The 12 Best Chinese Road Bike Frames for Your New Build

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These are the best Chinese carbon road bike frames for rim and disc brakes, including lightweight, aero, and all-rounder ones. I’ve been following the Chinese carbon industry for several years, and I’ve ridden several Chinese bikes. To save you time, I read hundreds of reviews, forum threads, and customer experiences and watched hours of video reviews. I also interviewed owners, bike builders, and manufacturers to help you choose wisely.

What Are the Best Chinese Road Bike Frames?

Best Lightweight

Use this Winspace discount code CYCLISTSHUB10 at winspace.cc or lunwheels.cc during checkout to get 10% OFF your purchase. Share this code via email.

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Best All-Rounder

Use this YOELEO discount code CYCLISTSHUB on yoeleobike.com during checkout to get 10% OFF your purchase. It’s also applicable to YOELEO Europe and Japan. Share this code via email.

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Also available at yoeleoeurope.com

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Best Aero

Use this Winspace discount code CYCLISTSHUB10 at winspace.cc or lunwheels.cc during checkout to get 10% OFF your purchase. Share this code via email.

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Skip to the comparison table…

All frames below come from well-established Chinese bike brands. They are covered by a warranty and properly tested. They are also well-packed to avoid any damage during transport. Please note that most of the following frames are shipped from China, and their delivery may take several weeks.

If you are unsure where to begin when choosing the best frame for your riding style, read the buyer’s guide first.

Winspace SLC3 (Best Chinese Lightweight Frame)

I have had positive experiences with Winspace bikes and their Agile frame. That’s why I believe the third-generation SLC frame is worth recommending. I saw it with my own eyes at Eurobike 2024, and it looks great.

It is extremely lightweight (the matte black variants weigh around 700g in size M), features sealed-through axles for a cleaner look, and has dropped seat stays that enhance ride comfort. I’ve already tested this on my Agile frame.

Surprisingly, the use of a 27.2mm round seatpost is not as common these days. Winspace also claims a 31.8% higher stiffness of the head tube and a 21.6% increase in the bottom bracket area. Although I can’t measure this, it will just feel stiffer than the previous generation. The SLC3 also features a wider tire clearance of 32mm, compared to the SLC2’s 28mm limit, and is made of premium materials, including M46 and M65, which are used in the aerospace industry.

Remember, though, that the weight with paint will be at least 100g more. The frameset doesn’t include an integrated cockpit, so you’ll have to pay extra for it. Fortunately, there are plenty of handlebar widths and stem lengths available. I’d rather see a T47 BB standard for ease of fitment, even if it comes at the expense of weight; however, some prefer the press-fit one.

Winspace has also quite logically decided not to offer a rim brake option. On the other hand, we finally got to see some more creative colors from them. Although the higher price may deter some buyers, it’s essential to note that the quality of this frame (e.g., bottom bracket tolerances) is comparable to that of Western manufacturers, making its price more reasonable. SLC3 is also made of premium materials, which are not cheap.

YOELEO R12 (Best All-Rounder Frameset)

The YOELEO R12 is a versatile all-rounder that’s popular mainly because of its ride comfort. I’ve been riding it for around two years, and while I agree it has comfortable, relaxed geometry, it also has a pretty stiff rear end. So, if you combine it with super stiff wheels, the ride comfort suffers a bit.

What I liked about the R12 was its durability. It handled everything I threw at it, so I wasn’t worried about it falling apart under my hands. I felt like I was in a tank, like I could ride it through anything. You can read more in my YOELEO R12 review or watch the following video.

The frameset can accommodate tires up to 32mm wide. I’ve tried knobby tires for rides in the forest, and it’s a lot of fun. However, a dedicated gravel bike like the YOELEO G21 is much more suitable for this purpose, as it can run much wider tires.

I got my frame with a manufacturing defect (the rear wheel was slightly misaligned). The Czech distributor YOELEO assured me that they do not refer to manufacturing defects in the new generation. I have personally inspected several of the new R12s, and they appear to be on point.

Based on today’s standards, the R12 is outdated and would deserve a redesign. However, it’s still a well-made frame that will serve you well. Another benefit is that you can specify the handlebar width and stem length to ensure the best possible fit, which is not always an option with mainstream brands. Additionally, the cockpit is included in the price.

