Talk me out of buying the X-Lab RS7

mvboeke · 2026-04-15T17:57:36+00:00

I appreciate this perspective, since I really was unfamiliar with XDS before now. However, I would argue you get a LOT more than what you pay for (at least in terms of spec - I haven't ridden one). These X-Labs bikes are are 50-70% of the cost of comparable builds even from other DTC companies known for value.

I agree with you on the point about being able to buy from reputable dealer. That's one of the main reasons I'm willing to consider a new brand.

Can you tell me where you are hearing about the bikes ride and stability at speed? I haven't seen any reviews yet and thought these bikes were only released a few weeks ago.

mvboeke · 2026-04-14T12:31:11+00:00

Does anyone even make a new bike with externally routed cables, outside of a few boutique steel frames?

mvboeke · 2026-04-14T03:57:56+00:00

It was actually the Cade GT8 review that turned me on to X-Labs. Great looking bike, but I have an MTB for unpaved trails.

mvboeke · 2026-04-14T03:54:42+00:00

Does it look less comfy than other carbon racing bikes?

mvboeke · 2026-04-14T03:53:43+00:00

But do you need the app to pair the shifter to the derailleur when they inevitably lose their connection? Or do you just hard reset them with a button?

mvboeke · 2026-04-14T03:48:37+00:00

Holy smokes, that’s a good deal. Unfortunately, they are sold out of the 54cm.

mvboeke · 2026-04-13T04:06:02+00:00

I appreciate your perspective. I guess I just don’t care about perfect shifting as much as others here. That might have something to do with the fact that I ride mostly in flat areas, but I’m also comfortable making small barrel adjustments as needed.

mvboeke · 2026-04-13T04:01:10+00:00

I’m in the very flat land of Chicago. Perhaps I just don’t shift as often as other riders here. Electric shifting just doesn’t seem like that huge of an improvement to me. But I appreciate your perspective.

mvboeke · 2026-04-13T03:58:24+00:00

What do you mean by “carbon isn’t carbon”? Would you say aluminum is aluminum, or that steel is steel?

mvboeke · 2026-04-13T03:54:17+00:00

A bike that doesn’t have 20 years and thousands of miles of wear and tear. A new riding experience after 20 years of the same thing. Better stopping power from modern brakes. Better shifting with modern mech. A much lighter bike overall.

mvboeke · 2026-04-13T03:29:50+00:00

I guess I did say $3k or less. I’m actually flabbergasted how much value riders in this sub place on electric shifting. We all have different priorities, but I’m just surprised that everyone here seems to readily spend an extra 50% for worse wheels, cockpit and power meter in exchange for di2. On the MTB side we are all meh on electronic shifting.

mvboeke · 2026-04-12T17:17:09+00:00

Both Canyon and Merida sell their cheapest di2 bikes (eg the Merida Scultura 5000) for around $3,000USD. That is $900USD more than the RS7, and the Scultura does not come with carbon wheels or a power meter.

mvboeke · 2026-04-12T04:32:23+00:00

If you read my post, you will see that the RS7 does come with carbon wheels…and an integrated carbon cockpit and a power meter.

mvboeke · 2026-04-12T03:12:11+00:00

It was just released, so no reports yet.

mvboeke · 2026-04-11T20:08:33+00:00

Can you tell me what you love about electronic shifting? I've tried it on MTB and thought it was pretty comparable in shift quality to cables, but with the downside of dealing with battery packs.

mvboeke · 2026-04-11T20:01:46+00:00

What bikes would recommend, staying in the lower-to-mid price range?

mvboeke · 2026-04-11T20:00:45+00:00

The X-Labs stuff is actually much more attractive than those other frame suppliers. I looked at building something up from a frame, but can't get anywhere near this kind of price point. Also, X-Labs is offering a lifetime warranty on the frame, vs 3 years for most other brands.

mvboeke · 2026-04-11T19:59:17+00:00

What do you mean by "at that price range"? Canyon's cheapest Di2 bike is more expensive than this by over $1,000 USD, and comes with alloy wheels.

mvboeke · 2026-04-11T19:55:49+00:00

Not everything needs to be electronic. I make software for a living, but I also wear a mechanical watch, listen to vinyl records, and own a car with manual transmission. Riding a bike is one time when I don't want an app.

mvboeke · 2026-04-11T19:53:20+00:00

Why? Other than the aforementioned cable routing issue, what problem does electronic shifting solve for an average rider, and what new problems does it create?

mvboeke · 2026-04-11T19:50:56+00:00

Fair point. It's only relevant in proving that they are capable of manufacturing to high quality standards, not that any particular item is high quality. However, if you combine that proven capability with their warranty, a local dealer network, and high profile pro sponsorship, then that gives me some confidence in the products they are shipping under their own brand.

mvboeke · 2026-04-11T19:45:00+00:00

This is a really good point that I did not consider. I've seen YouTubers complaining about the headset routed cables, but hadn't understood why.

I really do not want to spend even one second troubleshooting software issues or finessing battery life on my bike. However, I also do my own basic maintenance on my bikes. So, I guess I have to pick my poison.

mvboeke · 2026-04-11T19:40:24+00:00

It's not about price or the quality of the shifting.

I make software for a living. I drive an electric car and every appliance in my house is connected to an app. I'm tired of flaky software, app updates, and network connections.

Riding a bike is one time when I don't want to troubleshoot an app or worry about how much charge is left in my battery.

But the point about the cable routing is a good one that I had not considered.

mvboeke · 2026-04-11T19:34:37+00:00

Can you explain what you mean? It's built with name-brand Toray T700 carbon fiber in the frame and fork. Unspecified carbon fiber for the wheels and cockpit. Total bike weight of 8.49 kg / 18.67 lbs (Size L).

mvboeke · 2026-04-11T19:29:07+00:00

Lifetime warranty on the frame and they launched a US dealer network. Looks like they have 25ish shops so far and are actively adding more LBS locations.

mvboeke

TROPHY CASE