If you’ve been looking at bikes lately, you might have come across X-LAB. It’s a name we’re seeing more of in New Zealand, and if you follow professional cycling, you may have spotted the bikes under the XDS Astana team.
What got our attention was how much bike you get for your money. Depending on the model, X-LAB offers carbon frames, electronic shifting, carbon wheels and power meters without leaving you with a long list of upgrades to make straight away.
There’s more to the range than road bikes, too. Whether you want to join a bunch ride, head down a gravel road, try some mountain bike tracks or ride to work, there’s an X-LAB worth a look.
Here’s a bit of background on the brand and our take on the bikes in the range.
Shop X-LAB Bikes at Chain Reaction
Who Is X-LAB?
X-LAB is a bike brand from XDS, a bicycle manufacturer founded in Shenzhen, China, in 1995.
XDS has been building bikes and components for more than 30 years, including products made for other bicycle brands. X-LAB is where the company puts its own name on bikes ranging from everyday city bikes through to high-end race bikes.
So while the name might be new to many riders here, the company behind it has been around for a while.
From the Factory to the WorldTour
In 2025, XDS became the title sponsor of the Astana WorldTour team. The team also changed bikes, moving onto X-LAB for the season.
The team’s aero road bike is the AD9. It has been raced at the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and other major events against some of the best riders in the world.
There have been some big results along the way. Christian Scaroni won stage 16 of the 2025 Giro d’Italia, while Thomas Silva won stage 2 of the 2026 Giro and pulled on the race leader’s pink jersey.
The AD9 is the bike most closely associated with the team. The other X-LAB models are built for different riders and budgets, but it’s good to know there’s a proper racing programme behind the brand.
Why Are X-LAB Bikes Such Good Value?
When you’re comparing bikes, it pays to look beyond the name on the frame. The wheels, gears, brakes and finishing kit all affect how the bike rides and what you might want to upgrade later.
X-LAB’s specifications are worth a close look. On some models, carbon wheels, electronic gears or a power meter are already part of the package. Those are often things riders end up buying separately.
XDS also develops components under its Branta name, including wheels, cockpits and cranksets. Some Branta cranksets have a power meter built in. Combined with XDS’s manufacturing background, that helps explain how X-LAB can put together such competitive builds.
Take the RS7 Shimano 105 mechanical. It has a carbon frame and fork, Shimano 105 12-speed gears, carbon wheels and a power meter. For someone who wants to get into bunch riding or training, that’s a lot of useful gear on one bike.
Remember: The specification changes between models and builds. Check the individual product page or ask us if you’re comparing a couple of bikes.
The X-LAB Range at a Glance
First, think about where you want to ride. The RS, AD and RT models are road bikes; the GT8 is for gravel; the MT models are mountain bikes; and the SP3 is a flat-bar bike for getting around and everyday rides.
Select a model name to jump to its section in this guide.
| Model | What It’s Made For | Who Should Look at It? |
|---|---|---|
| RS5 | Everyday and all-round road riding | Riders wanting a well-equipped aluminium road bike |
| RS7 | All-round road riding | Riders wanting a carbon road bike for group rides, training and longer days out |
| AD7 | Performance road riding | Riders after a sporty road bike with Shimano 105 Di2 on the listed build |
| AD8 | Aero road riding | Riders who enjoy fast bunch rides, events and aero styling |
| AD9 | Aero racing | Racers and riders wanting X-LAB’s WorldTour aero platform |
| RT9 | Lightweight road riding | Riders who enjoy climbing and want a light, high-end road bike |
| GT8 | Gravel and mixed-surface riding | Riders wanting to explore sealed roads, gravel roads and bikepacking routes |
| MT2 | Recreational mountain biking | Riders looking for a hardtail for forest tracks, cross-country trails and fitness riding |
| MT3 | Hardtail mountain biking | Riders looking to compare another X-LAB mountain bike with the MT2 |
| SP3 | City and everyday riding | Riders wanting a flat-bar bike for commuting, cycle paths and relaxed rides |
X-LAB Road Bikes
The road range starts with the aluminium RS5 and goes right through to the lightweight RT9 and the AD9 raced by XDS Astana. If most of your riding is on sealed roads, these are the bikes to look at.
