X-LAB AD8- More stock due Mid September- Pre Order Now
Toray T800 Carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 | Dual-Sided Power Meter | Branta C45 UL Carbon Wheels
The X-LAB AD8 is an aerodynamic carbon road bike for riders who want genuine race-bike performance without moving into flagship pricing. It combines the same frame design and geometry as the WorldTour-developed AD9 with Shimano 105 Di2, a dual-sided power meter, carbon wheels and an integrated carbon cockpit, creating a fast and impressively complete package for racing, fast group rides and challenging road events.
Race-Bred Carbon Frame
The AD8 uses the same aerodynamic frame design and race geometry as the higher-level AD9. Its Toray T800 carbon construction balances stiffness, weight and durability, giving the bike an efficient feel under hard acceleration without making it excessively demanding for regular road riding.
At a claimed 7.41kg in size large, the complete bike is light enough for climbing while retaining the deeper frame profiles expected from an aerodynamic race bike.
Aerodynamics That Work on Real Roads
The sculpted carbon frame, aero-profile seatpost and integrated cockpit help reduce drag without relying solely on deep wheels. This matters during faster group rides, solo efforts and racing, where maintaining speed efficiently becomes increasingly important.
Size Guide
- XS / 46cm: Approximately 150–160cm
- S / 50cm: Approximately 160–170cm
- M / 52cm: Approximately 170–178cm
- L / 56cm: Approximately 178–185cm
- XL / 58cm: Approximately 185–191cm
- Maximum system weight: 100kg, including rider and equipment
The AD8 uses an aggressive race position, so rider height is only a starting point. Flexibility, body proportions, riding experience and preferred position should also be considered. Contact Chain Reaction for personalised sizing advice before ordering.
Delivery and Assembly
Every X-LAB AD8 purchased from Chain Reaction is professionally assembled, tuned and safety checked by our workshop.
Your bike receives:
- Complete professional assembly
- Full workshop safety inspection
- Shimano Di2 setup and firmware check
- Front and rear derailleur adjustment
- Hydraulic brakes professionally pre-bedded
- Power-meter operation checked
- Integrated cockpit alignment checked
- Saddle and control positions initially adjusted
- Tyre pressures checked and set
- Secure packaging for transport
- Nationwide New Zealand delivery
- Click & Collect where available
For nationwide delivery, the bike is securely packaged after its workshop inspection. Some minor final assembly may be required after unpacking. Instructions are included, and the Chain Reaction team is available if assistance is needed.
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change without notice.
The aggressive position places the rider low and forward, giving the AD8 the direct steering and responsive handling expected from a modern road-racing platform.
Shimano 105 Di2 Shifting
Shimano 105 Di2 provides fast and precise electronic shifting with clean ergonomics and very little ongoing adjustment. The 52/36T chainrings suit fast road riding, while the 11–34T cassette provides a useful climbing gear for longer and steeper routes.
Hydraulic Shimano 105 disc brakes provide dependable control in wet or dry conditions. A 160mm front rotor and 140mm rear rotor balance braking performance with low weight.
Dual-Sided Power Measurement
The Branta carbon crankset includes an integrated dual-sided power meter, measuring output from the left and right legs independently. It can transmit live data to compatible cycling computers through ANT+ and connect to the X-LAB Bikes app using Bluetooth.
For riders training with structure, a power meter provides consistent information that is not affected by wind, gradients or changing road surfaces. It is also a valuable inclusion on a bike at this level, removing the need for an immediate aftermarket upgrade.
Branta C45 UL Carbon Wheels
The Branta C45 UL wheelset uses 45mm-deep carbon rims and carbon spokes while keeping the claimed wheelset weight to 1,330g. This combination provides an aerodynamic advantage on faster roads without adding excessive rotating weight on climbs.
The rims and supplied Michelin tyres are tubeless ready, with tubeless rim tape already installed. Tubeless valves and sealant are required to complete the conversion.
Integrated Carbon Cockpit
The Branta integrated carbon handlebar and stem create a clean front end while reducing the number of separate components. Size-specific bar widths and stem lengths help maintain the intended handling and riding position throughout the range.
