XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike

[Requiem84]

I saw your comment on Instagram :-).

This is just a mock-up, so feedback always welcome. Peter and the team will read everything, so they’ll take it into account. I do see a lot of comments of people who like it though.

[Dan S.]

I recognize Patty’s backyard when I see it.

[hubba]

Too bad I kinda liked the Aerys logo, it was good enough though not perfect. That new mock up does look bad and I wouldn't even consider a frame with that kind of logo. I'm sure it will get better.

[frewster]

I actually like the logo concept. Clean, unique design to my eyes. What makes you say you wouldn't buy a bike with a logo like that?

[FabianBe]

I kind of agree with hubba. To me, it's an ok logo. But ok is not good. As an example, the X-lab branding is boring, does not have an identity to me. That's why I'd struggle to buy their GT 8 even if it is a good bike. Seka on the other hand have nailed their branding (maybe not the associated price tag) but it has a clear brand identity and is positioning itself a certain way in the market. The XMCS is not simple enough to be strong in my opinion. And I'm saying this as a designer myself.

Edit: I should add that I fully support going for XMCS as a wordmark, it's how you are known up until now and is unpretentious without marketing fluff.

[frewster]

Agreed on the X-labs branding. Very forgettable. An improvement that could be made to the XMCS mockup would be to widen the lettering or space it out some more to take up more of the downtube. Centering it more along the length instead of having it up near the head tube could also help it look more intentionally placed.

[xcelrec]

Honestly I'd also like xmcs as brand more, but I'm not really a fan of the huge letters on the downtube. Something small near the BB like Trek has on their current line-up would fit the 4 letters better, as its not too "loud". Guess all of this is personal preference anyway and we have to option to order without brand name anyway, correct?

[Requiem84]

Thanks everyone for the feedback, it is very much appreciated 👌.

My takeaway from the feedback here and elsewhere is that most people (not all!) prefer XMCS as a brand, they like the logo, but it could use some refinement.

It is surprising to me people prefer xmcs, as my thinking has been that the premium CN segment, in which these frames are now, need more identity, with a name that has a feeling and aligns to the values of xmcs. Xmcs as a name is quite technical, and if you see it for the first time just look like 4 letters of which you don’t know the meaning.

I think - hypothesis - is that people here, and the followers on IG - all know xmcs, and equal the name to quality. As xmcs makes quality stuff. For new customers, who are not familiar with the Chinertown type of brand, the feedback is that they prefer something else than the 4 letters.

So if we pursue still something like AERYS, which will be most likely quite similar, what would the thinking be? Would people still want the option to have xmcs on the frame? And for the ‘AERYS’ type of name, how can we improve the visuals / looks?

What we personally felt when it went from paper to frame is that the font could use some bolding. Now that we have a frame we can do some real life mock-ups ✌️.

All feedback is welcome!

[steadyuk]

Is this going to delay the Eurobike reveal of the aero gravel frame?

[Requiem84]

Is this going to delay the Eurobike reveal of the aero gravel frame?

No, the frame is here and will be build up next week.

[el nielsken]

personally, it could be a deal-breaker for me if (either on road or gravel frame)  it had this XMCS logo, the Aerys is way more appealing for me for some reason, more boutique and less factory-name like. Would be great if you would have 2 options for it (with an Aerys alternative ofc)
the new XMCS downtube decal mockup is well designed, but for some reason i don't find the funky font appealing on a bike frame (the Aerys had more clean lines, but i think if you use this font with the XMCS letters it could be quite unappealing)

[tmhbrl]

Some low effort chat gpting to give you an idea of how I would like the logo more (far from perfect, yet):

[Bobinski]

Whatever the name and font, mirror logo’s please and for those using 1x a cover to hide the front derailleur mounts 👍 A beautiful bike needs to look clean

[frewster]

Thanks everyone for the feedback, it is very much appreciated 👌.

My takeaway from the feedback here and elsewhere is that most people (not all!) prefer XMCS as a brand, they like the logo, but it could use some refinement.

It is surprising to me people prefer xmcs, as my thinking has been that the premium CN segment, in which these frames are now, need more identity, with a name that has a feeling and aligns to the values of xmcs. Xmcs as a name is quite technical, and if you see it for the first time just look like 4 letters of which you don’t know the meaning.

I think - hypothesis - is that people here, and the followers on IG - all know xmcs, and equal the name to quality. As xmcs makes quality stuff. For new customers, who are not familiar with the Chinertown type of brand, the feedback is that they prefer something else than the 4 letters.

So if we pursue still something like AERYS, which will be most likely quite similar, what would the thinking be? Would people still want the option to have xmcs on the frame? And for the ‘AERYS’ type of name, how can we improve the visuals / looks?

What we personally felt when it went from paper to frame is that the font could use some bolding. Now that we have a frame we can do some real life mock-ups ✌️.

All feedback is welcome!

I think you're on to something regarding forum users and IG followers generally being familiar with XMCS. If it's your first time seeing the brand name like that it feels like one of the many "fake" brands you see on Amazon or other ecommerce websites with gibberish brand names like BKXOFH that are impossible to remember and immediately forgotten by anyone who isn't an enthusiast. A more memorable brand name would likely be better for the general market who doesn't hang out on this kind of forum. 

[eins4eins]

The name alone won't do much for a premium image if the rest of the brands appearance doesn't live up to it. And thats where XMCS leaves a lot to be desired. The main websites and social media channels are a catastrophe in that regard. They look sketchy at best and not very trustworthy.
Requiems site is much better, but can't carry the brand alone.

I like the clean XMCS proposal from tmhbrl. The frame makes a convincing case with its technical arguments. A clean, technical typeface fits this much better than an ornate, decorative logo.