X-LAB RS5: A Great Place to Start
The RS5 is an aluminium road bike for someone who wants to get out riding without spending more than they need to.
It’s a good option if you’re buying your first drop-bar bike, getting back into road riding or looking for a bike for regular weekend rides. Both the RS5 Shimano 105 in Wavebreaker White and the RS5 Shimano 105 in Hydrostatic Blue come with 12-speed shifting.
If you’re also looking at the carbon RS7, think about what you want from the bike and how much you’d like to spend. You can have a lot of fun on either one.
Who Is the RS5 For?
- Riders buying their first road bike
- Weekend rides, fitness riding and bunch rides
- Riders wanting an aluminium frame and Shimano 105
- Anyone looking for a more affordable way into the X-LAB road range
Our thoughts: If you’re starting from scratch, the RS5 gives you a good road bike without using up the whole budget. That leaves a bit more for shoes, pedals, a helmet and the other bits you’ll need.
X-LAB RS7: A Carbon Road Bike for Everyday Riding
If you want one road bike for most of your riding, the RS7 is where we’d start.
It’s at home on weekend bunch rides, training loops and longer road events. It’s still a quick road bike, but the riding position isn’t as aggressive as a dedicated aero race bike.
The RS7 Shimano 105 mechanical is particularly good value. You get a carbon frame and fork, Shimano 105 12-speed gears, hydraulic disc brakes, Branta carbon wheels and a power meter.
There’s also an RS7 105 Di2 build if you prefer electronic shifting. Check the specifications for each version, as the components can differ.
Who Is the RS7 For?
- Riders stepping up from an aluminium road bike
- Weekend bunch rides and social road riding
- Longer rides and road events
- Riders who want to train with a power meter
- Anyone wanting a well-equipped carbon road bike
Our thoughts: The RS7 is the one we’d show a rider who wants a carbon road bike for a bit of everything. The mechanical 105 model comes with parts we’d normally expect people to add later, and there’s no gear battery to worry about charging.
X-LAB AD7: A Sportier Road Bike with Di2
The AD7 is worth a look if you want a sportier road bike and have Shimano Di2 on your wish list.
The AD7 Shimano 105 Di2 comes with electronic shifting. A light press of the button changes gear, while hydraulic disc brakes give you control when the weather changes or the road points downhill.
It’s a good choice for faster bunch rides, road events and riders who want to pick up the pace on their regular loop.
Who Is the AD7 For?
- Riders looking for Shimano 105 Di2
- Faster group rides and road events
- Riders upgrading from an older mechanical road bike
- Anyone wanting a sportier road bike without going to the top of the range
Our thoughts: If you’re deciding between this and an RS7 Di2, come and have a look at both. The right fit and riding position will help make the decision, along with the parts fitted to each bike.
X-LAB AD8: Aero Road Performance
The AD8 is for riders who like a fast road bike and the look of an aero frame.
It shares the AD9’s frame design and geometry, with a different carbon layup.
The AD8 Ultegra Di2 in Sunspot Red and Black is one of the builds available. Specifications vary across the AD8 range, so check the individual model for its drivetrain, wheels and other components.
Whether you’re joining a quick bunch, entering local races or heading out for a hard ride on your own, the AD8 gives you a way into X-LAB’s aero range without stepping all the way up to the AD9.
Who Is the AD8 For?
- Fast bunch rides and road events
- Riders interested in an aero road bike
- Riders who enjoy a more performance-focused riding position
- Anyone looking for an alternative to the AD9
Our thoughts: If you like the AD9 but it’s more than you want to spend, have a look at the AD8. As with any race-style bike, make sure you’re comfortable in the riding position before you make your decision.
X-LAB AD9: The WorldTour Aero Bike
The AD9 is X-LAB’s top-level aero road bike and the one most closely associated with the XDS Astana team.
