XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike

[ElRey]

I’m interested in buying this frame and would prefer a logo but, like others here, the proposed design for the XMCS one is terrible. So +1 if there’s any scope for Peter/design team to revisit - (the suggestion of replicating the wheel logo design was a good one imo).

I’m not that bothered about current chainring limitation, but presumably one workaround with the current frame design would be to go with a mullet set-up, so you can push the chainline out and therefore fit a bigger chainring? Or am I missing something? (Appreciate not everyone wants a mullet set-up even if technically a solution.)

Apologies if I’ve missed it somewhere but what’s the headset specs for this frame and what interface standard do the xmcs aero bars/stem adhere to (ACR,DCR, etc)? Is the steerer tube round or a propriety shape?

[Requiem84]

Yes, transmission chainline will indeed allow you to go bigger on the chain ring.

Headset is standard FSA ACR, with OD1 steerer and handlebar. So you have a lot of flexibility there.

[Samuel BMR]

Yes, 57mm wam easy.

Riser handlebars yes (you did not see the video maybe?). Not sure what I can tell more about them compared to what was already shared. What exactly do you want to know?

Weight, width available & price! These look great!! Perfect fit with the bike

[spud]

The XMCS logo is very similar to the ENVE logo, which seems not to generate so much hate. If you rotated it down to the bottom of the down tube, closer to the BB, it might be more palatable. Though ENVE might get worked up about it.

[Ghandy]

The XMCS logo is very similar to the ENVE logo, which seems not to generate so much hate. If you rotated it down to the bottom of the down tube, closer to the BB, it might be more palatable. Though ENVE might get worked up about it.

That’s what I was thinking as well, you might be right tho…

[thaus]

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.

[xcelrec]

VMrC   

[thaus]

VMrC   

I see your point. But its the same lettering as on the rims. Yes, you could easily mistake the half-x for a v. However, Im not suggesting we redesign the logo for Peter from scratch. At least the existing logo establishes a link to the rims: ‘Oh, it’s the same lettering. The frame must be from the same manufacturer as the rims.’ Branding is often about simplicity and recognisability within ones own product range.

[xcelrec]

I see your point. But its the same lettering as on the rims. Yes, you could easily mistake the half-x for a v. However, Im not suggesting we redesign the logo for Peter from scratch. At least the existing logo establishes a link to the rims: ‘Oh, it’s the same lettering. The frame must be from the same manufacturer as the rims.’ Branding is often about simplicity and recognisability within ones own product range.

I meant this jokingly, I see your point and actually prefer it to simply slapping xmcs on the sides of the downtube. 

[altessockenfach]

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.

Yes, much better then the draft.

Maybe up the spacing a little and position it a little bit to the right.
And holographic of course. I couldn't manage to get the letters be cut off as they are on the rims, but directionwise:

[thaus]

A white frame with a holo effect font always looks so good!
You cant place the logo quite that high, because the frame flattens out a bit towards the fork. Thats why the lettering has to end before that point, otherwise the spacing from the bottom edge of the down tube will be uneven. The AI has also altered the frame shape slightly. Thats why I fired up Photoshop. 

[bournejd]

i ordered the frameset back in February - and this is the design i sent to Peter in April - raw carbon with white decals.

[akira11]

bike is now available for purchase in xmcs website 

[lukasss]

Hey Tim how was your first week with the bike? Did you get to use it and how does it ride?

[Requiem84]

Terribly enough I haven’t ridden it, just came back from a work trip abroad. First rides on the GRT and VRT this weekend.