Author Topic: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike  (Read 180874 times)

eddiecycle

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #285 on: July 07, 2026, 11:15:42 AM »
Makes sense that uber long chainstays push the tire away from the derailleur. The official specs are for any chainstay length and assume the widest point on the tire is beside the derailleur. I'm guessing you'll be fine with 50mm as long as you're like me and don't care too much about clearance

Requiem84

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #286 on: July 07, 2026, 11:57:12 AM »
I can't really send you mine as I'm using it. Testing with Force FD would also help. I thought it would be in your interest to list the FD clearance in the specs now that you (or Peter) are selling the frame.

I don’t sell the frame as a standalone product and I’m already answering 15-30 emails/dm’s per day about a bunch of details on a product (VRT and GRT) I don’t - standalone - sell myself, or to people in markets I don’t sell to at all. It’s becoming a bit of a pro deo job ^^.

If it’s crucial for you to get the GRX Di2 clearance - best to check in with Peter. I will mention it to him too.

Since it’s for next summer for you, I presume you are not in a rush though



TommyGun

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #287 on: July 08, 2026, 02:11:26 AM »
Your tire clearance with a 2x will be limited by the derailleur itself, so you should be able to get that spec from Shimano. I believe it's something like 48mm but it's been a long time since I was looking at 2x specs.

Edit: just did a quick web search and looks like Shimano and Sram both list 45mm as their official max tire size with a gravel front derailleur. Your realistic max is prolly closer to 48-50mm depending on how comfortable you are with the tire being close to the derailleur
It should be differrant from frame to frame.
MY Addict Gravel has official 45mm tyre clearance. Have just fitted 48c tyre (also 48mm wide) with about 3-4mm clearance on the chainstays. But my Di2 FD still has about 8mm on the head, and +10mm to the cage of FD.

Requiem84

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #288 on: July 08, 2026, 04:13:40 AM »
Some more shots of my ride this morning.

TommyGun

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #289 on: July 08, 2026, 04:24:40 AM »
Great looking bike. Too bad, you do not have any hills, so you could report on climbing and descending.

Requiem84

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #290 on: July 08, 2026, 04:30:49 AM »
Will bring it to the Veluwe next week, some ups and downs there. But nothing serious like outside NL. May do some riding in Spain in October. But by then I expect that we have seen a lot more riding reports from others.

this is dog

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #291 on: July 09, 2026, 12:47:13 PM »
Some more shots of my ride this morning.

Wat een beest! 💥

Requiem84

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #292 on: July 09, 2026, 01:06:25 PM »
Wat een beest! 💥

You better be talking about me ^^.

this is dog

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #293 on: July 09, 2026, 03:44:27 PM »
You better be talking about me ^^.

🤣

Bobinski

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #294 on: July 10, 2026, 03:12:18 AM »
My fitter is a bit wary of me fitting and more impoirtantly enjoying the VRT with my aging back so looking at this as an alternative. I appreciate a very different bike but close to those racey aero gravel bikes that will probably be ok with a set of road wheels. Tim, I know you don't want to talk about speed etc but any observations on comfort etc...and if you are feeling brave, speed compared to a non aero gravel bike? :)

Requiem84

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #295 on: July 10, 2026, 07:09:12 AM »
My fitter is a bit wary of me fitting and more impoirtantly enjoying the VRT with my aging back so looking at this as an alternative. I appreciate a very different bike but close to those racey aero gravel bikes that will probably be ok with a set of road wheels. Tim, I know you don't want to talk about speed etc but any observations on comfort etc...and if you are feeling brave, speed compared to a non aero gravel bike? :)

Geo isn’t really a lot more relaxed tho? Size M GRT is very similar to VRT L. If you go GRT S it will be very low.

Comfort is really good so far. It certainly is not a slow frame compared to other gravel frames I have ridden.

Bonus79

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #296 on: July 10, 2026, 10:05:15 AM »
First of all, thanks for the positive feedback on my last mock-up. So here is a second, slightly improved version.

I really liked the choice of the word ‘aerys’, but the font didnt match the ‘XMCS’ on the rims. You cant please everyone but the fact that the majority would prefer a frame without any branding shows that the current concept isnt quite right yet. I very much hope that the latest logo posted by requiem doesnt get the green light, as it again doesnt match the font on the rims and lacks a consistent design language. The ENVE logo, even though its just as intricate, is symmetrical and simple, making it very pleasing to the eye. The proposed font is very obtrusive, looks cheap and lacks a timeless appeal.

I hope more care is put into the design as (for me) branding is just as much a part of a good frame as the quality or the lay-up.

Edit: I just want to make clear that Im simply trying to help. The GRT and VRT frames look great otherwise, Ive already seen them in Frankfurt at the weekend.

I agree with everything you wrote.

As I already mentioned in the VRT discussion, I like the XMCS logo/brand: it’s simple and distinctive.

It just needs a bit more attention paid to the graphic design, and this version that echoes the wheels design is, in my opinion, the best one!

Bobinski

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #297 on: July 10, 2026, 10:31:05 AM »
Geo isn’t really a lot more relaxed tho? Size M GRT is very similar to VRT L. If you go GRT S it will be very low.

Comfort is really good so far. It certainly is not a slow frame compared to other gravel frames I have ridden.

Fitter said exactly same as you Tim. But says the medium GRT puts me more in middle of the bike. Stand over height on the L VRT would be a challenge.
« Last Edit: July 10, 2026, 10:38:10 AM by Bobinski »

AFE

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #298 on: July 11, 2026, 12:23:27 AM »
Any thoughts on the relatively slack 71.2° head tube angle? I’m a bit concerned it might make the bike feel sluggish to steer.

Bambelbie

Re: XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike
« Reply #299 on: July 11, 2026, 04:57:30 AM »
nothing out of the ordinary...just the way geo is heading.
same on the new Crux or whatever ... you name it