A Lightweight Hardtail for Building Your Skills
The X-LAB MT3 is an aluminium hardtail for riders who want to get out on local trails, explore gravel tracks and develop their mountain-bike skills. Its air suspension fork, Shimano Deore 12-speed gearing and hydraulic disc brakes make it a practical step up for regular recreational riding.
With a claimed weight of 12.23 kg, the MT3 is designed to feel responsive on climbs and easy to manoeuvre through flowing singletrack. The Obsidian Black finish gives it a clean look on and off the trail.
X6 Aluminium Frame
The XDS X6 aluminium frame provides a durable foundation for everyday trail riding. Its hardtail design keeps the bike straightforward to maintain and gives it an efficient feel when pedalling on smoother tracks and climbs.
Compared with the MT2, the MT3 adds an air-sprung fork and Shimano Deore 12-speed gearing. Those are useful upgrades for riders who plan to spend more time on the trails.
Adjustable Air Suspension
The Branta magnesium suspension fork uses an air spring, allowing pressure to be adjusted for the rider. Rebound adjustment also lets you tune how quickly the fork returns after a bump.
The supplier lists 100 mm of travel for the 27.5-inch version and 120 mm for the 29-inch version. Contact us to confirm the wheel size and fork travel for your selected frame size.
Shimano Deore 12-Speed Gearing
The Shimano Deore rear derailleur gives the MT3 a wide-range 1 × 12-speed drivetrain without the complication of a front derailleur. The 11–50T cassette provides useful climbing gears for steeper tracks, while the 34T narrow-wide chainring helps keep the chain engaged over uneven ground.
Deore is a sensible choice for riders who want reliable shifting and plan to ride regularly. The single-shifter setup is easy to get used to, whether you are heading into the hills or riding around the local forest.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Branta C5 two-piston hydraulic disc brakes provide controlled stopping with a light lever action. A 180 mm front rotor provides additional braking leverage, while the 160 mm rear rotor keeps the system balanced.
XC Wheels and Tyres
The Branta aluminium XC+ wheelset is paired with CST Serratus tyres. The supplier lists a 29 × 2.25-inch tyre for the 29-inch setup, a practical width for hardpack, gravel and recreational cross-country trails.
If you are considering a 27.5-inch model, contact us to confirm its fitted tyre specification before ordering.
Key Features
- XDS X6 aluminium hardtail frame
- Branta magnesium suspension fork with air spring
- Adjustable fork rebound
- 100 mm fork travel on the 27.5-inch version
- 120 mm fork travel on the 29-inch version
- Shimano Deore 1 × 12-speed drivetrain
- Wide-range 11–50T cassette
- Branta aluminium crankset with 34T narrow-wide chainring
- Branta C5 two-piston hydraulic disc brakes
- 180 mm front and 160 mm rear brake rotors
- Branta aluminium XC+ wheelset
- CST Serratus tyres
- Obsidian Black finish
- Claimed weight: 12.23 kg
Who Is It For?
- Riders getting into mountain biking
- Recreational cross-country riding
- Beginner and intermediate trails
- Gravel tracks and forest roads
- Riders wanting an adjustable air fork
- Riders who regularly tackle hills
- Anyone wanting a lightweight aluminium hardtail
The MT3 is intended for cross-country and recreational trail riding. Riders regularly tackling large drops, steep technical descents or bike-park terrain should consider a more aggressive trail bike with a dropper post and stronger braking and suspension.
Our Thoughts
The MT3 is a worthwhile step up if you like the idea of the MT2 but expect to ride trails more often. The air fork gives us more scope to set the bike up for the rider, while the wide-range Deore drivetrain is a good match for hilly riding.
It is still a straightforward hardtail rather than a full-suspension trail bike. For flowing singletrack, forest rides and building fitness, that simplicity keeps it efficient and easy to live with.
Technical Specifications
Frameset and Suspension
- Frame: XDS X6 aluminium hardtail
- Fork: Branta magnesium suspension fork, air spring and adjustable rebound
- Fork travel: 100 mm for the 27.5-inch version; 120 mm for the 29-inch version
Drivetrain
- Shifter: Shimano Deore, as listed by the supplier
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore RD-M6100-SGS, 12-speed
- Cassette: CS-M9012, 11–50T
- Crankset: Branta aluminium, 170 mm
- Chainring: 34T narrow-wide
- Bottom bracket: BSA, 24 mm
- Chain: SUMC
Brakes
- Brakes: Branta C5 two-piston hydraulic disc
- Front rotor: Branta steel, 180 mm
- Rear rotor: Branta steel, 160 mm
Wheels and Tyres
- Wheelset: Branta aluminium XC+
- 29-inch tyres: CST Serratus, 29 × 2.25″, 30 TPI
- 27.5-inch tyre specification: Contact Chain Reaction to confirm
Cockpit and Contact Points
- Handlebar: Branta aluminium, 660 mm width and 7-degree backsweep
- Stem: Branta aluminium, 85 mm length and 0-degree rise
- Seatpost: Branta aluminium, 31.6 mm
- Saddle: Branta SRX+ with metal rails
Sizes, Colour and Weight
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL
- Colour: Obsidian Black
- Claimed weight: 12.23 kg
Size Guide
The MT3 is available in sizes XS through XL. Contact Chain Reaction to confirm the wheel size for your selected frame and get personalised sizing advice.
Rider height is only a starting point. Body proportions, riding experience and preferred handling can influence the ideal frame size. Visit us to check the fit before ordering.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Professionally assembled, tuned and safety checked
- Brakes professionally checked and bedded in
- Gears adjusted and drivetrain tuned
- Air fork pressure and rebound initially set for the rider
- Initial bike setup and feature walkthrough
- Expert bike sizing and setup advice
- 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 weight may vary with frame size and production components.
