeed VRT
- 2ChinertownXMCS: 2026 Aero and Allround road frames
- 3Cyclists HubXMCS Vortex (VRT): Aero Frame Backed by Data - Cyclists Hub
- 4NERO CyclingWhy This $1,700 Chinese Frame Is A Threat To Specialized | NERO Show
- 5APXMCS VRT Aero Bike Quick Overview
Reviews & Ratings
10:04The reviewer, Al, discusses his XMCS aero bike frame, highlighting its design, build quality, and initial ride impressions. He notes that the frame offers appealing features like a deep head tube, straight down tube, and the ability to run wider tires, but mentions some packaging issues and a minor imperfection in the head tube. Overall, he is impressed with the frame's stiffness, acceleration, and speed, and appreciates the option for a raw, logo-free finish.
01:34:28The reviewer discusses the XMCS VRT frame and wheels, noting that the wheels have a problematic spoke lacing pattern (radial lacing on the rear disc side) which is known to put more pressure on spokes, leading to a spoke breaking within a month. The reviewer lost confidence in the wheels and cannot recommend them, suggesting they should be avoided. The frame is described as having a slender head tube, T47 bottom bracket, UDH, and tire clearance up to 34mm measured (likely fitting 38mm measured tires). The frame is priced around $1,700 USD for frame, fork, and seatpost, or $1,900 with handlebars and custom paint option.
27:19The reviewer discusses the XMCS AERYS:VRT (unreleased), now renamed XM Carbon Speed VRT or XMS VRT, a frame set from XM Carbon Speed. They highlight its price ($1,900-$2,000 USD), wind tunnel results showing it outperforms the QuickPro ER1 and is comparable to the Cervelo S5, especially with rider-inclusive testing where it achieved the lowest drag. The reviewer notes excellent build quality, fit and finish, and recommends the frame after 1,000 miles, but cautions about geometry fit due to a steep seat tube angle (74°) and limited seatpost setback.
The XMCS Vortex (VRT) is an aero frame from a small Chinese brand that has been wind tunnel tested at Silverstone, with published data showing it is competitive with the Cervélo S5. The reviewer notes that while the numbers are impressive, the frame has fit limitations and crosswind sensitivity. It is priced at around $1,650 for the frameset.
The XMCS AERYS:VRT is a new aero road frame from XMCS, initially priced at $1650 USD (frame + hardware) but updated to $1800-$1900 including handlebar and basic custom paint. It weighs approximately 930-994g (size M, unpainted) with a painted size L frame at 961.9g (without derailleur mount/UDH hanger); fork uncut 470g, cut 439g; seatpost uncut 192.1g, cut 167.1g. The frame offers 35mm tire clearance (can fit up to 38mm measured tires), is made from carbon fiber using a monobloc mold, and features a 2-bolt saddle clamp, zero and 15mm offset seatposts (20mm setback expected soon), and compatibility with mechanical and electronic shifting. It is designed for aerodynamics with a deep headtube, narrow front profile, and completed wind tunnel testing at Silverstone. Results show the VRT is aerodynamically competitive with the Cervelo S5 and Quick Pro ER:One; with rider, it was slightly faster than the S5 in some configurations. Independent CdA testing by a forum member measured 0.281 in a normal hoods position and 0.239 in full aero position, with the GRT model at 0.301. The frame is now listed on the XMCS website for ordering, with sizes M, L, and XL available (XS not yet), and full size range expected Summer 2026. Early reviews highlight excellent straight-line speed, responsive climbing, and comfort slightly better than the Scott Foil and Quick Pro ER:One, but note crosswind sensitivity and fit challenges for riders needing significant saddle setback due to the 74° seat tube angle. The fork design has been critiqued for its upward-angled ridge, but overall quality and engineering are praised, with positive feedback from aero engineers at Eurobike. Recent owner feedback (September 2026) notes excellent frame quality: no facing needed, perfect BB threads, robust feel with no downtube flex, and premium paint and decals. The Di2 battery mount is inside the seatpost, and some riders may need to cut the seatpost down to avoid interference with the seat stays. UCI approval is still pending as of August 2026. The full wind tunnel report is not publicly available, but was shared with select reviewers (Nero Show, patliean1) who summarized it positively. Real-world rides suggest the bike is a fast platform, though claims require controlled testing. The brand lacks UCI certification, which may affect adoption among competitive cyclists. A full review video has been published by patliean1, but the complete wind tunnel PDF report has not yet been made public. The Eurobike demo bike weighed 6.48kg (excl pedals).
AI Summary
Pros
- High quality engineering and in-house manufacturing/testing
- Lightweight for an aero frame (sub-1000g)
- 35mm tire clearance
more pros in the review
Cons
- Fork design may have aerodynamic issues (upward-angled ridge)
- High price ($1650) compared to other Chinese DTC frames, approaching $2000 with shipping/paint
- No aero performance data (CFD or wind tunnel) yet
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Price: $1650 USD for frameset (frame + hardware); updated to $1800-$1900 including handlebar and basic custom paint
- Weight: 930-994g (size M, unpainted); 961.9g (size L painted without derailleur mount/UDH hanger); fork uncut 470g, cut 439g; seatpost uncut 192.1g, cut 167.1g
- Tire clearance: 35mm officially; can fit up to 38mm measured tires
more key points in the review
Specifications
Attributes
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