XDS RISE 3.0 – MATTE BLACK/ROSE GOLD

If you’ve landed on this Rise 3.0 page, you’re already considering bikes like the Liv Rove series or want a versatile general-fitness type hybrid bike.

The Rise 3.0 is designed for family bike rides, commuting and easy touring. Its comfort and stable handling will appeal to those who are returning to cycling from a long absence (that is, kids).

In this preview, I’ll explain why the Rise 3.0 should be the bike you buy and touch on all the key components.

THE FRAME

The Rise 3.0 frame is a little bit special. It’s finished to a far higher standard than what we typically see from other manufacturers at this price point.

High end finishes like smooth welds are not standard, they require a lot of time, effort and expense.

So, most brands don’t bother. Except XDS.

Why?

Because XDS foremost is an engineering brand. In fact, they are the worst at sales and marketing, especially compared to brands like Giant, Specialized, Trek and others.

So it’s no wonder people haven’t heard of them.

But, their focus is on build-quality and craftsmanship.

X6 is XDS’ premium level aluminium. And to make the frame, it uses a process called triple-butting.

This means, each tube has 3-different thicknesses. Most brands use a cheaper (to manufacture) single-butted frame at this price point.

The reason:

Triple-butting removes material where it isn’t required using a detailed approach to the forces that the frame is subject to.

This means the frame is the lightest and strongest it can possibly be. Kind of like a lean, fit athlete.

Single-butted frames take a more ‘relaxed’ approach to frame design – near enough is good enough.

A stiffer frame also creates better handling (cornering and descending, especially) and far better pedaling efficiency. More power is being transferred to the bike path, rather than going into the frame’s flex and movement.

It’s not just triple-butting stuff:

Super polished welds create this beautiful smooth finish where the frame tubes join.

Polished welds improve the frame’s strength; making it more durable.

THE GEARS

There are 3 front gears and 9 rear gears, delivering 27 total gears. No, the majority of riders will not be able to use this amount of gears.

But:

Having 27 of them gives you access to better quality gearing components. This means smoother gear shifts and improved durability of parts. Less amount of gears equals less quality.

It also gives riders a huge gear selection too. Climbing hills becomes super easy (okay, okay, less difficult) and you also have a higher top speed.

The gears are controlled via a trigger shifter. A large display shows riders what your current gear is. There’s 2 paddles – push the top one for going into a harder (or faster) gear and the bottom to make it easier (or going uphill).

HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES

Buy a bike with hydraulic disc brakes. Period.

You will not regret it.

Hydraulic disc brakes deliver a smoother lever feel; are lighter to pull and easy to slow down. They are a much safer alternative to mechanical brakes.

They don’t require as much maintenance either.

There are no mechanical cables to service or replace, hoses have mineral oil in them instead. Levers can also be adjusted for smaller hands, ensuring better ergonomics for teenagers and smaller riders.

Hydraulic disc brakes properly work in all weather conditions; wet, dry, dusty or muddy; ensuring rider safety (and control of the bike) in all conditions.

WHEELS AND TYRES

The XDS Rise’s rims are made from aluminium but double-walled for strength and rigidity.

The rims are also slightly wider than normal. This means less chance of bending and buckling.

Another upgrade is the wheel hubs. They are smoother and engage faster. That means less effort to pedal the Rise 3.0 – especially uphill. There’s less “slop” when you’re riding the Rise 3.0.

The Rise 3.0 uses Kenda’s hybrid tyres. These are 45mm wide; perfect for smooth dirt and light gravel – like the Warburton Rail Trail. And at 45mm wide allow for “more” air inside the tyre; this delivers a smoother ride than a narrower tyre.