X-LAB road bikes are produced by XDS (XDS Carbon Tech) in China; XLAB (no hyphen) is a U.S. accessories brand that does not manufacture bikes.
If you’ve seen sleek X-LAB road machines in race photos and shop windows and wondered who builds them, here’s the straight answer: the bikes come from XDS — a large Chinese bicycle manufacturer also known as XDS Carbon Tech. Media reports tied to the WorldTour sponsorship confirm the link, and shop listings describe X-LAB as an XDS product line.
Who Makes XLAB Bikes? Details By Brand
The name “XLAB” gets used in two different ways in cycling. One refers to the aerodynamically styled X-LAB road bikes ridden by sponsored athletes and sold through select dealers. The other refers to XLAB (without the hyphen), a long-running U.S. brand best known for triathlon hydration and storage gear. Only the first one involves complete bicycles; the second designs accessories.
Quick Summary
- Bike maker: X-LAB bicycles are made by XDS, a manufacturer.
- Accessory brand: XLAB (no hyphen) makes hydration systems, cages, and storage mounts — not bikes.
- Proof points: WorldTour coverage calls the bikes “Chinese X-Lab” and ties the brand to XDS Carbon Tech; retailers list X-LAB models as “manufactured by XDS.”
XLAB Bikes And Who Builds Each Model
To make the connection crystal clear, here’s a snapshot of the current range and the company behind it. Model names may vary by region, but the manufacturer remains the same.
| Model | Category | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|
| AD9 | Aero Road | XDS (XDS Carbon Tech) |
| AD8 | Aero Road | XDS |
| RS9 | Race Frameset | XDS |
| RS8 | Race Complete | XDS |
| RT9 | Race Complete | XDS |
| RS8 105 Di2 | Race Complete | XDS |
| RS8 Ultegra Di2 | Race Complete | XDS |
| RS9 Frameset | Frameset | XDS |
Models listed above appear across retail catalogs and media shots linked to the XDS Astana program. Availability shifts by market, so check regional dealers.
Close Variant: Who Makes XLAB Bicycles By Year And Trim
Year-to-year updates land under the same umbrella: XDS builds the frames and completes. You’ll see Shimano 105 Di2, Ultegra Di2, and SRAM eTap AXS specs attached to the RS and RT lines in current listings. Those component choices vary by dealer, but the carbon chassis traces back to XDS either way.
Why The Confusion Around The Name
Search results often mix the X-LAB bicycle line and the XLAB accessory company. That’s understandable: the names look alike, and both target speed-obsessed riders. One sells complete machines; the other sells hydration systems you bolt to a triathlon cockpit or saddle. The accessory brand has shipped for decades and is family-owned in the U.S., which adds one more layer when fans try to map the two.
The Hyphen Is The Tell
If you’re hunting for frames, search for “X-LAB bikes” (with a hyphen). If you need bottle cages, rear carriers, or a refill bottle, search for “XLAB” (no hyphen). Retailers and the brands themselves use that spelling split.
Official Statements And Media Coverage
Race-season tech coverage ties the AD9 race bike to XDS Carbon Tech, including details of the title-sponsorship deal tied to the Astana team. That same coverage calls X-Lab a Chinese brand — a clean match with XDS’s home base and manufacturing footprint.
Proof You Can Check Yourself
Don’t take any brand mapping only on faith. Cross-check three visible signals:
- Brand pages: The XDS official site showcases the manufacturer behind the line.
- Retailer entries: Multiple dealers tag X-LAB as “manufactured by XDS” and list model families like AD, RS, and RT.
- Media reporting: Tech outlets describe the AD9 as a Chinese X-Lab bike linked to XDS Carbon Tech and the WorldTour sponsorship.
Where X-LAB Sits Inside XDS
Shops describe X-LAB as an upper-tier sub-brand that XDS is rolling out beyond Asia. That positioning lines up with what you see on social channels and in WorldTour exposure: sleek, aero-first bikes designed to turn heads and clock fast splits under pro riders.
Factory Scale And Capabilities
XDS is a major OEM with large yearly output, deep carbon know-how, and a broad catalog that spans kids’ bikes to race rigs. That size helps the company bring a race frame like the AD9 to market with multiple builds and a steady supply chain.
