Windy Shao

windysjf@hotmail.com

THE mountain bike cross-country race, which debuted at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, is renowned for its rigorous challenges. Athletes must navigate multiple laps on rugged terrain, testing their skills, endurance, and the durability of their bikes.

Chinese cyclist Mi Jiujiang was the only Asian competitor in the men’s mountain bike event at the Paris Olympics on July 29. He raced on a custom-designed bike produced by Shenzhen-based XDS Carbon-Tech, which merges cutting-edge technology with aesthetic appeal.

This was the second time XDS bikes have appeared on the Olympic stage, following their debut at the Tokyo Games. Wu Yongpeng, deputy manager of the company’s R&D department, watched Mi’s competition live on TV, not wanting to miss a moment.

The race venue at Elancourt Hill, the highest point in the Paris region, featured gravel paths, undulating terrain, dirt roads, and man-made obstacles like ramps and logs. “This venue demands higher strength, maneuverability, and component quality from bikes,” Wu said.

After observing two of Mi’s competitors’ bikes malfunction on the steep ramps, Wu felt relieved to see the XDS bike remain intact, which enabled the Chinese athlete to finish the race successfully.

A tailored product

“The design of our Olympic bike prioritizes aerodynamics, ergonomics, and structural mechanics. It has a lightweight frame while also offering shock absorption,” Wu said.

The new model, equipped with a new suspension system that features three shock absorption modes and 29-inch (73.66-centimeter) wheels, ensures optimal performance on gravel and uneven surfaces, according to Wu.

XDS Carbon-Tech tailored this bike specifically for Mi, selecting materials that allow for a shorter frame to enhance the rider’s responsiveness and acceleration.

The design also focused on Mi’s riding habits, particularly the tuning of the suspension system. The aim was to enable Mi to ride with such ease that he wouldn’t feel the bike’s presence but instead perceive it as an extension of his body.

This meticulous process, encompassing initial discussions with the player, understanding the athlete’s riding style, and continuous adjustments to frame molds and suspension systems, took four to five months. After all modifications were complete, the bike underwent 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers of riding to ensure optimal compatibility between the rider and the bike.

For high-end race bikes, every gram saved represents a significant technological breakthrough.

The XDS bike used during the Tokyo Games weighed 9.6 kilograms, and the Paris Olympic bike weighs 9.46 kilograms.

“The frame is constructed from the highest-grade T1100 carbon fiber. The soul of a bicycle lies in its frame,” Wu said. It was the lightest racing bike among global counterparts, according to him.

To create a frame that is both stable and lightweight, the company’s independently developed carbon fiber weaving technology has addressed this challenge. The technology has set new technical standards in the industry by weaving hair-thin carbon fibers into a fabric that is then molded into the frame.

Industry leader

A pioneer in the Chinese cycling industry, XDS has developed a reputation for innovation and excellence since its founding in 1995. After more than 20 years of development, it has established five major production bases in Shenzhen, Huizhou, Taishan, and Cambodia.

The company has established itself as a leader in the cycling industry, producing 80% of the world’s carbon fiber front forks, Wu said.

“As the Chinese saying goes, ‘where there are phoenix trees, the phoenix will come,’” Wu said while underscoring the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality bicycles that athletes can rely on.

Wu said the Iranian national road bike team also rode bicycles manufactured by the company during the Paris Olympics.

As a long-standing partner of the Chinese Cycling Association and the official partner of the Chinese National Mountain Bike Team, XDS has played a crucial role in promoting the growth of cycling in China. The national team has secured two Asian Championship titles and one Asian Games championship riding XDS bicycles, according to Wu.

The company has a road cycling team based in Shenzhen, gathering outstanding cyclists from China, Iran, Kazakhstan, and other countries. The team has shown remarkable performances in international events such as the Qinghai Lake Cycling Race and the Tour of China.

“During the Paris Olympics, our products enabled Wu Zhifan to achieve 22nd place in the women’s category and Mi to secure 33rd place in the men’s category, marking the best records to date for Chinese athletes in mountain biking,” Wu said.