CyclistsHub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links.
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.
KEY TAKEAWAY
I recommend avoiding non-branded Chinese carbon frames because of their questionable quality. These vendors also often lack accountability and proper customer support. Buying counterfeit frames is also a bad idea. Again, you usually don’t know about the quality of the frames and then there is also the moral aspect. Buy from established brands that care about their reputation. The brands listed below are UCI-approved, tested in-house, or meet other safety standards (e.g., ISO 4210).
Don’t have too high expectations of cheap frames. There are reasons for their low price. It usually manifests in worse attention to detail and tolerances and a not-very-sophisticated carbon layout, leading to poorer handling characteristics.
What Are the Best Chinese Gravel Bike Frames?
The frames below are manufactured by established Chinese manufacturers who 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.
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.
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.
Read the FAQ section to learn more about the delivery times and import fees.
Triaero X-Gravel Frameset (Best Budget)
Main Features
- Warranty: 2 years
- Crash replacement: Yes (15% discount)
- Compatible with additional accessories like racks and bottle cages
- Available in 5 sizes
- Includes frame, seatpost, and fork
Technical Specification
- Frame weight: 1230g (size 54cm)
- Fork weight: 395g
- Max tire size: MTB-29er x 1.95inch or Road disc-700C x 45mm
- Bottom bracket: BSA
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.
Use this ICAN discount code CYCLISTSHUB on www.icancycling.com during checkout to get 5% OFF your purchase. Share this code via email.
Winspace G2 Gravel (Best for Adventures)
Main Features
- Warranty: 3 years
- Crash replacement: n/a
- Comfort oriented geometry
- Compatible with additional accessories like racks and bottle cages
- Chainstays designed for mud clearing
- Internal or external cable routing
- Available in multiple colors
- Available in 4 sizes
- Includes frame, seatpost, and fork
Technical Specification
- Frame weight: 1080g (size 54cm)
- Fork weight: n/a
- Max tire size: 700x35C / 650B*2.0″ (size XS), 700x50C / 650B*2.0″ (sizes S, M, L)
- Bottom bracket: BSA
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 G2’s geometry 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. If you are into MTB-like terrain, G2 is a frame that allows you to equip your gravel with high-volume, knobby tires that can handle it.
Constructers also added bottle cages and pannier/bag mounts to the frame. With this extra cargo space, you can take self-supported multi-day bike packing trips.
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 browse this article to find road bike handlebars.
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.
YOELEO G21 Frameset (Best Performance)
Main Features
- Warranty: 6 years
- Crash replacement: n/a
- Compatible with additional accessories like racks and bottle cages
- Internal cable routing
- Available in 5 sizes
- Available in multiple colors (custom painting available)
- Includes frame, seatpost, fork, and handlebar
- Customizable handlebar width and stem length
Technical Specification
- Frame weight: 980g (size 49cm)
- Fork weight: 420g
- Max tire size: 700c*53mm or 650b*2.1″
- Bottom bracket: BBT-47
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 preferences. 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).
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.
ICAN AC388 CX Frameset (Best for Cyclocross)
Main Features
- Warranty: 2 years
- Crash replacement: Yes (15% discount)
- Available in 6 sizes
- Excellent value for money
- Includes frame and fork
Technical Specification
- Frame weight: 1100g (size 53cm)
- Fork weight: 380g
- Max tire size: 700c*38mm
- Bottom bracket: BB86
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.
Use this ICAN discount code CYCLISTSHUB on www.icancycling.com during checkout to get 5% OFF your purchase. Share this code via email.
Rinasclta Gravel Bike Frameset
Main Features
- Warranty: 2 years
- Crash replacement: n/a
- Optionable handlebar size
- Fully-internal cable routing
- Compatible with additional accessories like racks and bottle cages
- Available in 5 sizes
- Available in multiple colors (custom painting available)
- Includes frame, seatpost, fork, and handlebar
- Customizable handlebar width and stem length
Technical Specification
- Frame weight: 1200g (size 54cm)
- Fork weight: 478g (with thru-axle)
- Seatpost weight: 199g
- Handlebar weight 300g
- Max tire size: 700*40mm
- Bottom bracket: BB386
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 aerodynamic-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.
