XMCS: 2026 Aero Gravel bike

[Requiem84]

Does anybody know if there is some frame protection on the down tube of the frame, and is it possible to mount an additional bottle cage there

Frame protection you need to add yourself, underside of down tube should be mounting holes. Weren’t on the pre production frame, but should be now. Best to check with Peter when you order.

[svedkoko]

?

https://www.xmcarbonspeed.cc/products/xmcs-grt-gravel-racing-technology-aero-gravel-frameset-30-50-days-lead-time-now,-depends-on-finish-and-paint,-we-will-arrange-uci-approved-things-before-aug-2026

For sale for a while now. Frames via xmcarbonspeed, complete bikes via me: https://www.xmcs.nl/gravel-grt

do you know by any chance when the updated 48t+ frame comes out?

[Requiem84]

do you know by any chance when the updated 48t+ frame comes out?

Nope, haven’t heard any timelines.

I wouldn’t expect it before October / November earliest.

[Requiem84]

I have searched but cannot find anything about how may storage bags come with the frame for the internal storage or the dimensions of the bag/s. Does anyone know before i ask Peter?

Well, to answer my own question the frameset does not come with internal storage bags and it seems they are not available. I do not know the internal dimensions so difficult know sising and sourcing elsewhere. Anyone encountered this with the other framset providers and how you got around it?

edit-I have sourcerd 2  tideace bags off Ali. You can get them for between $6 and $11. They may not be the ideal sise but hopefully, if not, Peter will produce/source them soon.

@requiem84-can you please measure how much space/maximum sise for an electric pump in the internal storage? I need to know if mine will fit and if not siurce a smaller one. Cheers.

The storage door is 4x13cm. Deepest point (middle of frame) is 5cm high.

My Cycplus AS2 Pro fits flat, but is tricky to get out then. So I use a pouch for a gravel tubolito, tire levers, multitool and dynaplug set. Fits perfectly. Pump I carry in the Apidura Race frame.

[TommyGun]

For sale for a while now. Frames via xmcarbonspeed, complete bikes via me: https://www.xmcs.nl/gravel-grt

Did you maybe get already an order with GRX Di2  2x in the front?
Would be great if then you could let us know the max tyre clearance on the rear.

[Requiem84]

Did you maybe get already an order with GRX Di2  2x in the front?
Would be great if then you could let us know the max tyre clearance on the rear.

Nope, very little interest by the gravel folks for 2x so far.

[el nielsken]

As a fellow Dutchmen, I am surprised you are surprised. From the beachracing scene I hear Tim Merlier and Dupont are winning races on a 46T?

indeed. when i look up the gear ratios on https://www.gear-calculator.com/; with 60mm tires and 46/10 ratio, you can reach 58 kph on 90rpm.
when i look up some elite pro cyclists' max reached speeds on strava records from Belgian beach races i get the following:
middelkerke, belgium championship                  winner timothy dupont                 max speed 53.5 kph
de haan,                                                        winner jasper dejaegher              max speed 50.8 kph
koksijde,                                                       winner Tim Merlier                        max speed 58.0 kph

so even pro athletes would never spin out on these races. except on the pointy end of a sprint at pro level.
you could argue that they want some headroom and a 48t, but those are pro numbers, and by then you would get a sponsored bike and not buy a xmcs by yourself.
if xmcs can tweak the frame for a 48t+  , it would even be suited for elite level flat gravel races and an (amateur) road setup

we've seen enough of these chainring size comments, they're working on a 48t or 50t fix so then just wait for it if you really want this frame.

the 2x clearance should've been announced from the beginning though since there is a FD mount. there is no excuse for this missing information and throws off potential buyers.
either you don't add a FD mount, or you give FD clearance.

[eddiecycle]

the 2x clearance should've been announced from the beginning though since there is a FD mount. there is no excuse for this missing information and throws off potential buyers.
either you don't add a FD mount, or you give FD clearance.