How XLAB (No Hyphen) Fits Into The Picture
XLAB in the U.S. designs hydration and storage products used by triathletes on bikes from any brand. The company highlights wind-tunnel-driven shapes, behind-the-saddle carriers, and front hydration mounts that integrate computers. Those products bolt onto frames such as the X-LAB AD9 — but XLAB doesn’t make the frame itself.
Typical XLAB Gear Riders Pair With Any Bike
- Rear hydration carriers and cages for time-trial and triathlon setups.
- Front hydration systems with refill bottles and computer mounts.
- Carbon bottle cages designed for high grip over rough roads.
Buying Tips If You Want An X-LAB Bike
Because X-LAB bikes are just beginning to spread beyond Asia, inventory can be spotty. Your best bet is to contact dealers that already list RS, RT, and AD models. Ask about lead times, frame warranties from XDS, and support for electronic drivetrains you prefer. Many shops can place special orders or hold a frameset for a custom build.
What To Clarify With A Dealer
- Exact model code: Confirm AD9 vs. AD8, RS9 vs. RS8, and the paint option tied to your size.
- Build kit: Check whether the bike ships with 105 Di2, Ultegra Di2, or SRAM eTap AXS, and whether wheels can be upgraded at the point of sale.
- Service and spares: Ask about derailleur hangers, headset specs, and small-parts availability through the shop or XDS distributors.
Regional Availability And Sponsorship Context
Awareness of X-LAB outside Asia jumped when XDS secured title rights for a WorldTour team and rolled the AD9 onto the biggest stage. Shops in Australia now tease launches and carry framesets, which hints at broader distribution on the way. That pattern — exposure first, dealers next — mirrors how most new performance lines expand.
Table: Where To Find And Verify
Use the links and checks below to make sure you’re looking at the right brand and model.
| Action | What To Look For | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm the maker | Brand page or dealer text that says “manufactured by XDS” | Retailer listing |
| Check pro-level proof | Race-tech coverage tying AD9 to XDS Carbon Tech | News article |
| Scan social bios | “By XDS” in the account description | Official social |
| Review model names | AD, RS, RT families with current Di2/eTap builds | Dealer pages |
| Find dealers | Australian shops listing RS9/RS8/AD8/AD9 | Dealer pages |
| Accessory brand | Hydration systems and carriers, not frames | XLAB site |
| Manufacturer scale | Large global output and carbon expertise | XDS site |
Who Makes XLAB Bikes? Proof And Sources
Two kinds of proof matter here: named manufacturer statements and third-party reporting. XDS runs the parent site and promotes its factory output. Independent tech writers covered the AD9 at WorldTour level and linked the frame to XDS Carbon Tech by name. That two-sided view leaves little room for doubt.
Frame Engineering And Materials
The AD and RS families target race speed with deep tube profiles, hidden routing, and full-carbon construction. Current builds pair with electronic groupsets and deep clinchers. Listings point to aero-first shaping and tidy service access.
What That Means On The Road
AD frames chase straight-line speed with tight wheel cutouts and tall profiles. RS frames lean all-round. Both use big junctions and thru-axles for a crisp feel that mirrors peer bikes in this class.
Fit, Geometry, And Sizing Tips
Since most buyers won’t find a published geometry chart on the brand site yet, use the dealer’s guidance and a test ride if possible. If you’re moving from a known platform, compare stack and reach to land near your current contact points. When in doubt between two sizes, ask the shop to mock up your bar height on both. A few millimeters at the head tube can unlock comfort without blunting the bike’s speed intent.
Accessory Pairings From XLAB (No Hyphen)
If you race triathlon or long TTs on an X-LAB frame, the U.S. accessory brand’s gear fits right in. A rear carrier keeps bottles tucked out of the wind. A front refill bottle trims the need to reach for a down-tube cage. Strong-grip carbon cages stop ejections over rough pavement. Each piece arrives with hardware and clear mounting steps.
Bottom Line For Shoppers
Who Makes XLAB Bikes? The complete bicycles branded X-LAB are made by XDS, a major Chinese manufacturer that also backs a WorldTour team. XLAB without the hyphen remains a separate U.S. accessories brand. If you want the bike, start with dealers tied to XDS distribution; if you want hydration gear, head to the XLAB catalog.