X-LAB AD8 RIDE REVIEW
X-Lab is set to launch in Australia this coming spring, with a handful of bikes already here in Australia in a select few shops. If you've been following Pro Tour racing, you may have spotted Team Astana on the X-Lab AD9, with a strong Giro campaign that saw them secure the climbers' jersey and a stage win—an impressive outing by any standard. But how does the X-Lab ride off the World Tour and into the real world?
What better way to test the AD8 than against the category leading Cannondale SystemSix, a very fitting comparison!
The AD9 and AD8 are X-Lab's aero road bike models, designed for all-round performance, but with a focus on straight line speed and aerodynamics. In terms of frame construction, the AD8 is essentially the Hi-Mod level, while the AD9 uses LAB71-grade carbon - to use the Cannondale equivalents- otherwise they have the same ride characteristics with a slight difference in weight between the two versions. I had the chance to ride the X-Lab AD8, built with Shimano 105 Di2, 50mm carbon spoked wheels, and a carbon one-piece aero bar. For a solid test, I took it out on the familiar Wednesday North Road ride—a route I regularly do on my Cannondale SystemSix equipped with Hollowgram 64 wheels.
CANNONDALE SYSTEMSIX VS X-LAB AD8
Geometry & Fit
Side-by-side, the AD8 and my SystemSix share strikingly similar silhouettes and geometries. The X-Lab came with an uncut steerer and my SystemSix is fully slammed, creating a 60mm stack height difference between the two. While I could have removed spacers for a closer match, I figured the bike’s future owner might not appreciate me taking a hacksaw to their display rig. So, I left the cockpit tall and swapped in my Hollowgram wheels and personal crankset to isolate the frame as the primary test variable.
On the Road
The ride quality impressed me. The frame has a noticeable level of compliance, absorbing road buzz effectively without dulling feedback. Even over rougher patches, there was no unwanted chatter. The handling was confident—stable and direct when I needed it, but with a lively, snappy feel on demand. For an aero frame, XDS has done well to keep the weight down; it never felt sluggish on the climbs and held its own in surges.
Performance
Here’s where it gets interesting. Compared to previous rides on this loop, I was averaging about 20 watts higher, and I could feel the difference, especially toward the end of the ride. It’d be easy to dismiss the AD8 as "nice, but not fast"—but that’s not quite right. While it may not slice the air like a slammed SystemSix, not many bikes do. A 20-watt delta is significant, but much of that could be chalked up to setup: the extra stack height and slightly wider bars (38cm vs. my usual 36cm). Narrowing those margins would likely close the wattage gap considerably.
You could also argue that for longer rides, the added compliance might leave you fresher and more efficient by the finish. It’s a trade-off—pure aero vs. all-day comfort—and the AD8 leans into the balance well.
Verdict
If I were allowed to have another bike, it would be an X-Lab AD9.
-Cam Hales - resident roadie, workshop manager, and experienced road rider from Urban Pedaler