Also available at yoeleoeurope.com

Intropy Speedster SS

The Incolor Intropy Speedster is a lightweight aero frameset designed for speed and versatility. Weighing just 785 g (size 54, unpainted), it rivals top-tier brands while including an integrated Aerowav cockpit, aero seatpost, and accessory kit. Wind tunnel tests showed it outperforms the Specialized Tarmac SL8 by about 3W at 45 km/h (28mph), translating into real aerodynamic gains. With UCI approval, it’s ready for racing but practical enough for daily rides.

The frame strikes a balance between aerodynamics and low weight, while supporting tires up to 38 mm, making it adaptable for both road and light gravel use. The aero bottle kit (standard on the SS+) saves up to 8W. It also offers modern compatibility with a T47A bottom bracket and UDH, plus a lifetime warranty and crash replacement program for extra value.

The price difference between SS and SS+ is also quite substantial for marginal gains (65g weight savings) and different carbon fiber. As a newer Chinese brand, Incolor lacks the reputation and service network of established manufacturers. And the availability is a big question mark, as there are not many distributors outside China yet.

Winspace T1600 (Best Aero)

The T1600 is the upcoming generation of the T1550 Gen 2. It should be 5.5W faster at 48 km/h. This figure is based on two wind tunnel tests: one conducted in the Silverstone wind tunnel and another in Japan’s Fuji Aero Performance Centre.

The frame is stiff when riding out of the saddle, but not too harsh when riding on rougher roads. Of course, this also depends on how stiff your wheels are and what tire pressure you use, but considering it’s an aero frame, it’s surprisingly comfortable. I would rate it 4/5 (Agile 5/5).

I also didn’t expect to feel such a difference in effort at speeds over 35 km/h. The faster I go, the bigger the difference compared to Agile. With the T1600, I simply need to push fewer watts to achieve the same speed. I also noticed that the T1600 excels in terms of stability and handling in crosswinds. It feels like the sailing effect works well and the bike behaves predictably. The Agile feels a bit more nervous.

So far, I’ve yet to find any disadvantages. I encountered a few issues during the build, but those should be rectified. Lastly, I want to highlight the sealed through axles for a cleaner look and the D-Type intakes, which are a love or hate feature. To learn more, read my Winspace T1600 review.

Winspace T1550 Gen 2

The T1550 Gen 2 is the first Chinese frame that made it to the World Tour peloton, although “only” in women’s cycling. That’s thanks to the Winspace team that competed at the 2024 La Vuelta Femenina. It’s one of the sleekest aero frames out there, and that’s also thanks to the sealed through axles.

The T1550 is a successor to the T1500, and its second generation is lighter and stiffer. I like that it has a T47 BB, which is pretty easy to install and has 32mm tire clearance. That’s great if you want to ride wider tires for the added comfort (and speed?). Although I didn’t have a chance to test this one, the upcoming generation, the T1600, is a fast bike. It is supposed to be 5.5W faster at 48 km/h, so the T1550 Gen 2 has to be as fast as well.

It’s a shame that the integrated cockpit is not included, and you have to order the Zero SL handlebar separately. I would also like to see wind tunnel data. Ultimately, it’s an aero frame, so seeing how it compares to alternatives would be interesting.

SEKA Spear

The SEKA Spear is an ultralight frame designed for aerodynamics and comfort, using a blend of six premium carbon fiber materials and integrated molding to reduce weight and increase stiffness. Its standout feature is the “WindEye” seatstay, claimed to save up to 2.66W at 40km/h while also boosting vertical compliance by 23%—promising smoother rides on rough roads.

The Spear delivers measurable aero gains, tested by Aerocoach at Silverstone, saving 6W over the previous Exceed model. It’s stiffer yet more compliant than its predecessor, with a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio and noticeably improved ride comfort. The wide fork, integrated handlebar, and fully internal cable routing further enhance aerodynamic efficiency and modern aesthetics.

However, the pricing is relatively high. The non-RDC frameset costs around $2150 and the RDC around $2700, depending on where you buy it. The real-world benefit of the WindEye design remains debated—some see it as more of a marketing feature than a functional upgrade. Availability in Western markets and long-term customer support are still uncertain, and early adopters may face risks with a relatively new brand.

ICAN Flyee

ICAN’s bike brand, Triaero, focuses solely on bike frames, and their 2024 lightweight frame, Flyee, is worth your attention. However, right in the beginning, we have to talk about the elephant in the room. The design is probably heavily inspired by Orbea Orca and Superior X-Road. It appears to be a blend of the two.

Considering the price of Flyee and T47 bottom bracket standard, it has a respectable weight of under 900g (in size 52). What I absolutely love the most, though, is the ability to customize the color of this frame (although I also like the default variants). ICAN offers a custom configurator that enables you to select your preferred variant. ICAN’s crash replacement program is the cherry on top.

