The 5 Best Chinese Gravel Bike Frames for Your Off-Road Adventures!

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Here are some of the best Chinese carbon gravel bike frames worth your attention. I researched the available options, contacted manufacturers to learn more about their processes, and read through dozens of reviews so you don’t have to.

As a bonus, I have negotiated exclusive discounts for some of the frames listed below for you. Keep reading to learn a thing or two about delivery and import fees, and other things to be aware of when buying a Chinese gravel frame.

What Are the Best Chinese Gravel Bike Frames?

The frames below are manufactured by established Chinese manufacturers that test them to meet quality standards. All frames are covered by at least a 2-year warranty.

Best Budget

Use this ICAN discount code CYCLISTSHUB on www.icancycling.com during checkout to get 5% OFF your purchase. Share this code via email.

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Best for Adventures

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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Best Performance

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…

Read the FAQ section to learn more about the delivery times and import fees.

YOELEO G21 Altera (Best for Adventures)

YOELEO G21 Altera is a second-generation G21 gravel frameset. It looks almost the same, but there are slight differences. It includes a UHD mount, T47 BB, two in-frame storage compartments, or a rounded seatpost. Its geometry also differs. It has a slacker headtube, resulting in a wider wheelbase. This improves the overall stability and reduces toe overlap.

I tested both (see my G21 review), and I can say that the Altera was improved in all the right areas, and I believe this is one of the best Chinese gravel frames for long adventures, especially thanks to the additional fork mounts. However, you can also order a fork without them for a sleeker appearance.

What is great about YOELEO framesets, you can opt for handlebar size (width and stem length). A correctly selected size will improve your overall fit and riding experience. You can also choose from many colors to fit your preferences. Custom painting is also available.

The only main disadvantage I could find is the weight. I can imagine the frame being a bit lighter.

Like most modern frames, G21 Altera is suitable for internal cable routing, so you can build a nice, clean gravel bike, and thanks to the UDH, you can use those SRAM rear derailleurs that survive almost everything.

Winspace G3 (Best Performance)

Winspace G3 Gravel is a performance-oriented gravel frameset aimed at riders who want a fast-paced, mixed-surface riding rather than a purely comfort-focused setup.

It uses a blend of T700, T800, and M40 carbon fiber, resulting in a claimed frame weight of about 950g (size M), 450g for the fork, and 130g for the 360mm seatpost.

G3 supports up to 700×50C tires, so you can run high-volume rubber suitable for rough gravel and light off-road use while still keeping a race-ready feel. It uses a T47-68 bottom bracket and UDH derailleur hanger, matching current gravel and road standards for wheel and drivetrain compatibility.

The frameset is available in sizes XS, S, M, L, and XL (440/460/480/510/540) and includes an aero seatpost matched to the frame profile. Unfortunately, the handlebar is not included, but you can browse this article to find road bike handlebars.

Triaero X-Gravel 2 (Best Budget)

If you are looking for a gravel bike frame with good accessory compatibility, the Triaero X-Gravel 2 is the option to consider. It is compatible with front and rear racks to extend your storage capacity. If you plan to go on multi-day trips, you can take the necessary equipment, such as a tent, extra clothes, and food.

Its geometry is suited for long, comfortable rides. You will also appreciate great stability and handling in terrain.

I also want to highlight the rich color selection and the option for custom paint. ICAN is known for its paint job customizability, and it does it well.

The packing includes a frame, fork, seatpost, and headset. The handlebar is not included. You can browse some Chinese ones here.

ICAN AC388 CX Frameset (Best for Cyclocross)

ICAN AC388 is the only frameset on this list designed for cyclocross. It surprises you with its affordable price but good attention to detail of parts like dropouts, through-axles, seatpost collar, etc.

Its finish is of good quality, except for a few areas (such as dropouts). The same applies to the internal carbon structure.

Based on customer reviews, AC388 enables easy internal cable routing. You can also choose from 6 sizes and multiple colors (blue, pink, UDM) based on your liking.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a UDH, its tire clearance is narrow (per gravel standards), and the frameset includes only the frame and fork, so you will need to purchase the seatpost and handlebars separately.

Rinasclta Gravel Bike Frameset

This gravel bike frameset by Rinasclta is super minimalistic and clean, thanks to fully internal cable routing, a slot for the Di2 port, an integrated handlebar, and a complete absence of any decals.

Before you order it, you can choose the handlebar size (width + stem length) and the finish (UD glossy, UD matte, or your own).

You can let Rinasclta paint the bike using up to 4 colors. You can also submit your own artwork with or without logos to make your dream design come true.

