If you missed the news, Chinese carbon creators XDS (the same folks behind the XDS-Astana Team) just launched a nine-model entry into the USA market. The line is packed with brand-specific bits, carbon fiber everything, and some enticing pricing. The X-LAB GT8 is the brands dedicated carbon gravel bike.(All Photos: Jordan Villella)But unlike most brands market entry, its not a race-only bike. For XDS/X-LAB there are no claims of lightest/fastest bike ever (though the X-LAB AD9 might be the lightest); its just a solid, modern gravel bike priced to move.What Is It? X-LAB GT8 Gravel BikeThe GT8 has all the trappings of a modern race bike: internal cable routing, integrated cock pit, UDH, internal storage, and massive tire clearance. The frame is crafted from Toray T800 carbon fiber, making it lightweight yet durable enough for a few adventures. As for compliance, there are intentional chatter-eating seatstays and a unique seattube cluster that reminds me of the old GT Triple Triangle.As for the technical bits, the GT8 boasts 55mm of tire clearance and will fit single- or double-ring front setups. The bottom bracket is a T47 threaded. If youre an Ill just add it to my bike kinda rider, youll be stoked about the multiple mounting points on both the frame and fork. Its not something that I look for in a frameset, but it makes a lot of sense for this bike.The internal storage is ample, and fits a tool bag (or rain jacket) with some extra space. Plus, the look is clean carbon. The lever on the storage cover is very easy to use. It isnt over-engineered for aero-anything, just easy to flip with gloves on.Build Kit For The Long HaulThis is probably where the GT8 makes its best first impression.The drivetrain is Shimano GRX 715 1x Di2, paired to a 10-51 cassette and a 40T chainring. Thats a broad range and a smart one. It gives the bike enough top end for quick gravel/road sectors and enough bailout gearing for steep, leg-breaking climbs that show up halfway through long events and bad ideas. X-LAB doesnt cut corners mixing and matching odd parts (minus the crankset), they just went with a dependable (IMO) Shimano groupset that will do most of the work out there. The GRX brakes are one of my favorites, and the 715 levers have that nice mix of road feel (and shape) without the longer reach of the dedicated GRX 820 levers.Then theres the Branta alloy crankset with an integrated power meter. This thing looks very much like an SRAM XPLR crankset, even down to the chainring, but its not.The power meter arrives with built-in Apple Find My functionality. Find My is one of those quietly smart additions that becomes a lot more interesting when your bike is sitting outside a coffee shop, hotel, or gas station. Love to see it. Plus, theBranta alloy crankset comes with a rechargeable battery. The jury is still out on the units longevity, but so far, so good.Branta EverythingIf you havent realized it by now, Branta is X-LAB/XDSs in-house brand. Branta makes everything from wheels to cockpits to tires.The wheelset that comes on the X-LAB GT8 is the Branta C45 Gravel Carbon Wheelset. Its nothing crazy, with steel spokes, a 45mm-deep carbon rim, and a tubeless setup. The wheels are much better (on paper) for what youd usually find specd on a $3-4K gravel bike. They arrive with Continental Terra Trail 700x45c, a solid place to start for racing or exploring.The cockpit kit is all Branta. Starting with a uniquely designed carbon stem and Branta Gravel Carbon Handlebars. The seatpost is a standard round carbon 27.2mm seatpost, topped with a Fizik Terra Argo X7 saddle.The look of all the Branta kit is nice. Yeah there is some dated 4K weave, but the overall presentation is nice. I was bummed the stem was shorter than my usual fit of 110-120mm. The semi-integrated setup will take me some time to switch up, but the 90mm stem length on the 54cm size should fit the majority of riders just fine. The bars will be narrow for some and right on for others (like for me). The 38mm bar width, paired with the slight flair, makes for a nice aero position. However, those used to riding wider might find it tight, especially while climbing.One thing that is missing is a UCI sticker of approval. Yes, not many bikes in the gravel world have them, but were starting to see more as UCI enters the gravel discipline. So yeah, its not 100% approved for the gravel world championships, but the same goes with 75% of the gravel bikes out there.Whats Its Weight?Claimed weight is 8.78kg / 19.31lb in a size M, and our ride came to 20.02lbs, which is pretty respectable for a non-race-focused gravel bike in a completely stock build.(GT8 in Afterburner Black. Photo: XDS)Pick Your FlavorThe GT8 is available in two color options: Afterburner Black and Slipstream (tested). Both versions are the same build and look slightly understated.(Photo: Jordan Villella)X-LAB GT8 Tech DetailsFrame: XDS Carbon FrameFork: XDS Carbon Fork, 100x12mm thru-axleStem: Branta Carbon StemHandlebar: Branta Gravel Carbon HandlebarSeatpost: XDS Carbon 27.2mmDrivetrain: Shimano GRX 715 1x Di2Rear derailleur: Shimano GRX715 RD-RX717Shifters: Shimano GRX715 ST-RX717Brakes: Shimano GRX715 BR-RX715Cassette: Shimano CS-M6100-12, 10-51TCrankset: Branta Alloy Powermeter Crankset, 40TBottom bracket: T47 29mmRotors: Shimano SM-CL700, 160mm front and rearChain: Shimano CN-M6100Wheelset: Branta C45 Gravel Carbon Wheelset, steel spokesTires: Continental Terra Trail 700x45cSaddle: Fizik Terra Argo X7Weight: 20.02lbs (size M)Price:$3,199Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL / XXLRide ImpressionsAs good as the paper spec looks, gravel bikes always come down to ride feel. Ive had limited time on the X-LAB GT8, but on my local roads and through the rubble, the sensations are good. The geometry numbers describe a fairly stable machine, with a foot in the super-planted route but a stack/reach that roadies would feel locked into.My daily gravel driver is the ENVE MOG, and I can say that the GT8 has a very similar feel, down to the 27.2 seatpost. The ride couples snappy (but not too much) acceleration with confident descending and steering at speed.As for setup, my fit wasnt exactly dialed on the X-LAB GT8, but it was close enough, and I didnt feel super laid out on longer rides. I felt very at home with handling.Super ChunkOn the chunky super real gravel, the GT8 felt smooth, the rims were stiff, but the 45mm tires helped round out the rough spots. I couldnt tell whether the extra rear comfort was due to the round seatpost or the GT8s unique rear frame design, but its a nice ride. The rear has a calm feeling, without the sluggishness of some suspension-laden bikes.So far, its been a treat to ride, but Im more interested in the long haul. How will all this new-to-me gear hold up after a season of gravel? The same goes for the power meter and cockpit.Thats the real test.The GT8 has the right ingredients. Clearance, storage, mounts, a smart drivetrain, carbon wheels, a sensible cockpit, and a weight that could be improved with slight wheel tweaks. But gravel bikes live and die on balance. Too stiff and they get harsh. Too soft, and they get lame. The best ones feel quick when you want to push and calm when the road gets stupid. The X-Lab GT8 has the balance that makes for a great ride. Lets hope it stands up to the roads.Look for a full review soon. XDS.coThe post First Impressions: $3,199 X-LAB GT8 Gravel Bike Is Value Packed appeared first on Bikerumor.