A number of months in the past, we obtained our first glimpse of the brand new bike from T-Lab. The Montreal-based purveyors of {custom} titanium bicycles had simply proven the world its new X3-S on the Philly Bike Expo, and our check bike was additionally on its manner.
What’s the X3-S? On this case, the “S” stands for suspension. T-Lab took its flagship X3 gravel race bike and modified it to run a gravel suspension fork based mostly across the RockShox Rudy Final with 40 mm of journey. Extra than simply dropping in a suspension fork to the entrance finish with some geometry modifications, the brand new body has been redesigned with a stiffer entrance triangle to deal with the added stress that’s certain to return from having a suspension-equipped gravel bike.
Like all the T-Lab builds, the X3-S begins with a body created from Grade 9 titanium tubing. The place T-Lab claims to set itself aside from different titanium builders is in its chilly working process it calls “Ti-Morph Expertise.” This tube-shaping course of claims to provide body profiles which can be as much as 30% stiffer with out a weight penalty.
When utilized in strategic areas of the body, T-Lab is ready to tune the efficiency of its titanium frames extra so than simply utilizing spherical tubes. It goes so far as claiming to provide a “titanium bike that performs like high-end carbon fashions, all whereas delivering superior consolation and sturdiness.”
These are massive claims for certain, however the course of additionally yields a shocking profile that’s simple. The ovalized tube sections flare out to satisfy their junctions on the head tube and backside bracket in a manner that’s meant to extend stiffness the place you need it, however enhance compliance the place you don’t.
Optionally available Customized Paint
Total, the X3-S is putting — however much more so with a {custom} end. Portray a titanium bike is a difficult factor. Titanium is so naturally lovely and hard-wearing, it’s virtually a disgrace to cowl it up. But, so many riders need their bike to be an expression of themselves, so if you need a {custom} paint job on the X3-S, it’s an possibility. Each X3-S consists of the Lux end, which is absolutely brushed by hand. Semi-custom paint choices begin with the Hue design for $375, as much as $750 for its Versa end picked right here. Riders may select to have their bike customized on the highest tube with 24 characters for an extra $125 charge.
On the subject of paint, I’m a type of individuals who has a variety of opinions on the end, however has bother articulating these ideas. When it got here time to select a end for this check bike, I gave T-Lab’s Co-Founder and Artistic Director John Anagnostopoulos a tough concept about what I used to be pondering with some colour decisions, and T-Lab nailed the ultimate design. It was even in a position to color-match the orange from the BikeRumor emblem for the accents.
Whereas the paint is beautiful, I like that it’s totally on the entrance half of the bike. The again finish continues to be uncooked titanium which can preserve it trying sharp in the long term as rocks and particles bounce off the body from the rear tire.
Together with the {custom} paint possibility, T-Lab gives quite a lot of different {custom} touches as nicely. The inventory bikes all embrace a BB386 press match backside bracket to maximise the welding space for the tube junctions to make the stiffest body attainable. Don’t need press match? For $200, T-Lab will weld your body up with a T47 threaded shell.
Different Customized Touches
Extra {custom} choices embrace rack mounts, fender mounts, bento field mounts, and a 3rd water bottle mount below the downtube. (T-Lab mentions that some clients don’t need them, in order that they made it elective.)
Part Choices
Part sizing and specification will also be custom-made, because it has been right here. T-Lab put collectively this complete dream construct with a full SRAM Drive AXS XPLR group, the Reverb AXS dropper submit, an FSA AGX/KFX carbon cockpit, Selle Italia saddle, Reynolds Black Label G700 Professional wheels, and Maxxis Rambler tires. For reference, a T-Lab X3-S (with base Lux end), a SRAM Drive AXS (1x) drivetrain, Rudy Final XPLR fork, and BOYD GVL wheels (its base stage wheelset) would promote for $6,975. Relying on the {custom} choices you select, the pricing will go up from there.
T-Lab additionally gives full inventory builds with Shimano GRX 1x, Shimano GRX Di2 1x, SRAM Drive AXS eTap 1x, and Campagnolo Ekar 1x (SRAM and Campy accessible quickly).
T-Lab X3-S Geometry
That features the choice for full {custom} geometry, which provides one other $500 to the worth. T-Lab gives a reasonably complete sizing profile the place it’ll work with you to find out whether or not you really want {custom} geometry (in the event you’re on the fence). The X3-S is obtainable in three normal sizes if not. For those who do resolve to go the {custom} route, T-Lab will wish to know outcomes from a professional bike match, present bikes you like, and every other fit-related considerations, accidents, and so forth.
T-Lab X3-S Specs
Again to the bike itself, the X3-S gives official tire clearance of 700c x 50mm, which equals the tire clearance of the RockShox Rudy Final XPLR suspension fork at 50 mm. Mixed with the suspension capabilities of the fork and the choice to run massive tires, the X3-S is clearly up for journey. Nevertheless it’s additionally constructed to be quick and environment friendly like the unique X3.
- Common body weight: 1,280 g (S)
- Headtube: IS41/28.6 – IS52/40 (built-in/tapered)
- Seatpost: 27.2 mm (31.8mm seat clamp)
- Backside Bracket: BB386
- Dropouts: 142 x 12mm axle flat mount with disc brake
- Fork: RockShox FS-Rudy-UCI-A1
- Wheel measurement: 700c or 650b
- Most Tire Width: 700x50c, or 650Bx47c and 27.5″ x 2.1″ (tire width could differ relying on the producer and tire strain)
- Out there in Gravel / Journey geometry within the following normal sizes: S, M, L
- Customized geometry/sizing additionally accessible ($500 USD upcharge)
- Body appropriate with all Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo groupsets that includes disc brakes
- Lifetime guarantee on body (in opposition to producer’s defects)
What does that imply for the journey? We’ll have that reply within the full overview developing!
