Today, after test-riding the X-Lab RS7 road bike and the X-Lab GT8 gravel bike at the local Sports Basement in Almaden (the shop finally had both bikes in stock), I decided to buy the RS7 base model in white, size large. At $2099, it offers the best value and felt excellent on the road.
I considered the X-Lab RS7 Di2 version with electronic gear shifting for $2899 (an $800 premium), but decided the added cost and complexity weren't really necessary.
The GT8 is an excellent gravel bike, but my 2011 Specialized FSR can handle gravel well, so I don't think I need a dedicated gravel bike right now.
I really liked the X-Lab GT8 Gravel bike, but it didn't seem like the best fit for my road riding. I also decided to purchase the following accessories (and the following service) from Sports Basement:
- Upgrade installed Branta tires to Continental GP 5000 32x700c ( 2 x $80)
- Wax the installed chain with Hot Silca Wax ($50)
- Shimano SH-RC302 road cycling shoes ($126)
-
Shimano Ultegra PD-R8000 Clipless Pedals ($154)
<-incompatible with my SPD bike shoes - CamelBak Podium Water 24-oz Water Bottle ($16)
- Rockbros Bike Saddle Bag Under Seat 3D Shell ($26.99)
- Gorilla Force Bike Tire Levers ($9.99)
- TB2PRO Mini Electric Bike Pump, 120psi Portable Bicycle Tire Pump
- Continental Race 28 Wide 700x25-32 Bike Inner Tubes, 42mm Presta Valve (in case of flat)
I originally bought the Shimano Ultegra PD-R8000 Clipless pedals, but I didn't realize they require special SPD-SL-compatible shoes. I have 2 pairs of SPD shoes that are not compatible with the SPD-SL system. I purchased Shimano SH-RC302 road cycling shoes and installed 3-bolt cleats.
I added the X-Lab RS7 to my iPhone's Find My app to track the bike and added its power meter as an extra sensor to the iGPSPORT BiNavi bike computer.
X-Lab RS7 Technical Specifications
FRAME
FORK
HANDLEBAR / STEM
SEATPOST
REAR DERAILLEUR
FRONT DERAILLEUR
SHIFTERS
BRAKES
CASSETTE
CRANKSET
BOTTOM BRACKET
ROTORS
CHAIN
WHEELSET
TIRES
SADDLE
WEIGHT
SIZE OPTIONS
Links
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