The XMCS VRT (also known as 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, with a lightweight sub-1000g frame, T47 bottom bracket, UDH compatibility, and up to 35-38mm tire clearance. Independent reviewers praise its speed, stiffness, and build quality, though the 74° seat tube angle and limited seatpost setback create fit challenges for some riders, and the frame lacks UCI approval as of late 2026. A companion wheelset option has been criticized for a weak radial lacing pattern that led to spoke breakage.
Pros
- Wind tunnel tested at Silverstone with published data showing competitive aerodynamics: with rider, slightly faster than Cervélo S5 (3-5 watts) and faster than QuickPro ER:One; bike-only within 0.7 watts of S5123
- Lightweight for an aero frame: sub-1000g (claimed 885g size M; measured 930-994g size M unpainted, 961.9g size L painted); complete bike builds around 6.48-6.8kg413
- Competitive price: $1,650 for frameset, $1,800-$1,900 with handlebar and custom paint; excellent value for aerodynamic performance234
- High-quality build: no facing needed, perfect BB threads, robust feel with no downtube flex, premium paint and decals; clean internal cable routing435
- Stiff yet compliant ride: significant bottom bracket stiffness for sprinting, good vertical compliance, comfortable and smooth comparable to Tarmac SL8 Pro351
- Fast and responsive: accelerates quickly, holds speed well into headwinds, feels fastest in straight line especially in tailwinds; nimble cornering354
- Compatible with standard FSA ACR headset and thru axles; T47 bottom bracket and UDH hanger simplify parts replacement and maintenance162
- Custom paint and unbranded option available; logo font and color customizable or no logo415
- Excellent tire clearance: fits up to 38mm measured tires (35mm official), with clearance for 38C on 1x setups436
- Available in six sizes (XS to XXL) including larger sizes up to 61cm equivalent for taller riders; full range expected Summer 2026241
Cons
- Steep 74° seat tube angle and limited seatpost setback (~8mm) may cause fit issues for riders needing significant saddle setback; 15-20mm setback post not yet widely available342
- Crosswind sensitivity due to deep head tube, especially at 40kph; marginally worse than QuickPro ER1 and Scott Foil RC Pro342
- Lacks UCI certification; approval still pending as of August 2026, which may hinder credibility and adoption among competitive cyclists42
- Real-world frame weights higher than claimed: size L measured at 994g vs 925g quoted; size M measured 930-994g vs 885g claimed24
- Full wind tunnel report not publicly available; only shared with select reviewers, raising transparency concerns; tests conducted without bottles may disadvantage frame vs designs optimized for bottles42
- Companion wheelset has radial lacing pattern on rear disc side, leading to spoke breakage within a month; wheels cannot be relaced due to spoke hole drilling; reviewer recommends avoiding them6
- Limited availability and slow production: some sizes not yet in production; size S and XXL not available at launch; delivery times vary14
- Proprietary computer mount must be ordered separately; no storage compartment or bento mounts unlike some competitors14
Key Facts
- Frame weight: claimed 885g (size M), 925g (size L); measured 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 167.1g421
- Wind tunnel tested at Silverstone: VRT with rider was slightly faster than Cervélo S5 (3-5 watts) and faster than QuickPro ER:One; bike-only within 0.7 watts of S5123
- Independent CdA measurements: 0.281 in hoods position, 0.239 in full aero position; GRT model measured 0.3014
- Price: $1,650 USD for frame + hardware; $1,800-$1,900 including handlebar and basic custom paint; one custom color included426
- Tire clearance: officially 35mm; can fit up to 38mm measured tires with 1x setup463
- Threaded T47-85.5 bottom bracket, UDH compatible, FSA ACR headset standard, 2-bolt saddle clamp, compatible with mechanical and electronic shifting216
- Seat tube angle 74°; seatpost offsets available: 0mm and 15mm, with 20mm setback expected; seatpost may need cutting for shorter riders due to Di2 battery mount inside seatpost43
- Material: Toray T1000, 40T, 30T carbon and Mitsubishi SCM; monobloc mold; system weight limit 115kg; five-year warranty24
Sources
- 1Weight-WeeniesXMCS: frames, handlebars, cranks, etc (anything other than wheels)
- 2Cyclists HubXMCS Vortex (VRT): Aero Frame Backed by Data - Cyclists Hub
- 3Patrick Lino2 sources
- 4ChinertownXMCS: 2026 Aero and Allround road frames
- 5APXMCS VRT Aero Bike Quick Overview
- 6NERO CyclingWhy This $1,700 Chinese Frame Is A Threat To Specialized | NERO Show
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.
14:54The reviewer discusses the XM Carbon Speed VRT frameset, which he received from Peter at Carbon Speed. He initially struggled with the fit, finding it too short even with a 140mm stem, but after rethinking his bike fit philosophy—moving the saddle forward 1.5–2cm, moving cleats back, and lowering the saddle 5–6mm—he achieved a comfortable and efficient position. He praises the bike's performance, comparing it favorably to his Tarmac SL8 Pro, noting its balanced smoothness, responsiveness, and bottom bracket stiffness. He considers it his main bike and plans to downsize his collection. The frameset costs about $1,900 with paint and integrated cockpit, and weighs under 1000g for an aero bike.
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 VRT is a high-performance aero road frameset from XMCS (formerly known under the AERYS brand name). It features a unique internal longitudinal rib in the down tube, top tube, and seat tube, which is claimed to enhance stiffness and allow for tuning of ride characteristics. The frame is lightweight (885g for size M, complete bike 6.48kg excl. pedals) and has been wind tunnel tested at Silverstone, showing competitive aerodynamic performance against the Cervelo S5 and QuickPro ER:One. It is available in multiple sizes, with custom paint options and unbranded versions. The VRT uses a standard FSA ACR headset and thru axles. Early adopters praise its speed, stiffness, and compliance, though some note a large gap between the rear tire and seat tube with 28mm tires. The frameset is priced around $2,000 USD and can be ordered directly from XMCS or through European distributors.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent aerodynamic performance, tested faster than Cervelo S5 with rider and QuickPro ER:One in wind tunnel tests.
- Lightweight frameset (885g for size M) and complete bike (6.48kg excl. pedals).
- Stiff yet compliant ride quality, with good comfort even with 31.5mm WAM tires at 4 bar.
more pros in the review
Cons
- Large gap between rear tire and seat tube with 28mm tires, which some find aesthetically unpleasing.
- Proprietary computer mount requires separate ordering, which may be inconvenient.
- Limited availability and slow production, with some sizes not yet in production.
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame weight: 885g (size M, painted), complete bike 6.48kg excl. pedals.
- Internal longitudinal rib in down tube, top tube, and seat tube.
- Wind tunnel tested at Silverstone; faster than Cervelo S5 with rider (3-5 watts).
more key points in the review
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
Patty30Where to Buy
XM Carbon Speed XMCS VRT (VORTEX) Aero Road Racing Frameset (30-50 days lead time now, depends on finish and paint)
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