XDS ADVANCE 600 (2022) – BLACK/RED

The Advanced Pro 600 is part of XDS’ latest E-bike range. Even though their previous range was very good, you can see that these guys have stepped up significantly – both in value and performance.

In this preview, we’ll cover all the important stuff you need to know before deciding if the new Advance Pro is a bike that will suit your lifestyle.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Advanced Pro will suit the rider who wants a tame mountain bike or a bike that is slightly more versatile and robust than a hybrid.

You plan on riding rail trails and bike paths, as well as gentle off-roading. The Advance 600 is suitable for sealed bike paths, dirt and gravel terrain.

And your focus is on making commutes, family and general fitness rides much more enjoyable.

THE FRAME

Is made from aluminium.

But, you see, XDS are masters of making high-end aluminium (and carbon) frames – for themselves and other brands, globally.

The Advanced 600 uses XDS’ top-of-the-range aluminium material called X6.

All tubes have been heavily manipulated to reduce weight and increase stiffness. Then you get a bunch of high-end frame features like:

A tapered head tube. This significantly increases the frame stiffness and delivers better handling. With the added weight of the motor and battery, anything that delivers more frame stiffness is going to be excellent for overall bike handling.

Smooth welds help the frame maintain a cleaner, almost one-piece finish. It not only strengthens the welds, but looks nice.

Internal cable routing also keeps the Advance looking clean, with no ugly wiring harnesses and cables present (except near the handlebars).

GEOMETRY AND SIZING

There are 2 frame sizes to choose from – small (15” frame) and medium (17” frame).

Sizing is on the small side, so the Advance will suit shorter riders perfectly. XDS has also tweaked the frame so that you sit a lot more upright compared to many recreational E-bikes.

A tall head tube and handlebar height ensure you’re not leaning over in an aggressive riding position.

THE COMPONENTS

Surprisingly with such a shortage of Shimano components, XDS has managed to source the excellent-value Deore components to use on the Advance.

Deore sits at the bottom-end of the performance range. It’s a huge step up over their mid-range recreational level stuff.

The 10-speed drivetrain delivers smooth gear changes and superb durability. It’s also relatively inexpensive to replace.

It will suit semi-serious recreational riders or those who want better than average gears on their new e-bike.

To simplify the gears, XDS has used a single front chainring. This means no front derailleur, gear shifter or cable – significantly reducing moving parts and maintenance.

An 11-tooth to 34-tooth rear cassette delivers plenty of range for climbing hills as well.

Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide the stopping power. These are a 2-piston system, perfect for recreational riding on rail trails and bike paths.

The advantage of hydro disc brakes is they are so smooth at delivering power. And there’s a lot less hand effort required to generate that power. This makes it ideal for heavier e-bikes. The other advantage is they work significantly better in dry and wet conditions.

Unlike mechanical brakes, hydraulic brakes are also much easier to service.

THE ELECTRONICS

The XDS Advance uses a 460Wh battery. At this price point it’s larger than most which helps deliver more range. And it cleanly integrates into the frame without the need for excessive plastic covers to make the battery “look” integrated.

The LCD screen shows battery level, assistance level and current speed. There are 3 power levels to choose from as well.

And like most e-bikes at this price, the Advance uses a mid-drive unit.

But why mid-drive?

The heaviest part of the bike is also at the lowest part of the frame and it’s centered between the wheels. This means both tyres get even grip and the bike handles significantly better as a result because it feels more natural – just like your riding a normal bike.