Aero Race Performance for Everyday Roads
The X-LAB AD8 is a carbon aero road bike for riders who enjoy fast bunch rides, road racing and getting out for a hard training ride. This Strata Grey/Black version combines the AD8’s race-focused frame with Shimano 105 Di2 electronic shifting, carbon wheels and an integrated power meter.
It shares the AD9’s frame design and geometry, using Toray T800 carbon to bring that aerodynamic platform into a different build. If you are looking for a responsive road bike that feels at home when the pace lifts, the AD8 is worth a closer look.
Toray T800 Carbon Frame and Fork
The AD8 uses a Toray T800 carbon frame and fork with aerodynamic shaping developed for fast road riding. Its race-focused geometry puts you in a position suited to riding on the drops, climbing out of the saddle and holding speed on open roads.
An aero-profile carbon seatpost and integrated carbon cockpit give the bike a tidy finish. The claimed complete-bike weight is 7.41 kg in size L.
Shimano 105 Di2
Shimano 105 Di2 provides electronic shifting through a 2 × 12-speed drivetrain. The shift controls communicate wirelessly with the system, while the derailleurs draw power from the central Di2 battery.
The 52/36T chainrings provide plenty of gearing for faster riding, while the 11–34T cassette offers a useful lower gear for longer climbs. It is a practical combination for bunch rides, training and hilly road events.
Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes provide controlled braking in changing weather. The supplied specification lists 160 mm rotors front and rear.
Power Meter and Apple Find My
The Branta carbon crankset includes a power meter, allowing you to measure effort, follow structured training and pace longer events without buying a separate unit.
Apple Find My compatibility is also integrated into the crankset. It can help locate the bike through a compatible Apple device and account, but it does not replace a quality physical lock when the bike is left unattended.
Branta C45 UL Carbon Wheels
The Branta C45 UL wheelset uses carbon rims and carbon spokes. Its 45 mm profile suits fast road riding without going as deep as a dedicated flat-course race wheel. X-LAB lists a claimed wheelset weight of 1,330 g.
Michelin Pro 5 700 × 28C tyres provide a performance-focused starting point for training and bunch rides. X-LAB states that the AD8 frame has clearance for tyres up to 32 mm, giving you the option to choose a wider road tyre for extra comfort on coarse chip seal.
Actual clearance can vary with the tyre and rim combination. Check the measured tyre width and leave appropriate space around the frame and fork.
Integrated Carbon Cockpit
The Branta integrated carbon handlebar and stem keeps the front of the bike tidy. Stem length and handlebar width vary by frame size, so it is worth checking the supplied dimensions before choosing your bike.
Unlike a separate handlebar and stem, changing one dimension on an integrated cockpit may mean replacing the whole unit. If you already have a road position that works well, bring us your measurements and we can help compare them with the AD8.
Key Features
- XDS Toray T800 carbon frame and fork
- Aerodynamic road frame design
- Race-focused geometry shared with the AD9 platform
- Shimano 105 Di2 2 × 12-speed electronic shifting
- Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes
- Branta carbon power-meter crankset
- 52/36T chainrings and 11–34T cassette
- Apple Find My compatibility integrated into the crankset
- Branta C45 UL carbon wheels with carbon spokes
- Michelin Pro 5 700 × 28C tyres
- Stated maximum tyre clearance of 32 mm
- Branta integrated carbon handlebar and stem
- XDS aero-profile carbon seatpost
- Selle Italia SLR Boost saddle with carbon rails
- Strata Grey/Black finish
- Claimed weight: 7.41 kg in size L
Who Is It For?
- Road racing and competitive events
- Fast bunch rides
- Performance-focused training
- Rolling road routes and long climbs
- Riders wanting electronic shifting
- Training and racing with power
- Riders looking for a carbon aero bike with carbon wheels
The AD8 has race-oriented geometry. If a more upright position or room for tyres wider than 32 mm is important to you, an endurance or all-road bike may be a better fit.
Our Thoughts
The AD8 offers the frame shape and geometry of the AD9 platform without needing to move all the way up to the top model. Shimano 105 Di2 is a sensible choice for regular riding, with electronic shifting and hydraulic brakes suited to training, bunch rides and racing.
