Fully Loaded: T-Lab Updates the X3 Gravel Bike
Montreal's T-Lab updates its flagship titanium gravel bike, the X3. Featuring fully internal routing, 50mm tire clearance, and UDH compatibility, the X3 is ready for any adventure.
The gravel bike scene is constantly evolving, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of design, capability, and versatility. Montreal-based T-Lab, known for its expertise in crafting titanium frames, has thrown its hat back in the ring with a significant update to its flagship gravel model, the X3. This isn't just a minor refresh; it's a substantial evolution that addresses key trends in the gravel market while retaining the core characteristics that made the previous X3 a success.
Key Upgrades: Integration and Clearance
The most immediately noticeable change to the new X3 is the fully internal cable routing. This cleans up the bike's aesthetics considerably, giving it a sleek, modern look. Beyond aesthetics, internal routing offers practical benefits, protecting cables from the elements (mud, dust, and grime are inevitable on gravel rides) and reducing the risk of snags.
Another major upgrade is the tire clearance. The X3 now accommodates tires up to a massive 50mm wide. This opens up a world of possibilities for riders, allowing them to tackle extremely rough terrain, experiment with lower tire pressures for enhanced comfort and grip, and even venture into the realm of "plus-size" gravel setups. This increased clearance positions the X3 as a highly capable machine for everything from fast gravel races to multi-day bikepacking adventures.
Finally, the new X3 incorporates the Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH) standard. This seemingly small detail is a significant step toward future-proofing the bike. UDH is becoming increasingly common, offering greater compatibility with various drivetrain components and simplifying the process of finding replacement hangers.
Retaining the Titanium Magic
While the updates are noteworthy, T-Lab has wisely preserved the elements that made the previous X3 popular. The heart of the bike remains its uniquely shaped titanium tubeset, utilizing T-Lab's proprietary T-Morph technology. This technology is not just marketing jargon. It's designed to optimize the frame's stiffness and responsiveness. According to T-Lab's internal testing, this design results in a significant increase in lateral stiffness, reportedly up to 30% more than some other titanium frames. This translates to better power transfer when pedaling, especially during hard efforts.
Crucially, the X3's titanium construction is also known for its comfort. Titanium has a natural ability to absorb vibrations, providing a smoother ride quality compared to stiffer materials like carbon fiber. This is particularly important on long gravel rides, where minimizing fatigue is key.
Geometry: A Blend of Progressive and Traditional
The X3's geometry reflects a thoughtful approach, blending modern trends with some classic elements. The bike features a slack 71.5-degree head angle, a long front-center, and a low bottom bracket. This combination, often referred to as "progressive geometry," enhances stability and control on descents and rough terrain. The 67mm trail figure further contributes to this confident handling.
However, T-Lab has opted for relatively long chainstays, measuring 430mm. While many modern gravel bikes are trending towards shorter chainstays for increased agility, the longer chainstays on the X3 prioritize stability and comfort, particularly over long distances. This design choice suggests the X3 is aimed at riders who value all-day comfort and predictable handling over the absolute snappiest responsiveness.
Sizing and Fit: A Note of Caution
Choosing the correct size for the X3 requires careful consideration. Due to the bike's unique geometry and dimensions, riders may need to downsize compared to their typical road bike sizing. For example, a size "small" X3 shares similar dimensions to a "large" (56cm) Specialized Aethos road bike. T-Lab recommends most riders may need to drop down one size. To maintain front end handling, they also recommend selecting a shorter stem.
T-Lab offers five stock sizes (XS, S, M, L, XL) to accommodate riders ranging from 5'1" to 6'6". For those outside this range, custom sizing is available for an additional $600 CAD.
Aesthetics and Customization
The X3's design is distinctive. The flattened top tube profile and the robust junction of the seat stays to the seat tube give the bike a purposeful look. It's clear that form follows function, prioritizing performance and durability. The average frame weight is 1375g for a size small.
T-Lab offers a high degree of customization. The X3 can be built with a variety of 1x and 2x drivetrains (mechanical, Di2, and wireless) from Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo. The frame is compatible with disc brakes. Three distinct aesthetic designs (Lux, HLX, and Versa) are available, allowing riders to personalize the bike's appearance. The front derailleur uses a "clamp-on" type, and the bottom bracket is a BB-386. The fork is tapered from 1-1/2" at the crown to 1-1/8" and has a 395mm axle to crown length and a 50mm offset. The wheel size is 700c or 650B.
The Verdict
The updated T-Lab X3 is a versatile and capable gravel bike that balances modern features with the timeless qualities of titanium. It's a bike that's equally at home on fast gravel races, long-distance tours, and challenging singletrack. The geometry is stable, the frame should last a long time and is protected with a lifetime warranty (for manufacturer's defects), and the ride quality is compliant. The updates, particularly the increased tire clearance and internal routing, make it a serious contender in the high-end gravel market. The X3 is available now, with framesets starting at $3110 USD.