Although there are very few high-quality reviews for this frame, I believe it deserves its place here. ICAN bikes and frames (especially the A22) are praised for their excellent value for money. I would love to test this frame one day.

You may also be interested in a pair of the best Chinese carbon wheels for a road bike.

Quick Pro ER:One

The QUICK PRO ER:One is an aerodynamic road bike made for flat races and criteriums. It’s currently used by several cycling teams. The frame remains surprisingly lightweight (840g, unpainted) and features a unique super-wide fork that should optimize the airflow. Unfortunately, there is no whitepaper, so we can only speculate about how fast this frame actually is.

According to multiple reviews, it’s comparable to top-tier Western brands but costs a fraction of the price. It is stiff and can maintain higher speeds well, but not too harsh, considering it’s an aero frame.

Despite the wide fork, tire clearance is limited to 32mm. The frame geometry features a relatively low stack, which may not suit riders who prefer a more upright position or find aggressive race geometries uncomfortable. ER:One is currently UCI-approved, but if UCI regulations tighten further in the future, the fork’s width could potentially make the bike non-compliant.

YOELEO R11

The YOELEO R11 is a lightweight frameset that includes a frame (850g), fork (390g), handlebar, and seat post (204g). I will disappoint you if you’re a fan of rim brakes, as the rim brake option was recently discontinued.

The frameset is compatible with both mechanical and electrical groupsets, and you can select the handlebar width and stem length to achieve the best fit. I saw the R11 at a friend’s place and also at the Czech distributor store. It’s a traditional-looking bike with slightly dropped seat stays. According to him, the narrow seat stay provides excellent ride comfort. You can read more info in the YOELEO R11 review.

The R11 can accommodate up to 32mm wide tires, which should be even faster and more comfortable than 28mm (at least according to many tests and experiments conducted by YouTubers). Additionally, YOELEO improved the smoothness of the internal carbon structure thanks to new EPS+Latex frame molding, making cable routing easy. If you’re looking for a lightweight frame at a reasonable price from a renowned Chinese brand, the R11 is worth considering.

You might also be interested in these Chinese road bike handlebars.

Winspace Agile

Winspace Agile is the first bike I built. Previously, I owned YOELEO R12, and honestly, I didn’t expect such a difference between these two bikes. First, the design and attention to detail are much higher on Agile. Notice the sealed-through axles; they make the bike look cleaner.

Second, ride comfort. Thanks to the narrow seatpost and dropped seat stays, the rear-end can absorb more ride vibration, making the ride more comfortable. This is especially noticeable during long rides when I’m not as tired due to the lack of vibration fatigue.

The geometry also suits me better, allowing me to engage my hamstring more effectively during my pedal stroke. However, this can also be influenced by the switch from 175mm to 165mm cranks.

When I received the frame, I also checked its internal structure, which was relatively clean, except for the area where the seatstays join the seatpost tube. For more details, check out my Winspace Agile review.

The main disadvantage of this frame is its weight. The claimed one is around 850g for an unpainted frame. Well, my one weighed 1059g in the 51 size. This is much higher than expected.

Elves Vanyar 2024

If you like the look of traditional road bikes with thin tubes, consider the Vanyar Disc 2024. It’s an upgraded version of the previous Vanyar. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available for rim brakes.

It comes in several unique and stylish color options, making it a good choice for those who want to stand out. And if you don’t like the available color options, you can submit a custom design. The Elves logo is elegant and reminiscent of a road bike and an elk. It’s a cool reference to The Lord of the Rings, where Thranduil rides an elk.

This frameset includes a seatpost and fork (430g) and is ready for internal cable routing, as well as electronic or mechanical groupsets. Unfortunately, the handlebar or integrated cockpit is not included, so you must purchase one separately. To complete this frameset, you can check out the best Chinese carbon road bike handlebar.

Surprisingly, the weight is higher than that of the previous generation, despite Elves claiming otherwise.

My Verdict

If you’re considering purchasing a cheap, unbranded frame, be cautious. However, Chinese carbon road bike frames from reputable manufacturers are safe and come with a warranty.