With such short chainstays, it's pretty safe to assume the "official" max tire width with a front der will be fairly close to the 45mm that both Shimano and Sram list as the max with their derailleurs. If someone wants wide tires AND a front derailleur, they're gonna need a frame with pretty long chainstays to get the tire away from the derailleur. Or live with the clearance being tight when in the small ring.

IMO the manufacturer providing a nice bonus feature for the few people who still run doubles doesn't mean they should have to bend over backwards to cone up with an official clearance. If it were me I'd just put 45mm on the website and call it a day

[el nielsken]

With such short chainstays, it's pretty safe to assume the "official" max tire width with a front der will be fairly close to the 45mm that both Shimano and Sram list as the max with their derailleurs. If someone wants wide tires AND a front derailleur, they're gonna need a frame with pretty long chainstays to get the tire away from the derailleur. Or live with the clearance being tight when in the small ring.

IMO the manufacturer providing a nice bonus feature for the few people who still run doubles doesn't mean they should have to bend over backwards to cone up with an official clearance. If it were me I'd just put 45mm on the website and call it a day

Maybe you are right, but IMO if they ask a small premium price over OEM frame builders, these official checking measurements are the small things that make the difference for customers to pull the trigger. if it were bigger than 45mm after the measurement, it could be the deciding factor for people to buy this one instead of a different frame.

[hubba]

I gave up asking for the front derailleur clearance and I'm just waiting for someone to try it.

[Uberflo]

With SRAM and current Campa 13Speed you will be limited to 45 mm (dry conditions) due to the road chain line. With the older GRC825 you will get a few more mm due to the missing battery and wider chain line.

[eins4eins]

I was really looking forward to the GRT, but somehow i have the impression that XMCS hasn’t lived up to the hype and kind of messed up the launch. All this talk about wanting to be premium, but this logo discussion, 1x/2x clearance topic and general communication leave a different picture. Feels like first buyers will be beta testers. And for that, $1750 is pretty steep price tag.

[Requiem84]

You’re completely right that the marketing/communication should be much improved. There is a bit of a sequential way of working now, instead of parallel. The benefit is a lot of flexibility: you are one who voiced concerns about 46T limitation and a few months later you will have an upgraded frame.

Downside is unclarity and a lack of information.

Did it mess up the launch though? Not at all. We got coverage on Rennrad news, GCN Global and XMCS had to hire two more sales reps as so many orders are coming in. From what I hear the GRT frame is selling quite well. And also I did already sell some full builds. Surprisingly to customers in Austria, Germany and Belgium. People who don’t know me, can’t test the bike, but are interested enough to order.

Im getting close to zero questions on 2x. It’s a a vocal few. Having said that, when ‘we’ launch a product we should be able to give full specs. Now I can buy a GRX derailler that I don’t need and sell, so that you all have an answer and then I get zero sales out of it because you will order a frame (that I don’t sell). I have already given quite some support to people buying stuff directly from xmcs. I’m happy to do that within reason, but I can’t keep fixing the process holes. The feedback is given to China though.

As for 2x/1x, I actually asked for 1x only. 2x sales are minimal and just creates confusion. Unfortunately this time my advice was not taken  😄.

[Bobinski]

FWIW i think the frame should have been 1x only, much like with other big name producers. The area where the FD has to sit could have been made cleaner and perhaps, if necessary, beefier for power transfer.

I think an FAQ, e.g. internal storage sise and bags, to take the pressure off Tim, and avoid unnecesary emails and whatsapp between potential customers and XCMS would have been good. No dounbt they will get there.

I am hugely excited about getting the frame. Cannot wait actually

[Uberflo]

FWIW i think the frame should have been 1x only, much like with other big name producers. The area where the FD has to sit could have been made cleaner and perhaps, if necessary, beefier for power transfer.

I think an FAQ, e.g. internal storage sise and bags, to take the pressure off Tim, and avoid unnecesary emails and whatsapp between potential customers and XCMS would have been good. No dounbt they will get there.

I am hugely excited about getting the frame. Cannot wait actually

You need the FD mount for a chain catcher.