The frame itself is compatible with additional bottle cage mounts and racks, making it ideal for bike touring and multi-day trips.

The only minor downside is a narrower tire clearance than the Triaero X-Gravel. But it will still allow you to use up to 700*40mm tires that handle rough gravel.

This frameset includes a frame, fork, clamp, hanger, seatpost, and integrated handlebars.

My Verdict

I hope this summary helped you with finding your next frameset. I consider the YOELEO G21 Altera (use CYCLISTSHUB code for 10% off) as one of the best ones for all-road adventures. It provides rich tire clearance and accessory compatibility, including a UDH mount.

The Winspace G3 (use CYCLISTSHUB10 code for 10% off) will appeal to more performance-oriented riders. It looks almost like a road bike, but offers wider tire clearance. If you have two wheelsets, though, you can use them for both disciplines.

And finally, if you have a tighter budget, consider the Triaero X-Gravel (use CYCLISTSHUB code for 5% off). It doesn’t follow the latest trends, but it won’t break your bank.

How to Choose the Best Chinese Gravel Bike Frame?

This section includes a few tips on finding a Chinese gravel bike frame that you can rely on and worth your money.

1. Buy carbon parts only from established, trustworthy Chinese manufacturers that offer a warranty.
2. Make sure the frame is branded. Avoid buying counterfeit or unbranded carbon products.
3. And last but not least, check whether the frame has passed extensive testing & quality control. Feel free to contact the manufacturer’s customer support for more details about their processes.

Below, I explain other features to consider when choosing a new gravel bike frame. Check out the How to Choose a Gravel Bike Guide to learn more about gravel bikes.

Weight, Stiffness, and Durability

The frame’s weight may vary based on its price and size. Remember that the lightest frame may not be the best choice. Stiffness and durability are also important, especially for a gravel bike frame.

Did you know a complete painting can add around 3.5 ounces (100g)?

How to find out whether the frame is stiff and durable?

Well, that’s a good question. We know how to quantify stiffness, but usually, you won’t get this information when buying a bike frame. You have to either rely on other customers’ reviews and feedback or trust the manufacturer’s claims.

Frankly, most manufacturers will tell you their frame is “lightweight and/or stiff.” But the general rule is that the lighter the frame, the lower the weight limit. This means heavier riders may feel the frame twisting under pressure.

Durability is also pretty abstract. Gravel bike frames must be durable enough to withstand challenging terrain. I am not saying that road bike frames do not have to be durable, but I believe you get my point—you don’t want your new frame to crack on the first trail.

Double-check with the manufacturer to confirm it has passed rigorous testing and that you can rely on it.

Tire Clearance

Depending on the terrain you want to ride in, you should not forget about the tire clearance and the maximum tire size.

Wider tire clearance will allow you to use wider tires that are suitable for more demanding terrain. The CyclingTips team did a pretty good job at defining various gravel surfaces.

Feel free to watch the video below to learn more about what tire width is suitable for what terrain and why.

Bottom Bracket

When building a new gravel bike, you must ensure the frame is compatible with the bottom bracket (BB).

Nevertheless, both guides can be summarized in one sentence. Ensure you buy a BB that is compatible with the frame or vice versa. If you already have a BB, look for a compatible frame.

Groupset Compatibility

Luckily, groupset compatibility is pretty simple. Most modern carbon gravel bike frames are compatible with mechanical and electric groupsets from manufacturers like Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, etc.

Frames differ in how they allow you to route cables. The vast majority feature partially internal cable routing, which is uncommon on gravel bike frames.

Accessories Compatibility

Gravel bikes are known for their versatility and compatibility with accessories. Especially if you plan to take multi-day trips, you should look for frames compatible with additional bike bottle cages or racks.

They will effectively extend your storage capacity so you can take everything you need for your adventure.

Frames incompatible with additional accessories are better suited to more performance-oriented riders who want a “road bike that handles dirt roads” and don’t need to carry as much “cargo.”

Size & Color Option

The last 2 things to consider are the frame size & color. Gravel bike frames use the same sizing as road bikes. This means the size is specified using descriptive sizes such as M, L, XL, or centimeters (48, 50, 52cm).

In my guide on Choosing a bike size, you can use an interactive calculator or a bike size chart to determine the correct size based on your inseam length.

TIP: Use the Bikeinsights tool to compare geometries of not only gravel bike frames.

The color is up to your preference. Some Chinese manufacturers also offer to upload your designs. Contact the manufacturer’s customer support for more information.

Remember, the paint alone may add around 100g to the frame’s weight. If the weight is important to you, buy a frame without a paint job.

Chinese Carbon Gravel 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.