Aero Race Performance for Real-World Riding
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. In Sunspot Red/Black, this version pairs the AD8’s race-focused frame with Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting.
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 frame is also compatible with a Universal Derailleur Hanger.
Shimano Ultegra Di2
Shimano Ultegra 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.
Shifts are made with a light press of the controls, which is useful when your hands are tired at the end of a long ride or when you need to change gear while holding the drops.
Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes provide controlled braking in changing weather. They are a good match for fast descents and regular riding on New Zealand roads.
Carbon Wheels and 28 mm Tyres
The AD8 is paired with Branta C45 UL carbon wheels with carbon spokes. Their 45 mm profile suits fast road riding without going as deep as a dedicated flat-course race wheel.
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. It is worth checking the supplied bar width and stem length before choosing your frame size.
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
- X-LAB AD8 Toray T800 carbon frame and fork
- Aerodynamic road frame design
- Race-focused geometry shared with the AD9 platform
- Shimano Ultegra Di2 2 × 12-speed electronic shifting
- Shimano Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes
- 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
- Universal Derailleur Hanger compatibility
- Sunspot Red/Black finish
Who Is It For?
- Road racing and competitive events
- Fast bunch rides
- Performance-focused training
- Rolling road routes and long climbs
- Riders wanting Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting
- Riders looking for a carbon aero bike with carbon wheels
- Anyone who likes the Sunspot Red/Black finish
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. Ultegra Di2 is a groupset we would be happy to ride every day: the controls are comfortable, shifting is consistent and the hydraulic brakes are well suited to fast road riding.
The carbon wheels are a worthwhile part of the package, and the option to fit a 32 mm tyre gives you some room to make the bike more comfortable on rougher seal.
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.
Exact specification is to be confirmed
Technical Specifications
Frameset
- Frame: X-LAB carbon, Toray T800, UDH compatible
- Fork: Carbon, 12 × 100 mm front thru-axle
- Seatpost: XDS carbon, aero profile
- Stated maximum tyre clearance: 32 mm
Drivetrain
- Shifters: Shimano Ultegra ST-R8170 Di2
- Front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra FD-R8150 Di2
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra RD-R8150 Di2
- Drivetrain: Electronic 2 × 12-speed
- Crankset and gearing: Contact Chain Reaction to confirm the supplied specification
Brakes
- Brakes: Shimano Ultegra BR-R8170 hydraulic disc
- Rotors: Contact Chain Reaction to confirm the supplied sizes
Wheels and Tyres
- Wheelset: Branta C45 UL carbon
- Spokes: Carbon
- Tyres: Michelin Pro 5, 700 × 28C
Cockpit and Contact Points
- Handlebar and stem: Branta integrated carbon
- Seatpost: XDS carbon, aero profile
- Saddle: Contact Chain Reaction to confirm the supplied specification
Colour and Weight
- Finish: Sunspot Red/Black
- Weight: Contact Chain Reaction for the specification of the available bike
Size Guide
X-LAB provides the following rider heights as a starting point for the AD8 platform. Please contact us to confirm available sizes in Sunspot Red/Black.
- 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.
Geometry
The AD8 shares the AD9 frame geometry. All lengths below 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
- 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 may change without notice. Contact us to confirm the crankset, gearing, rotor sizes, saddle and weight of the available bike before ordering.