It has the deep frame shapes and integrated look you’d expect from a modern aero race bike. It’s made for riders who enjoy riding fast, whether that’s racing, chasing the bunch or getting the most out of a hard solo ride.
The AD9 has also been independently tested in a wind tunnel alongside other high-end aero bikes. It was found to be competitive, giving riders more to go on than the specification sheet.
The AD9 Dura-Ace Di2 Team Replica pairs the AD9 frame with a high-end Shimano Dura-Ace electronic drivetrain and a team-inspired finish.
If you’d rather choose your own parts, take a look at the AD9 Italian Champion Edition frameset. Starting with a frameset lets you choose the wheels, groupset and finishing kit you want.
Who Is the AD9 For?
- Road racers and competitive riders
- Riders who enjoy fast bunch rides
- Anyone wanting a top-level aero road bike
- Fans of the XDS Astana team
- Riders looking to build a custom race bike
Our thoughts: If you’ve watched XDS Astana racing and like the idea of owning an AD9, we can understand why. It’s a serious road bike, and we’d spend time getting the size and setup right so you can enjoy riding it.
X-LAB RT9: The Lightweight Climber
If your favourite road rides involve a decent climb, take a look at the RT9.
While the AD9 focuses on aerodynamics, the RT9 puts more emphasis on low weight. It’s a carbon road bike for riders who enjoy hilly routes, climbing and racing over varied terrain.
The RT9 Dura-Ace Di2 in Shadowbox Black is a complete build for riders looking for a lightweight, high-end road bike. The RT9 is also available as a frameset if you’d rather choose your own components. Complete bike weight depends on the size, build and parts fitted.
Who Is the RT9 For?
- Riders who enjoy climbing and hilly road routes
- Racers looking for a lightweight road bike
- Riders who prefer a lightweight-focused frame
- Anyone planning a high-end custom road build
Our thoughts: If you’re weighing up the RT9 and AD9, think about the roads you ride most and how you like a bike to feel. Come and talk to us about both before you decide.
X-LAB GT8: Gravel Roads and Mixed Surfaces
The GT8 is the one to look at if you don’t want your ride to stop where the seal ends.
It’s a drop-bar gravel bike made for a mix of sealed roads, gravel roads and suitable unsealed tracks. Compared with a road bike, its wider tyres give you more grip and comfort when the surface gets loose or rough.
The GT8 GRX Di2 in Afterburner combines a carbon frame with Shimano GRX electronic shifting. It’s worth considering for gravel events, long back-road rides or carrying a few bags for an overnight trip.
Who Is the GT8 For?
- Riders who want to explore gravel roads and quieter back roads
- Gravel events and mixed-surface rides
- Riders looking for a drop-bar bike with wider tyres
- Bikepacking and longer rides on suitable routes
Our thoughts: If you enjoy road riding but keep wondering where those gravel roads lead, the GT8 opens up more places to ride. Give us a call to check the current build and availability.
X-LAB MT2: A Hardtail for Trails and Fitness
The X-LAB MT2 is an aluminium hardtail for riders getting into mountain biking or wanting a bike for recreational rides.
It has a front suspension fork, Shimano CUES 11-speed gears and hydraulic disc brakes. The XS frame uses 27.5-inch wheels, while sizes S to XL use 29-inch wheels.
It’s a good match for forest tracks, cross-country trails, gravel paths and building confidence on easier mountain bike trails. If you’re planning to spend most of your time on steep technical descents, big drops or bike-park trails, talk to us about a more trail-focused bike.
Who Is the MT2 For?
- First-time mountain bike riders
- Recreational cross-country and forest riding
- Gravel paths and mixed-terrain fitness rides
- Riders looking for a straightforward hardtail
Our thoughts: If you’re keen to give mountain biking a go, the MT2 is a good place to start. You get a useful range of gears, hydraulic brakes and front suspension without having to spend a fortune.
X-LAB MT3: Another Hardtail to Consider
The X-LAB MT3 in Obsidian Black is another hardtail mountain bike in the range.
