XPro founder Maximilian Gast knows a thing or two about mountain bikes. The qualified mechanical engineer is not only a former professional and riding technique trainer, but has also tested the latest bikes with the BIKE crew in the past. About his Contacts to Kalle Nicolai and Ruff Cycles, a Regensburg-based manufacturer of lifestyle e-bikes, he was motivated to found his own bike brand. Under the XPro label and with the help of development input from FMB star Lucas Huppert, Max now builds dirt bikes in the heart of Europe.
XPro: small label, big claim
Even if only a few bikers are familiar with XPro, the small Bavarian brand has big plans and wants to play along with the big players in the scene in the future. This is to be achieved through a large portion of authenticity. Unlike other brands, XPro does not sell dirt bikes as a third wheel, but wants to prioritise slopestyle sport. The young label, which now has three permanent employees, presents itself as cool and honest. A good relationship with the riders of its own products is just as much a part of the XPro identity as the production of the frames in Europe. No other dirt bike manufacturer has ever done this before.
XPro - Made in Europe
Maximilian Gast is convinced of the benefits of manufacturing in Europe. Closely networked with the mountain bike scene, he has repeatedly identified a need for dirt bikes manufactured in Europe in the past. The advantages in terms of quality and sustainability are beyond question for Max. He regularly visits the production facility in Bosnia-Herzegovina in person. The XPro frames are made at the Ruff Cycles production plant in Travnik. The dirt bike frames are welded by hand there before being sent to Regensburg. The complete final inspection and assembly takes place there. Development and design are also based in the city on the Danube.
Around 80 people work at the plant in Bosnia-Herzegovina. However, the XPro frames only pass through the hands of eight people. First, a metalworker cuts the metal parts to size. At the same time, a CNC expert takes care of the milled parts. An experienced welder then joins the parts together and an inspector monitors the quality of the work. The powder coater gives the frames their finish before another person applies decals and clear coat. A logistics specialist then takes care of shipping and the dirt bike frames arrive at Max in Regensburg.
The dirt bikes from XPro
XPro is planning to develop further dirt-specific components and also has its own CNC-milled stem in its programme. Even a slopestyle fully could be developed in the future. However, the Bavarians are currently focussing primarily on their dirt bike frames. These are made of sturdy 6061 T6 aluminium, which should make the hydroformed tubes stiff and stable. The frames should also last for decades in tough dirt use. The chainstays and sliding dropouts are CNC-machined. XPro currently offers two different frame models. The XPro Digga Core is a high-quality 26-inch frame for Everything from pump track to street and skate park to dirt. A 70-degree head angle and compact 380-millimetre chainstays are designed to keep the bike playful and make it easier to learn tricks. Despite the elaborate production by hand in Europe, XPro manages to keep the price for a Digga Core frame competitive at 699 euros.
The second frame from XPro goes by the name of Digga JR and costs 499 euros. With the same qualities as the Digga Core, the frame designed for 24-inch wheels is primarily intended to appeal to younger bikers. As XPro sees itself as part of the dirt scene, the label is also keen to promote young talent. Children and young people can apply via the Players Programme to benefit from lower prices, soft goods and further support. For XPro founder Max, it's all about creating a feeling of support and valuable memories.
I remember very well the first time I was given bike equipment for free. Even if it was just a few small things like tyres, the feeling of being supported was priceless. - Maximilian Gast, founder of XPro and former bike pro
The new XPro Digga Cream
XPro presented its first complete bike, the Digga Cream, at the beginning of August 2023. The special model of the Digga Core comes in the exclusive colour "Future Sand" and with an exquisite selection of components. With a homeopathic number of 15 bikes, the 2300 euro debut model is strictly limited, but already whets the appetite for future XPro projects. The hand-welded frame is fitted with a Rockshox Pike DJ fork, Magura MT4 brakes, Goodyear Wingfoot tyres and a 165 mm DMR AXE crank. Other parts, such as the wheels, come from XPro itself. XPro also presents a new CNC-machined stem called Ruckus on the Digga Cream. Looks are particularly important to XPro founder Max.
When I look at a bike, I have to want to ride it. It has to look great. - Max Gast, founder of XPro
A closer look at the XPro Digga Cream reveals a few details that the average mountain biker was probably unaware of. In addition to the extra-long rear brake cable for tricks such as barspins, the cable is secured by a shoelace and routed close to the handlebars. This means that it is not in the way during tyre grabs and similar manoeuvres. The bottom bracket is fitted ex works with so-called "crank stoppers", which are designed to prevent the cranks from rotating during tricks such as no-foot can-cans and tailwhips. These fine details were developed in response to feedback from XPro riders. On the scales, the XPro Digga Cream stops at 11.7 kilos.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
