Hi everyone, I thought I'd share my experience with the VRT after riding it for around 3500 km.
I ordered the frame in mid-July and received it towards the end of August. I built it up straight away using the components from my previous Giant TCR. This is my third purchase from XMCS, and once again I'm very happy with my choice.
A quick overview of the build: the frame is a size M, with a 360×110mm handlebar and an 11v shimano ultegra di2 groupset. I've alternated between two wheelsets: the XMCS T1100 50mm wheels, with a 24mm internal width and 16/18 spokes, fitted with 30mm tyres; and another set of 65mm wheels with 32 mm tyres.
Coming from the TCR, the first thing I noticed was that I felt further forward on the bike. It took a few rides and some small adjustments to get my position right, but once I did, I felt really comfortable.
What stands out most to me is how balanced the VRT feels. It's fast and responsive, but it's also a very comfortable bike to ride. It's the kind of bike that makes me want to push big watts.
The bike also feels smooth and stable on the road. I really enjoy how it handles with the 360mm integrated handlebar: the steering is precise without feeling nervous, and the whole setup gives me confidence. It's easy to place the bike where I want it, and in descents it feels composed, even at higher speeds.
I'm not a heavy rider and i don't have a strong sprint, but compared with other handlebars I've tried, this is definitely the stiffest, with the least noticeable flex.
Whether riding into a headwind or with a tailwind, the bike still feels great to ride. With strong crosswinds, I just find it takes a little more attention, especially when using deep-section wheels around 65mm.
Overall, after these first 3500 km, I'm very satisfied. For me, the VRT offers a great balance of comfort, stability and responsiveness, it's simply a bike I really enjoy riding and i can highly recommend it.
I ordered the frame in mid-July and received it towards the end of August. I built it up straight away using the components from my previous Giant TCR. This is my third purchase from XMCS, and once again I'm very happy with my choice.
A quick overview of the build: the frame is a size M, with a 360×110mm handlebar and an 11v shimano ultegra di2 groupset. I've alternated between two wheelsets: the XMCS T1100 50mm wheels, with a 24mm internal width and 16/18 spokes, fitted with 30mm tyres; and another set of 65mm wheels with 32 mm tyres.
Coming from the TCR, the first thing I noticed was that I felt further forward on the bike. It took a few rides and some small adjustments to get my position right, but once I did, I felt really comfortable.
What stands out most to me is how balanced the VRT feels. It's fast and responsive, but it's also a very comfortable bike to ride. It's the kind of bike that makes me want to push big watts.
The bike also feels smooth and stable on the road. I really enjoy how it handles with the 360mm integrated handlebar: the steering is precise without feeling nervous, and the whole setup gives me confidence. It's easy to place the bike where I want it, and in descents it feels composed, even at higher speeds.
I'm not a heavy rider and i don't have a strong sprint, but compared with other handlebars I've tried, this is definitely the stiffest, with the least noticeable flex.
Whether riding into a headwind or with a tailwind, the bike still feels great to ride. With strong crosswinds, I just find it takes a little more attention, especially when using deep-section wheels around 65mm.
Overall, after these first 3500 km, I'm very satisfied. For me, the VRT offers a great balance of comfort, stability and responsiveness, it's simply a bike I really enjoy riding and i can highly recommend it.