$1,490 XMCS GRT Gravel Race Build. A Rival to the Best?

Can you build a race-ready gravel frameset for $1,490 without compromising on components or engineering?

In our previous video, we unboxed the XMCS GRT carbon gravel frameset and took a closer look at the build quality.

Now it's time to build up the frameset into a complete gravel rocketship.

For this build, I wanted a high-performance gravel bike capable of tackling all types of gravel rides, without paying the premium price typically associated with legacy cycling brands.

Before choosing the XMCS GRT, I considered several alternatives, including the Specialized S-Works Crux, Allied Able, Fara GR4, and Tavelo Grow. In this episode, I walk through those comparisons, explaining why I ultimately selected the XMCS GRT.

THE XMCS GRT BUILD KIT
Frameset: XMCS GRT Carbon Gravel (54cm)
Wheels: VoiceVelo GA5450 Carbon Aero Gravel
Tires: Continental RaceKing 2.2"
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT Wireless Di2
Shifters: Shimano GRX Di2 12-Speed
Brakes: Shimano GRX
Crankset: Elilee XXE X310 Carbon, 42T
Power Meter: ArcRayo ARS
Cassette: Shimano 9–45T
Handlebar: XMCS Carbon Riser, 400mm/80mm
Seatpost: XMCS Carbon Aero
Bottom Bracket: Senicx T47 Ceramic

On paper, the XMCS GRT offers many of the features found on significantly more expensive gravel framesets. But specifications and build quality are only part of the story.

How does it actually ride? How does it handle rough gravel, technical terrain, and the demands of racing?

Those are questions I will answer at Big Sugar Gravel in Bentonville, Arkansas, where I wlll put this bike through its first major gravel race.

Subscribe and follow the XMCS GRT build as we take it from unboxing to build to race-day testing.

Would you build a race bike around a $1,490 carbon frameset, or would you spend more for an established brand? Let me know in the comments.

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:46 The Misconception
3:39 Why XMCS?
6:40 GRT vs...
7:10 S-Work Crux 5
8:30 Fara GR4
9:34.Allied Able
11:14 Tavelo Grow
13:16 The Build
19:04 Build Weight
19:13 Ride Review...

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