• The best lightweight road bike frame in this selection is Winspace SLC3 (use the CYCLISTSHUB10 code at checkout to get 10% OFF). It weighs just 699g, is made to tight tolerances, and looks fantastic thanks to the sealed through-axles or dropped seat stays. As a bonus, it has 32mm tire clearance and rounded seatpost.
• The most versatile road bike frameset is YOELEO R12 (use the CYCLISTSHUB code at checkout to get 10% OFF). It has a less aggressive geometry than racing framesets and can handle up to 32mm tires, making it more comfortable and adaptable. You can choose from various sizes and colors and even request a custom paint job. YOELEO backs this frame with a 6-year warranty.
• If you prefer speed and aerodynamics, check out the Winspace T1600 (use the CYCLISTSHUB10 code at checkout to get 10% OFF). I’ve been testing it, and it’s a fast, stiff, stable, unique-looking bike that turns heads. And as a bonus, it’s surprisingly comfortable.

Which frameset do you like the most? Let me know in the comments below.

How to Choose the Best Chinese Road Bike Frame?

There are many unbranded Chinese road bike frames available, which can make it challenging to find a trustworthy one. I recommend buying carbon products from established and reliable Chinese bicycle brands.

All the frames in this article have undergone extensive product testing and come from established manufacturers, and they all come with a warranty. In the following buyer’s guide, I outline the key features to consider when selecting a new road bike frame.

Disc or Rim Brakes?

The first thing to consider is whether you want to build your next bike on disc or rim brakes (learn more about their pros and cons). These brake types (and wheels, respectively) use different attachment mechanisms to the frame/fork.

Frames for disc brakes are designed for a thru-axle (also called a through-axle). They must provide threads so the thru-axles can be threaded in/out of the frame/fork. If you want a bike with rim brakes, the frame and the fork will be designed for quick-release.

Frame Type and Geometry

There are several road bike types. To keep things simple, this article focuses only on endurance, performance, and aero frames. I found out that Chinese manufacturers usually offer performance-oriented (lightweight and aerodynamic) frames, sometimes with endurance geometry. Here is how they differ:

Weight

Frames’ weight will vary depending on the frame type, size, and painting*. I selected a few dozen frames from various manufacturers to compare their average weight (M size). An average aero disc frame weighs around 1080g, and an average lightweight one weighs 950g. Of course, the premium frames should be below 1000g (painted).

*Complete painting can add around 3.5unces (100g).

Remember that the lightest possible frame may not always be the best choice. Other features, like the stiffness of the frame, are also important.

Stiffness

“The stiffer the frame, the less energy loss, and the faster you ride” applies rather theoretically. The reality is somewhat different. During an interview with Cycling Weekly, experienced carbon frame builder Tom Sturdy noted that a too-stiff frame can tire the rider faster, especially on rough roads, as it cannot absorb unevenness.

Determining a frame’s stiffness can be difficult without more detailed testing data, which is typically unavailable. As a result, you may have to rely on the manufacturer’s claims or the experiences of others who have tried a frame you are interested in.

However, the general rule of thumb is that the stiffer the frame tubes, the stiffer the frame. I also noticed that bikes with thicker seatposts and standard (not dropped) seatstays tend to have stiffer rear ends and, therefore, worse riding comfort than bikes with dropped seatstays and thinner seatposts.

Bottom Bracket and Groupset Compatibility

Groupset compatibility is more straightforward, as most modern carbon road bike frames are compatible with both mechanical and electronic groupsets from popular brands such as Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo.

However, using an electronic groupset on an older frame with external cable routing may not be aesthetically pleasing.

Size and Color Option

Choosing the right bike size is crucial for achieving riding comfort and preventing injuries. You can do so using your height or inseam length, or consulting a road bike size chart like the one provided. However, it’s usually best to check the manufacturers’ sizing charts and, eventually, consult with them.

TIP: Use the Bikeinsights tool to compare geometries.

Some manufacturers offer the option to upload your own design for color customization, but this is typically a paid service and not included in the frame’s price.

Keep in mind that the paint job may add ~100g to the frame’s weight. If weight is important to you, consider buying a frame without a paint job (raw carbon).

Other Things to Consider

Many framesets include seatposts but might not include integrated cockpits. It’s usually best to buy the cockpit from the same manufacturer, as they are typically designed to fit their frame. Also, remember to choose wisely, as you won’t be able to adjust the fit of an integrated cockpit. If it doesn’t fit you, you have to replace it. I recommend reading my article, which explains the pros and cons of integrated cockpits, for more information.

Tire clearance is becoming increasingly relevant as wider road bike tires become more popular. Not so long ago, the maximum tire clearance was 25 or 28mm. Nowadays, 32mm is becoming a standard.

Carbon Road Bike Frames FAQ

This post is regularly updated to provide the most up-to-date product tips. If you find a product that is not up to date, please contact me.