If you’re weighing it up against the MT2, have a look at the specifications on each product page or come and talk to us. We can help you compare the bikes and work out which one suits the tracks you want to ride.
Our thoughts: The right choice depends on where you ride and what you want from the bike. Let us know what sort of tracks you have in mind and we’ll help you compare the two.
X-LAB SP3: A Flat-Bar Bike for Everyday Riding
The X-LAB SP3 is a flat-bar city and hybrid bike for riders who want something comfortable and easy to use.
It has an aluminium frame, carbon fork, Shimano CUES 10-speed gears and hydraulic disc brakes. Its wider tyres and relaxed riding position make it a good option for Christchurch cycleways, commuting, fitness rides and trips around the neighbourhood.
The flat handlebar gives you a more upright position than a drop-bar road bike. If you want to get out and ride without joining the road-racing crowd, this could be the one for you.
Who Is the SP3 For?
- Commuting and everyday transport
- Christchurch cycleways and shared paths
- Riders getting back into cycling
- Fitness rides and relaxed weekend rides
- Anyone who prefers a flat handlebar
Our thoughts: We’d look at the SP3 if you want a bike for getting around and don’t need the wider tyres and suspension of a mountain bike. It’s well equipped for everyday riding, with gears that are easy to use and hydraulic disc brakes.
Mechanical or Electronic Shifting?
You’ll find both mechanical and electronic gears in the X-LAB range. They both work well; it comes down to what you prefer and what you want to spend.
Mechanical Shifting
Mechanical gears use cables to move the derailleurs. They’re familiar to most bike shops, straightforward to service and don’t need a battery to be charged.
Shimano 105 mechanical is a popular road option, while Shimano CUES is used on bikes such as the MT2 and SP3.
Electronic Shifting
Shimano Di2 changes gears electronically when you press the shift buttons. The buttons have a light feel, and some functions can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
You do need to keep the battery charged, but it’s easy to live with once you get into the habit. Depending on the bike, you’ll find options such as Shimano 105 Di2, Ultegra Di2, Dura-Ace Di2 or GRX Di2.
Our advice: Di2 is great to use if you like the feel and it fits your budget. Mechanical gears still do a great job, so don’t feel you have to choose electronic shifting to get a good bike.
Do You Need a Power Meter?
A power meter measures how hard you’re pedalling. It’s useful for pacing a climb, following a training plan or comparing your efforts over time.
Some X-LAB bikes include a Branta power meter as part of the build. If you’ve been thinking about training with power, that means you can get started without buying a separate crankset or power-meter pedals.
You’ll need a compatible device, such as a cycling computer, to make the most of the information. If you’re not interested in the numbers, that’s fine too. Just enjoy riding the bike and use the power meter later if you want to.
Are Carbon Wheels Worth Having?
Some X-LAB builds come with carbon wheels. Depending on their design, carbon wheels can offer a mix of low weight, stiffness and aerodynamic performance.
Deeper wheels can help you carry speed on a fast road ride, although you may notice them more in strong crosswinds. The best wheel depends on where and how you ride, so deeper or more expensive isn’t always better for everyone.
If carbon wheels are already on your wish list, getting them with the bike can save you from buying a second wheelset later.
Which X-LAB Should You Choose?
- For a first road bike: Start with the RS5, an aluminium road bike with Shimano 105 on the linked builds.
- For an all-round carbon road bike: Look at the RS7 for bunch rides, training and longer days on the road.
- For electronic road shifting: Compare the RS7 Di2 and AD7 105 Di2.
- For fast rides and aero styling: The AD8 is worth a closer look.
- For the WorldTour race bike: Look at the AD9.
- For climbing and low weight: Take a look at the RT9.
- For gravel roads and mixed surfaces: The GT8 is the drop-bar gravel option.
- For forest tracks and mountain biking: Compare the MT2 and MT3 hardtails.
- For commuting and cycleways: The SP3 is a comfortable flat-bar choice.
- For a custom road build: Start with an AD9 or RT9 frameset and choose the parts you want.
