A Practical Road Bike with Performance Built In
The X-LAB RS5 is an aluminium road bike for riders who want to get out for fitness rides, join a bunch or spend a long day exploring the back roads. It pairs a carbon fork and Shimano 105 12-speed gearing with a power meter already fitted, so there is plenty here for riders who want to develop their riding.
With 32 mm tyres fitted and clearance for up to 38 mm, the RS5 also has room for more comfort and grip when the roads get rough.
X6 Aluminium Frame and Carbon Fork
The X6 aluminium frame provides a durable foundation for regular road riding, while the carbon fork helps keep the front of the bike light. The semi-integrated alloy cockpit keeps the front end tidy, and an aero-profile carbon seatpost completes the build.
The frame is compatible with a Universal Derailleur Hanger, and the threaded BSA bottom bracket is a practical choice when it comes time for servicing.
Shimano 105 12-Speed Gearing
Shimano 105 mechanical shifting gives the RS5 a dependable 2 × 12-speed drivetrain for everything from flatter bunch rides to long climbs. The 52/36T chainrings provide plenty of gearing for faster road riding.
That is a fairly performance-focused crankset. If you are new to road riding or regularly tackle steep climbs, have a chat with us about whether the gearing will suit your riding.
Power Meter and Apple Find My
The Branta alloy crankset includes a power meter, allowing you to measure effort, follow structured workouts and pace longer rides without buying a separate power meter.
Apple Find My compatibility is also integrated into the crankset. It can help locate the bike using a compatible Apple device and account, but it is not a replacement for a quality physical lock.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes give you controlled, predictable braking in changing weather. The RS5 uses 160 mm Branta rotors at both ends, providing a practical setup for everyday riding and longer descents.
Room for Wider Tyres
The RS5 comes with Branta R332 700 × 32C tyres, a sensible width for coarse chip seal and less-than-perfect road surfaces. The frame has stated clearance for tyres up to 38 mm, giving you room to choose a wider tyre for extra comfort and grip.
Tyre clearance can vary with the tyre, rim and riding conditions. Leave suitable clearance around the tyre and check compatibility before changing sizes.
Key Features
- X-LAB X6 aluminium frame
- X-LAB carbon fork with 12 × 100 mm front thru-axle
- Universal Derailleur Hanger compatibility
- Shimano 105 mechanical 2 × 12-speed shifting
- Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes
- Branta power-meter crankset with 52/36T chainrings
- Apple Find My compatibility integrated into the crankset
- Branta A35 SL aluminium wheels
- Branta R332 700 × 32C tyres
- Stated tyre clearance up to 700 × 38 mm
- Branta semi-integrated alloy cockpit
- XDS aero-profile carbon seatpost
- Threaded BSA bottom bracket
- Wavebreaker White finish
- Claimed weight: 9.54 kg in size L
Who Is It For?
- Riders getting into road cycling
- Fitness rides and regular training
- Weekend bunch rides and road events
- Longer rides on sealed roads and coarse chip seal
- Riders who want a power meter included
- Riders who prefer mechanical shifting
- Anyone wanting room to fit wider road tyres
The RS5 is built around drop handlebars and a road riding position. If you are unsure about the fit, come in for a chat before ordering—we can help you compare sizes and cockpit dimensions.
Our Thoughts
The RS5 is a sensible road bike for someone who wants quality components without paying for a full-carbon frame. Shimano 105 is a groupset we are happy to see on a bike intended for regular use, and the included power meter is a useful extra if you want to get more out of your training.
The 32 mm tyres and room for wider rubber are particularly welcome on New Zealand roads. They give you options if comfort matters more than running the narrowest tyre possible.
Compared with the carbon RS7, the RS5 uses an aluminium frame and aluminium wheels and has a higher claimed weight. If you are mainly riding for fitness, bunch rides and the occasional event, those differences may matter less than getting the right size and a comfortable position.
Technical Specifications
Frameset
- Frame: X-LAB X6 aluminium, UDH compatible
- Fork: X-LAB carbon, 12 × 100 mm front thru-axle
- Seatpost: XDS carbon, aero profile
- Bottom bracket: BSA threaded, 24 mm spindle
- Stated maximum tyre clearance: 700 × 38 mm
Drivetrain
- Shifters: Shimano 105 ST-R7120, mechanical 12-speed
- Front derailleur: Shimano 105 FD-R7100
- Rear derailleur: Shimano 105 RD-R7100, 12-speed
- Crankset: Branta aluminium power-meter crankset, 24 mm steel spindle
- Chainrings: 52/36T
- Security technology: Apple Find My compatibility
Brakes
- Brakes: Shimano 105 BR-R7170 hydraulic disc
- Front rotor: Branta PN28, 160 mm
- Rear rotor: Branta PN28, 160 mm
Wheels and Tyres
- Wheelset: Branta A35 SL, aluminium rims
- Tyres: Branta R332, 700 × 32C, 60 TPI
Cockpit and Contact Points
- Cockpit: Branta alloy, semi-integrated
- Seatpost: XDS carbon, aero profile
- Saddle: Branta R302 with steel rails
Sizes, Colour and Weight
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL
- Colour: Wavebreaker White
- Claimed weight: 9.54 kg in size L
Size-Specific Components
| Size | Stem | Handlebar | Crank | Seatpost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 80 mm | 380 mm | 165 mm | 300 mm |
| S | 80 mm | 380 mm | 165 mm | 300 mm |
| M | 100 mm | 400 mm | 170 mm | 300 mm |
| L | 100 mm | 400 mm | 170 mm | 400 mm |
| XL | 100 mm | 420 mm | 172.5 mm | 400 mm |
Rider height is only one part of choosing a road bike. Body proportions, flexibility and preferred riding position all affect the best size. Contact Chain Reaction for help comparing the geometry and cockpit dimensions before ordering.
Geometry
All lengths are in millimetres unless otherwise stated.
| Measurement | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head-tube angle | 71° | 72° | 73° | 73° | 73° |
| Head-tube length | 115 | 135 | 155 | 180 | 205 |
| Seat-tube angle | 75° | 74° | 74° | 73° | 73° |
| Seat-tube length | 440 | 480 | 510 | 540 | 560 |
| Chainstay length | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 |
| Bottom-bracket drop | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 |
| Reach | 371 | 375 | 381 | 387 | 394 |
| Stack | 530 | 553 | 575 | 599 | 623 |
| Top-tube length | 515 | 530 | 548 | 568 | 585 |
| Fork length | 386 | 386 | 386 | 386 | 386 |
| Fork offset | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Trail | 71 | 65 | 58 | 58 | 58 |
| Wheelbase | 999 | 1,001 | 1,004 | 1,018 | 1,033 |
| Front centre | 590 | 592 | 596 | 609 | 624 |
| Standover height | 725 | 758 | 784 | 810 | 831 |
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Professionally assembled, tuned and safety checked
- Brakes professionally checked and bedded in
- Gears adjusted and drivetrain tuned
- 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 weight is for a size L bike and may vary with frame size and production components.
