X-LAB AD9: The Story Behind Every Edition

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The X-LAB AD9 is the aero race bike of the XDS Astana WorldTour team, and every frame tells a story. From the team’s famous turquoise to the Italian champion’s tricolore and a 30th birthday in marble and gold, nearly every AD9 paint job comes from a real team, rider or moment.

At Port Melbourne Cycles, the AD9 comes as a complete Dura-Ace Di2 bike for $10,999 or as a frameset for $3,999. Here’s the story behind each one.

The X-LAB AD9: a WorldTour aero bike

The AD9 is X-LAB’s flagship. It was shaped with computer airflow modelling (CFD) and tested in the wind tunnel at Silverstone. It’s built from Toray T1100 carbon, takes tyres up to 32 mm, and X-LAB quotes 6.8 kg for the complete Dura-Ace Di2 bike. That’s light for a bike with tubes this deep.

At PMC, the AD9 comes two ways: as a complete Dura-Ace Di2 bike for $10,999, or as a frameset for $3,999 so you can build it your way.

Who makes the X-LAB AD9?

X-LAB is the performance brand of XDS, a bike maker founded in 1995 in Shenzhen, China. XDS is one of the largest bike manufacturers in the world and runs its own carbon factory. So, rather than buying frames from a supplier, X-LAB designs, lays up and tests its carbon in-house.

In 2025, XDS became naming sponsor of the Astana WorldTour team, now XDS Astana, and the AD9 became the team’s race bike. Since then it has won at the highest level. For example, Alberto Bettiol soloed to stage 13 of the 2026 Giro d’Italia in Verbania, one of three XDS Astana stage wins at that Giro. Also, from 2026 XDS supplies the AD9 to the Laboral Kutxa–Euskadi women’s team.

Every X-LAB AD9 edition, and the story it tells

Most brands give you a colour. However, nearly every AD9 paint job comes from a real team, rider or moment. Here they are.

Astana Team Replica

X-LAB AD9 Astana Team Replica
X-LAB AD9 – Astana Team Replica – the famous Astana turquoise, as raced by XDS Astana. View the complete bike β†’ or the Astana frameset β†’

Astana’s sky-blue turquoise is one of the most recognisable colours in the peloton. This is the bike the team races, down to the paint, so it’s the one to pick if you want the pro look.

XDS Team Replica

X-LAB AD9 Frameset XDS Team Replica
X-LAB AD9 Frameset – XDS Team Replica – deep navy with the X-LAB name across the down tube. View the XDS Team Replica β†’

A darker, more understated take on the team bike, in XDS’s own colours. It suits riders who want WorldTour hardware without the loud paint.

Italian Champion Edition

X-LAB AD9 Frameset Italian Champion Edition
X-LAB AD9 Frameset – Italian Champion Edition – white with green and red tricolore details. View the Italian Champion Edition β†’

In pro cycling, the national road champion races in their country’s colours for a whole year. This edition copies the tricolore bike of Alberto Bettiol, the Italian road champion and one of XDS Astana’s leaders. As a result, it’s one of the rarest AD9 paint jobs.

Laboral Kutxa Women’s Team Replica

X-LAB AD9 Frameset Laboral Kutxa Women’s Team Replica
X-LAB AD9 Frameset – Laboral Kutxa Women’s Team Replica – pink, white and lilac with chequered detailing. View the Laboral Kutxa edition β†’

Laboral Kutxa–Euskadi is a Basque women’s pro team, and in 2026 it became XDS’s first women’s team. This replica wears the team’s bright pink and white, and it’s easily the most eye-catching AD9 on the floor.

30th Anniversary Edition

X-LAB AD9 Frameset 30th Anniversary Edition
X-LAB AD9 Frameset – 30th Anniversary Edition – white marble effect with gold and black. View the 30th Anniversary Edition β†’

XDS was founded in 1995, and this edition marks its 30th year. The marble-and-gold finish is a nod to three decades of building bikes. So, it’s the collector’s pick of the range.

2027 Team Red Replica

X-LAB AD9 Frameset 2027 Team Red Replica
X-LAB AD9 Frameset (2027) – Team Red Replica – a deep, glossy team red with streaked graphics. Available to pre-order. View the Team Red Replica β†’

The newest AD9 is the 2027 Team Red. It’s the same WorldTour frame, finished in a bold red that stands out in any bunch. Note that the Team Red frameset comes without a handlebar, so we’ll help you choose a cockpit.

Hawkeye Purple

X-LAB AD9 Hawkeye Purple
X-LAB AD9 – Hawkeye Purple – dark grey with a deep purple fade through the front of the bike. View Hawkeye Purple β†’

Not every AD9 is a team replica. Hawkeye Purple is X-LAB’s own design, and it comes as a complete Dura-Ace Di2 bike. It’s subtle in the shade and rich purple in the sun.

Who is the X-LAB AD9 for?

Riders who race, chase Strava segments or ride in fast bunches, and want a genuine pro-level aero bike. Also, the framesets suit riders who already own good wheels and a groupset, or want to build an AD9 their way. Every edition uses the same frame, so only the paint changes.

Looking for something more everyday? See our X-LAB RS7 range, the carbon all-rounder with a power meter and carbon wheels from $2,999.

X-LAB AD9 FAQ

How much is the X-LAB AD9 in Australia?

At Port Melbourne Cycles, the AD9 Dura-Ace Di2 complete bike is $10,999, and AD9 framesets are $3,999.

Do the AD9 editions ride differently?

No. Every edition uses the same AD9 frame. Only the paint changes, so pick the story you like best.

Is the AD9 the bike XDS Astana races?

Yes. The AD9 is the team’s race bike. Pro bikes run team-specific parts, but the frame is the same.

What tyre size fits the AD9?

The AD9 takes tyres up to 32 mm wide.

Where can I buy the X-LAB AD9 in Melbourne?

Port Melbourne Cycles at 107 Bay Street, Port Melbourne. You can order online, or call us to check availability and get help with sizing.

Find your X-LAB AD9 at Port Melbourne Cycles

Every new bike from PMC includes a free first service and bike fit, 30 days of free bike insurance, and full Australian warranty. Browse the X-LAB AD9 bikes or the AD9 framesets. Questions? Contact us and we’ll help you choose.