The carbon wheels and power meter are worthwhile parts of the package. They are already on the bike, so you can get out and ride without immediately planning major upgrades.
As with any race bike, getting the position right matters. Check the integrated cockpit dimensions and frame geometry before ordering, particularly if you are between sizes or prefer a shorter reach.
Technical Specifications
Frameset
- Frame: XDS carbon, Toray T800
- Fork: XDS carbon, 12 × 100 mm front thru-axle
- Seatpost: XDS carbon, aero profile
- Bottom bracket: T47, 29 mm
- Stated maximum tyre clearance: 32 mm
Drivetrain
- Shifters: Shimano 105 Di2
- Front derailleur: Shimano 105 FD-R7150 Di2
- Rear derailleur: Shimano 105 RD-R7150 Di2
- Cassette: Shimano 105 CS-R7101, 12-speed, 11–34T
- Crankset: Branta carbon power-meter crankset, 29 mm aluminium spindle
- Chainrings: 52/36T
- Chain: Shimano CN-M7100
- Security technology: Apple Find My compatibility
Brakes
- Brakes: Shimano 105 BR-R7170 hydraulic disc
- Rotors: Shimano SM-RT70, 160 mm front and rear
Wheels and Tyres
- Wheelset: Branta C45 UL carbon
- Spokes: Carbon
- Claimed wheelset weight: 1,330 g
- Tyres: Michelin Pro 5, 700 × 28C
Cockpit and Contact Points
- Handlebar and stem: Branta integrated carbon
- Seatpost: XDS carbon, aero profile
- Saddle: Selle Italia SLR Boost with carbon rails
Sizes, Colour and Weight
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL
- Finish: Strata Grey/Black
- Claimed weight: 7.41 kg in size L
Size Guide
X-LAB provides the following rider heights as a starting point for the AD8 platform.
- XS: 150–160 cm
- S: 160–170 cm
- M: 170–178 cm
- L: 178–185 cm
- XL: 185–191 cm
Height alone does not determine the best size. Body proportions, flexibility and preferred riding position all matter, particularly if you are between sizes. Contact Chain Reaction for personalised sizing and setup advice.
Size-Specific Components
| Size | Stem | Handlebar | Crank | Seatpost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 90 mm | 360 mm | 160 mm | 300 mm |
| S | 90 mm | 360 mm | 160 mm | 300 mm |
| M | 100 mm | 380 mm | 165 mm | 300 mm |
| L | 100 mm | 380 mm | 165 mm | 300 mm |
| XL | 120 mm | 400 mm | 170 mm | 300 mm |
Geometry
All lengths are in millimetres unless otherwise stated.
| Measurement | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat-tube length | 470 | 495 | 515 | 540 | 565 |
| Top-tube length | 504 | 523 | 540 | 559 | 579 |
| Head-tube length | 105 | 118 | 130 | 148 | 171 |
| Seat-tube angle | 75° | 75° | 74° | 74° | 73° |
| Head-tube angle | 71° | 72° | 73° | 73° | 73° |
| Chainstay length | 410 | 410 | 410 | 410 | 410 |
| Wheelbase | 970 | 978 | 982 | 992 | 1,007 |
| Fork offset | 48 | 48 | 43 | 43 | 43 |
| Bottom-bracket drop | 72 | 72 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Stack | 505 | 520 | 534 | 553 | 575 |
| Reach | 371 | 379 | 387 | 395 | 405 |
| Front centre | 575 | 582 | 583 | 592 | 607 |
| Trail | 67 | 63 | 64 | 61 | 59 |
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Professionally assembled, tuned and safety checked
- Brakes professionally checked and bedded in
- Shimano Di2 system checked and configured
- Power meter setup and pairing assistance
- Expert road-bike sizing and setup advice
- Initial cockpit and saddle setup
- Practical maintenance advice at handover
- Finance and WorkRide options available
Visit Chain Reaction at 4/218 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. There are more than 200 free car parks on-site, along with room to discuss sizing and setup.
Specifications are based on supplier information and may change without notice. Claimed weights may vary with frame size, finish and production components.