X-LAB offers additional cockpit sizes, although changing an integrated cockpit requires more planning than adjusting a conventional separate handlebar and stem.
Key Features
- Frame: XDS Toray T800 carbon
- Fork: XDS Toray T800 carbon
- Geometry: Same frame design and race geometry as the AD9
- Drivetrain: Shimano 105 Di2, 12-speed
- Crankset: Branta carbon with integrated dual-sided power meter
- Chainrings: 52/36T
- Cassette: Shimano 105 11–34T
- Brakes: Shimano 105 hydraulic disc
- Rotors: 160mm front and 140mm rear
- Wheels: Branta C45 UL carbon rims and carbon spokes
- Wheel depth: 45mm
- Claimed wheelset weight: 1,330g
- Tyres: Michelin Pro 5 700 x 28C
- Maximum tyre clearance: 32C
- Cockpit: Branta integrated carbon
- Seatpost: XDS carbon with aero profile
- Bottom bracket: T47
- Rear derailleur hanger: SRAM UDH compatible
- Power connectivity: ANT+ and Bluetooth
- Security: Apple Find My technology integrated into the crankset
- Claimed bike weight: 7.41kg in size large
- Maximum system weight: 100kg, including rider and equipment
Why Riders Love the X-LAB AD8
The X-LAB AD8 offers a remarkably complete race-focused build. Electronic shifting, power measurement, carbon wheels and an integrated cockpit are already included, allowing riders to enjoy the bike without immediately budgeting for major upgrades.
Efficient at Speed
The aerodynamic frame, integrated cockpit and 45mm carbon wheels help the rider maintain speed during fast group rides, racing and solo efforts.
Responsive Handling
Race geometry and a stiff carbon chassis create quick steering and direct feedback when accelerating or changing direction.
Low Complete-Bike Weight
At 7.41kg in size large, the AD8 combines aerodynamic shaping with a weight normally associated with considerably more expensive race bikes.
Electronic Shifting
Shimano 105 Di2 delivers clean and reliable gear changes with minimal cable maintenance or ongoing adjustment.
Training Data Included
The dual-sided power meter gives riders useful performance data from the first ride without requiring separate power pedals or an aftermarket crankset.
Quality Carbon Wheels
The lightweight Branta wheelset improves acceleration and high-speed efficiency while arriving ready for a future tubeless conversion.
Room for Wider Tyres
Clearance for tyres up to 32C allows riders to add comfort and grip for rougher roads without moving away from the bike’s race-focused character.
Who Is This Bike For?
Perfect For
✔ Road racing
✔ Criteriums
✔ Fast bunch rides
✔ Solo tempo and threshold training
✔ Gran fondos and road events
✔ Riders training with power
✔ Riders upgrading from an aluminium road bike
✔ Riders wanting electronic shifting and carbon wheels
✔ Anyone seeking a complete race build without flagship pricing
Our Thoughts on the X-LAB AD8
The AD8 stands out because the specification is unusually complete for a bike at this level. Shimano 105 Di2 is dependable and performs extremely well, while the dual-sided power meter and lightweight carbon wheels are upgrades many riders would otherwise add later.
The frame uses the same design and geometry as the AD9, although the T800 carbon construction prioritises a more accessible balance of performance, durability and price. At 7.41kg, there is very little weight penalty to accept.
The aggressive geometry will suit riders who enjoy a low, race-focused position, but it makes professional sizing particularly important. If the fit is right and outright road speed is the priority, the AD8 offers a serious amount of performance for the money.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
✔ Professionally assembled, safety checked and workshop tuned before collection or dispatch
✔ Shimano Di2 drivetrain configured and firmware checked
✔ Power meter paired, checked and ready for setup
✔ Hydraulic brakes professionally pre-bedded
✔ Expert road-bike sizing and setup advice
✔ Premium handover with a complete feature walkthrough
✔ Practical advice on Di2 charging, power-meter use and maintenance
✔ Lifetime workshop support from experienced mechanics
✔ Nationwide New Zealand delivery
✔ Finance and WorkRide options available