Getting the Right Size and Fit
It’s easy to get caught up comparing wheels and gears, but the bike needs to fit you as well.
Height is a starting point, but leg length, reach, flexibility and the riding you do all come into it. The position on an aero road bike will also feel different from the position on a flat-bar hybrid or mountain bike.
If you’re between sizes or unsure which model will suit you, come and see us. We can talk through the options and help you get comfortable on the bike.
We also offer Retül bike fitting if you’d like a more detailed assessment of your position.
What About Servicing and Replacement Parts?
We can help keep your bike running well long after you take it home.
Our Christchurch workshop can look after routine servicing, brake work, electronic drivetrain setup and future upgrades. If you need a model-specific part, such as a derailleur hanger or cockpit component, talk to us and we can help identify what you need and check availability.
Keep a note of your bike’s model and build, as some replacement parts are specific to a particular frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes X-LAB bikes?
X-LAB is a bike brand from XDS, a bicycle manufacturer founded in Shenzhen, China, in 1995. XDS has a long history of making bicycles and components.
Are X-LAB bikes raced at the Tour de France?
Yes. The XDS Astana team has raced X-LAB bikes on the WorldTour since 2025, including at the Tour de France. The AD9 is the team’s aero road bike.
What’s the difference between the RS5 and RS7?
The RS5 has an aluminium frame, while the RS7 has a carbon frame. Both are aimed at all-round road riding, but their parts and prices differ. Check the individual builds to see which gives you the equipment you want.
Is the RS7 the same bike as the XDS Astana team’s AD9?
No. The RS7 is an all-round carbon road bike designed for a wider range of road riding. The AD9 is X-LAB’s top-level aero race platform.
What’s the difference between the AD8 and AD9?
Both are aero road bikes. X-LAB says the AD8 shares the AD9’s frame design and geometry but uses a different carbon layup. Complete bike specifications also vary, so check the individual listings when comparing them.
Should I choose an AD9 or RT9?
The AD9 is the aero-focused choice, while the RT9 puts more emphasis on low weight. Think about the routes you ride, the position you prefer and the complete build. We can help you compare them in store.
Does X-LAB make a gravel bike?
Yes. The GT8 is a drop-bar gravel bike designed for a mix of sealed and unsealed surfaces. Contact us to check current models and availability.
Is the MT2 suitable for beginners?
Yes. The MT2 is a recreational hardtail suited to riders getting into mountain biking, as well as forest tracks, gravel paths and cross-country riding. If you’re planning to ride steep technical trails or large jumps, ask us about a more trail-focused bike.
Is the SP3 a road bike or a mountain bike?
The SP3 is a flat-bar city or hybrid bike. It’s designed for streets, cycleways and everyday riding rather than technical mountain bike trails.
Do all X-LAB bikes come with a power meter?
No. Power meters are included on selected builds, so check the specification of the bike you’re interested in. If you’re unsure, ask us and we can confirm what’s fitted.
Can I buy an X-LAB frameset and build it with my own parts?
Yes. We list AD9 and RT9 framesets for riders who want a custom build. Get in touch and we can discuss component compatibility and help put together a build that suits your riding.
Can Chain Reaction service my X-LAB bike?
Yes. Our Christchurch workshop can help with servicing, setup, hydraulic brakes, electronic drivetrains and upgrades.
Why Buy Your X-LAB from Chain Reaction?
- Help choosing the right bike: We’ll talk through the models, specifications and sizing with you.
- Professional assembly: Bikes are assembled and checked by our workshop team.
- Workshop support: We’re here to help with servicing, adjustments and upgrades after your purchase.
- Finance available: Ask us about the options available.
- Visit us in Christchurch: We have over 200 free car parks on-site.
Need Help Choosing?
If you’re deciding between a road bike and a gravel bike, looking for your first mountain bike or wondering which size to order, come in and have a chat.
Tell us what you’re riding now, where you like to ride and what you want from your next bike. We’ll help you work through the options.
Visit Chain Reaction at 4/218 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. We have over 200 free car parks on-site.
