The End of Expensive Bikes? X-Lab RS7 & AD9 First Look
A July 2026 first look at two X-LAB bikes. The takeaways cover the size L RS7 with Shimano 105 Di2, Branta parts and 32 mm tyres: US prices, specification, a first ride and availability; the AD9 part of the video is not summarised here.
David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes · 2026-07-10. David Arthur had the RS7 and AD9 in for review. The description links X-LAB's site and recommended products, including a camera, a bike stand, clothing and shoes. Disclosure basis.Takeaways
- Price at publication2:35The RS7 started at just over US$2,000 with mechanical Shimano 105; the tested 105 Di2 build cost US$2,800 at publication, which he put about $1,000 below a Canyon Ultimate and $2,000 below a Specialized Tarmac with the same groupset.
- Build note3:02The size L test bike has a one-piece carbon bar and stem, which limits fit adjustment, X-LAB's own power-meter crank, carbon wheels with 32 mm tyres from a brand he did not know, and X-LAB's own saddle.
- Ride impression8:18The rear freehub was very loud. Against the 6.8 kg AD9, the RS7, which he put at 8.4 kg, felt slower and a bit sluggish on its 32 mm tyres but very smooth and comfortable on his roads.
- Fit check9:49The fit is racy rather than endurance. A tall stack of spacers lets riders go higher or lower, and the size L came with 170 mm cranks and an inline seatpost for a more forward position.
- Build note10:36The aluminium dual-sided power-meter crank comes with the bike; its accuracy and consistency were still to be tested, and he said nothing needed upgrading out of the box.
- Support12:03At publication the bikes were sold only in the US through a growing dealer network; sales in Europe and the UK were scheduled for early 2027 at the soonest.