XDS BOSS 3.0 (2021) – GREY

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

The Boss 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 Boss 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 are 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 Boss 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 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 Shimano’s new 9-speed Altus 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 Boss 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 Boss 3 uses Tektro’s M290 system. This has a new short-blade lever that’s a little more ergonomic than the Boss 4.0’s M275 design. Power output also increases marginally.

All Boss models rely on 29-inch wheels and tyres suitable for all-terrain use. This means the XDS Boss 4 is extremely versatile; it can be ridden on bike paths, rail trails, dirt and gravel tracks.

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