The 5 Best Chinese Gravel Bike Frames in 2023

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Here are the best Chinese carbon gravel bike frames (and framesets) 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 below-listed frames for you.

Keep reading to learn a thing or two about gravel bikes, delivery & import fees, and other things to be aware of when buying a Chinese gravel frame.

Let’s get into it!

What Are the Best Chinese Gravel Bike Frames?

The frames below are manufactured by established Chinese manufacturers who test their frames 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 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 Performance

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

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Skip to the comparison table…

To find out more about the delivery times and import fees, read the FAQ section.

Triaero X-Gravel Frameset (Best Budget)

If you are looking for a gravel bike frame with good accessories compatibility, the Triaero X-Gravel is the right option for you.

It is compatible with front and rear racks to extend your storage capacity. So if you plan to go on multi-day trips, you can take the necessary equipment, like a tent, spare clothes, food, etc., with you.

The frame has 6 bike bottle cage mounts (one bottle from each side of the fork and 4 mounts on the frame), so you will not run out of water after a day.

Just note that the frame’s geometry is more performance-oriented, so it will push you into a more aggressive, aerodynamic position that may not be comfortable for less flexible riders.

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

Winspace G2 Gravel (Best for Adventures)

Winspace G2 Gravel is a frame for those DIYers and gravel riders who need a comfortable frame with wide tire clearance for their build.

Wisnpace designed the geometry of G2 with comfort in mind. It is more relaxed than other gravel bike frames on this list.

G2 provides up to 50mm tire clearance. So wide tires will support you in the most demanding terrains. So if you are into an MTB-like terrain, G2 is a frame that allows equipping your gravel with high-volume, knobby tires that can handle it.

Constructers also added bottle cages and panniers/bags mounts to the frame. You can take self-supported multi-day bike packing trips with extra cargo space.

This frameset includes a frame, fork, seatpost, spare derailleur hanger, headset, and DI2 cable stopper. It is available in multiple colors (red, blue, green, black) and sizes (XS, S, M, L).

Unfortunately, the handlebar is not included, but you can check out this article to browse road bike handlebars.

YOELEO G21 Frameset (Best Performance)

YOELEO G21 is a fully reimagined YOELEO G1 gravel frameset. It looks similar to Winspace G2, but G21 has slightly wider tire clearance for wider tires.

Its geometry also differs. It is less comfort-oriented and more performance-oriented, so it is suitable for racing too.

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 preference. Custom painting is available too.

G21 is suitable for internal cable routing, so you can build a nice clean gravel bike.

This frameset includes the frame, seatpost, fork, and handlebar (Winspace G2 frameset includes the frame and fork only).

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 great quality except for a few areas (like dropouts). The same applies to the internal carbon structure.

Based on reviews of multiple customers, AC388 allows easy internal cable routing installation.

You can also choose from 6 sizes and multiple colors (blue, pink, UDM) based on your liking.

Unfortunately, this frameset includes only the frame and fork, so you will need to buy the seatpost and handlebar 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.

If you are performance and aero-oriented, I am sure you will appreciate the frameset aerodynamic design and its performance – it will be fast.

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 handlebar.

My Verdict

The best budget Chinese gravel bike frameset is the Triaero X-Gravel Frameset.

Its relatively aggressive geometry will push you into a more aerodynamic, racing position. But you can also use it for bike touring.

It is compatible with front and rear racks, so you can equip your bike with panniers to store essentials like spare clothes, food, a tent, a sleeping bag, etc.

The frame also has 6 mounts for a bottle cage, so you can take a lot of water with you as well.

Another benefit is ICAN’s crash replacement policy and 2-year warranty.

The best Chinese gravel bike frameset for bike touring and adventures is the Winspace G2 (use the ‘cyclistshub10‘ code during checkout to get 10% off).

Comfortable geometry, wide tire clearance, and accessories compatibility make G2 suitable for bike touring and other multi-day adventures.

The best performance Chinese gravel bike frameset is the YOELEO G21 Gravel Frameset.

It weighs a respectable 980g and has relatively aggressive geometry, making it ideal for performance-oriented riders.

Its wide tire clearance, accessories compatibility, and included handlebar and seatpost, provide a great value for money.

How to Choose the Best Chinese Gravel Bike Frame?

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

1. Buy carbon parts only from established and trustworthy Chinese manufacturers who cover their products by warranty.
2. Make sure the frame is branded. Avoid buying counterfeit or unbranded carbon products.
3. And last but not least, check whether or not the frame passed extensive testing & quality control. Feel free to contact the customer support of the manufacturer to find out more details about their processes.

Below, I explain what other features to consider when choosing a new gravel bike frame. If you want to learn more about gravel bikes, check the How to Choose a Gravel Bike Guide.

Weight, Stiffness, and Durability

The weight of the frame may vary depending on the price and size of the frame. 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 that 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. So, you have to either rely on other customers’ reviews and feelings or trust the manufacturer’s claims.

Frankly, most manufacturers will tell you their frame is “lightweight and/or stiff.” But the general rule of thumb is that the lighter the frame, the lower its rider’s weight limit.

This means that heavier riders may feel that the frame twists when putting it under pressure.

Durability is also pretty abstract. Gravel bike frames have to be durable to withstand difficult 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.

So, make sure to double-check with the manufacturer whether or not it passed extensive testing to make sure 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 suitable for more demanding terrain. The CyclingTips team did a pretty good job at defining various gravel surfaces.

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

Bottom Bracket

When you build a new gravel bike, you must consider the frames’ compatibility with a bottom bracket (BB).

There are 2 basic types of bottom brackets – threaded and press fit. I can fully recommend the following detailed guides on BB standards to find out more information about them.

• BikeRadar BB Guide
• ParkTool BB Guide

Nevertheless, both guides can be summarized in one sentence. Make sure 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

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

Frames differ with how they designed the cable routing. The vast majority features partially internal cable routing. Fully-internal cable routing is not very common on gravel bike frames.

Accessories Compatibility

Gravel bikes are known for their versatility and accessories compatibility. 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 all things you need for your adventure with you.

Frames not compatible with additional accessories are better for more performance-oriented riders who look for a “road bike that handles dirt roads” and don’t need to take 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 given in descriptive sizes like M, L, XL…, or in centimeters (48, 50, 52cm…).

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

TIP: Use the Bikeinsights tool for comparing geometries of not only gravel bike frames.

The color is up to your preference. Some Chinese manufacturers also offer you to upload your designs. Make sure to contact the manufacturers’ customer support for more info.

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