The XMCS VRT is a competitively priced aero frame with wind tunnel data showing it rivals top-tier bikes like the Cervelo S5, but its steep seat tube angle and crosswind sensitivity may limit fit for some riders.
Pros
- Competitive price for frame, cockpit, and custom paint
- Wind tunnel data shows aerodynamic performance comparable to Cervelo S5 and QuickPro ER1
- Lightweight for an aero frame (sub-1000g)
- 35mm tire clearance (up to 38mm measured)
Cons
- Steep seat tube angle (74°) limits saddle setback; only ~8mm setback post available (15-20mm forthcoming)
- Crosswind sensitivity due to deep headtube
- Real-world frame weights higher than claimed (size L 994g vs 925g quoted)
- Wind tunnel tests conducted without bottles, potentially disadvantaging frame vs bottle-optimized designs
Key Facts
- Price: $1,650-$1,900 USD for frameset including handlebar and custom paint
- Claimed frame weight: 885g (size M), 925g (size L) including hangers and bolts; real-world weight ~930-994g
- Fork weight: 445g uncut, 439g cut; seatpost uncut 192.1g, cut 167.1g
Reviews & Ratings
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Frame has T47 bottom bracket
- UDH compatible
- Can fit up to 38mm measured tires
more pros in the video
Cons
- Wheels have radial lacing pattern on rear disc side, which is weaker
- Spoke broke within a month of use
- Reviewer lost confidence in wheels and recommends avoiding them
more cons in the video
Key Points
- Frame and wheels are from XMCS, a brand known for value high-quality wheels
- Frame originally intended to be called 'Aries' but trademark issues led to 'VRT'
- Frame price: ~$1,700 USD for frame, fork, seatpost; ~$1,900 with handlebars and custom paint
more key points in the video
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Competitive price ($1,900-$2,000 USD) for frame, cockpit, and custom paint
- Wind tunnel results show lower aerodynamic drag than QuickPro ER1 in all configurations
- Comparable aerodynamic performance to Cervelo S5 in bike-only testing
more pros in the video
Cons
- Seat tube angle (74°) may not suit riders preferring traditional saddle setback; reviewer struggled to achieve ideal fit
- Seatpost has only ~8mm setback, though a 15-20mm setback post is planned
- Crosswind stability marginally worse than QuickPro ER1 and Scott Foil RC Pro
more cons in the video
Key Points
- Frame set, cockpit, and custom paint cost $1,900-$2,000 USD
- Renamed from XMCS AERYS:VRT to XM Carbon Speed VRT or XMS VRT due to paperwork issues
- Wind tunnel testing at Silverstone at ~45 km/h; aerodynamic drag accounts for ~85% of resistance
more key points in the video
cyclistshub.com
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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Wind tunnel tested at Silverstone with published data
- Competitive aero performance, within 0.7 watts of Cervélo S5 in bike-only run
- Reasonable price at $1,650 for frameset
more pros in the blog post
Cons
- Steep seat tube angle (74 degrees) limits saddle setback options
- Crosswind sensitivity due to deep head tube
- Not UCI approved yet (certification expected before August 2026)
more cons in the blog post
Key Points
- Frame uses Toray T1000, 40T, 30T carbon and Mitsubishi SCM material
- Threaded T47-85.5 bottom bracket
- System weight limit of 115kg
more key points in the blog post
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. 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. 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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