XDS FORCE 3.0 29 – GLOSS GREY

The latest XDS Force 3.0 is one of our best value recreational mountain bikes in the range. And in this preview I’ll explain why it should be your shortlist of mountain bikes under $1,000.

WHO AND WHAT IT’S FOR

Even though the Force 3.0 is an upgrade over the Giant Talon 29 2 and Force 4.0, essentially it’s used for the same type of terrain; Rail Trails, bike paths and entry level mountain biking.

The Force 3.0 is designed for those who want a bike that has the flexibility of riding with the family but would like to attempt some easy mountain bike trails such as Lysterfield Park.

Like the others, the Force 3.0 uses larger diameter 29-inch wheels. This means less effort and more distance covered. For off-road riding, these larger diameter wheels also roll over obstacles easier too.

THE FRAME

XDS is an engineering company. They are really bad at marketing, sales and any form of advertising. It’s just not their speciality.

But making some of the best bikes in the world definitely is.

So with that in mind, the Force range uses the best aluminium frames under $1,000 – without a sliver of doubt. In fact, it’s better than most aluminum frames north of $1K too.

How?

Firstly, XDS use their premium X6 aluminium blend. It’s strong.

Then, they use a frame forming technique called triple-butting. This uses advanced FEA analysis to determine the size and distribution of the forces on the frame.

Then they shave material off where the forces are low. And add material where the forces are high.

What this does is create a frame that is low in weight and high in strength.

So?

The bike turns your power into forward motion – more efficiently. All this equals less work.

Nice frame touches like internal cable routing keep the cables hidden. This ensures that they are not exposed to dirt, grit, mud and the elements.

A tapered head tube is another high-end frame feature we rarely see under $1,500. The point? It improves frame stiffness and bike handling.

For those that like a kickstand, there’s a neat mounting position on the rear non-drive side. This is where direct mount kickstands simply bolt-on. It looks clean and tidy, and doesn’t scratch the frame.

THE COMPONENTS

Starting at the front, the Suntour XCM suspension fork is reliable and performs well. It’s got a lockout lever positioned on top of the fork. This lockout lever allows riders to switch the suspension from being soft to hard.

As an example, if you’re riding on concrete bike paths and rail trails then the suspension can be set to hard. This ensures all the power going into the bike is efficiently transferred into forward motion. Or, less effort to go further.

The 3 is equipped with microSHIFT’s new 9-speed ADVENT groupset. This means’ there are 9 gears to choose from at the back (your most used gears) and this means smoother gears changes versus 8 and 7 speed systems.There’s less ‘gap’ in between each gear which means the chain doesn’t work as hard to jump from one gear to the next.

There’s also more range. If where you live or ride tends to throw elevation and hills on your normal bike ride (or if you’re not the fittest), then you’ll find an easier gear on the Force 3.0 to help you climb those gradients.

Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear generate more stopping power than mechanical disc brake and V-brakes. Not only that but they also deliver more control. This means you can slow down without skidding and losing traction – especially in wet conditions.

The Force 3 uses Tektro’s Auriga system. This has a new short-blade lever that’s a little more ergonomic than the Force 4.0’s M275 design. Power output also increases marginally.

All Force models rely on 27.5-inch OR 29-inch wheels and tyres suitable for all-terrain use. This means the XDS Force 3.0 is extremely versatile; it can be ridden on bike paths, rail trails, dirt and gravel tracks.

You’ll note that this 27.5-inch wheel version comes in SML and MED frame sizes only. Larger frame sizes will have 29-inch wheels.

The reason why is because the 27.5-inch diameter wheels fit the smaller frame sizes better. And also deliver better handling for smaller rides – especially kids transitioning from a small bike.

Larger diameter wheels fit taller riders better. These also create more stability and efficiency.

There’s a cross-over in size MED, where riders can choose either the 27.5 or 29-inch wheel.

Both wheels use a quick-release axle so it’s super easy to take the wheels off for transportation or fast puncture repairs.