Dueling Over 32-Inch Wheels and Testing Two Polar-Opposite Gravel Bikes

This week’s episode was just like any other. There was definitely nothing controversial… Logan Jones-Wilkins and I dive into two vastly different gravel bikes we’ve been testing, starting with my review of the XDS X-Lab GT8.

On paper, the GT8 is a standard, run-of-the-mill gravel bike. It lacks a unique “special sauce” and won’t revolutionize the category, but it is a highly capable all-rounder that will handle just about any unpaved road. Then you see the price. The GT8 comes with a full carbon build and a power meter for about half the cost of its mainstream competitors. XDS is a massive Chinese manufacturing powerhouse that is now entering the US through a traditional dealer network. We discuss whether you should buy the GT8, and what its aggressive pricing means for Western brands.

Then we pivot to the Obed GVR, which Jones-Wilkins has been putting through its paces. Despite sharing the gravel category, the Obed is the polar opposite of the XDS. It is not an all-rounder. Instead, it is a highly specialized, direct-to-consumer machine built around big tire clearance and a DT Swiss suspension fork that was previously a Canyon exclusive. We break down the tech and figure out exactly who this bike is built for.

Oh and we’ve got more 32-inch wheel discussion. Of course there’s no way we can get away from that.  If you read my recent piece, you know I think the standard makes zero sense for most riders, and I absolutely hate the idea of a new wheel size standard. Logan is taking a more measured approach, analyzing why the industry is pushing this standard regardless of public opinion. Of course, Mike Levy set this up as a pair of dueling articles, so we hash out the details on the air and try to predict where this is all headed. Tune in and let us know your take.

00:00:00 – Intro
00:00:50 – Reader questions and 32-inch wheels
00:20:20 – XDS Xlab GT-8 Gravel Bike
00:35:20 – Obed GVR and the DT Swiss suspension fork

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Articles covered this week

• First Ride: It’s Hard to Find Flaws with the New Obed GVR
• The XDS X-Lab GT8 is a $3,199 Problem for Western Bike Brands
• 32-Inch Wheels Are Leaving Everyday Riders Behind
• The 32-Inch Wheel Revolution Is Coming Whether We Like It or Not