Use the code CYCLISTSHUB10 at www.rinascltabike.com at the checkout page to get 10 USD OFF your purchase.
Gravel Frames | Weight | Tire Clearance | Warranty | BB | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Triaero X-Gravel Frameset | 1230g | 700C*45mm 29er*1.95inch | 2 years | BSA | Check Price |
YOELEO G21 Frameset | 980g | 700c*53mm 650b*2.1″ | 6 years | BB386 | Check Price Use CYCLISTSHUB code to get 10% off |
Winspace G2 Gravel | 1080g | 700*50C 650B*2.0" | 3 years | BSA | Check Price Use CYCLISTSHUB10 code to get 10% off |
ICAN AC388 CX | 1100g | 700c*38mm | 2 years | BB86 | Check Price |
Rinasclta Gravel Bike Frameset | 1200g | 700*40mm | 2 years | BB386 | Check Price Use CYCLISTSHUB10 code to get 10 USD off |
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 compatibility with accessories 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 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 that you can rely on and worth your money.
- Buy carbon parts only from established and trustworthy Chinese manufacturers who cover their products by warranty.
- Make sure the frame is branded. Avoid buying counterfeit or unbranded carbon products.
- And last but not least, check whether or not the frame passed extensive testing & quality control. Feel free to contact the manufacturer’s customer support to find out 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 weight of the frame may vary depending 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. 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 heavier riders may feel that the frame twists when 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, double-check with the manufacturer to ensure that it has passed extensive 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.
Grade | Definition | Suggested Tire Size |
---|---|---|
1 | Tarmac, bad paved roads with cobbles | 700×25 – 700×32 |
2 | Dirt roads | 700×28 – 700×35 |
3 | Light gravel | 700×32 – 700×38 |
4 | Rough gravel | 700×35 – 700×40+ |
5 | MTB terrain | 700×38+ / 650b |
Source: cyclingtips.com
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 learn more about them.
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 design the cable routing. The vast majority feature partially internal cable routing, which is not very common 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 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 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 you to upload your designs. Make sure to contact the manufacturer’s customer support for more information.
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.
More from Chinese Carbon
Wheels Roundups
Chinese Carbon Road Bike Wheels
Chinese Carbon Gravel Bike Wheels
Chinese Carbon Mountain Bike Wheels
Winspace HYPER vs. Lún Road Series Wheels
Lún HYPER vs. Elitewheels DRIVE
Road Frames Reviews
YOELEO R9 Frameset Review
YOELEO R11 Frameset Review
YOELEO R12 Frameset Review
YOELEO R12 Complete Bike Review
YOELEO R21 Frameset Review
Winspace SLC2.0 Review
Winspace T1500 Review
Elves Vanyar Review
Elves Falath Pro Review
Trifox X10 Review
Brands
Chinese Carbon Bicycle Brands
YOELEO vs. Winspace (Comparison)
YOELEO vs. Farsports (Comparison)
Winspace vs. HUNT (Comparison)
Winspace vs. Farsports (Comparison)
Handlebars
Chinese Carbon Road Bike Handlebar
The info I want.
Thanks for your sharing.
You are welcome. 🙂
– Petr
Unfortunately, the discount code CYCLISTSHUB does not give you ~10% rather than 5% off for YOELEOGERMANY. After entering the code, 68.08€ was subtracted from 1361.5€.
This is disappointing because I was otherwise ready to buy a Yoeleo frame.
Hi Thomas,
Yes. YOELEO Germany offers a smaller discount than YOELEO Spain, Japan, or France (those give 10 % off with my code). I tried to negotiate a better deal but unsuccessfully. But I still think -5% is pretty decent. 🙂
What frame are you interested in? G21?
– Petr
Hi Petr! I look for gravel bike(gravel frame) that’s oriented for comfort with more upright(relaxed) position and not aggresive. So maybe you know at which frame parameters i need to look to understand that? I only look on Stack to Reach ratio and if it’s in the range from 1.55 maybe 1.50 to 1.60 then frame has relaxed positio. One bikefit manager said that i should also look at head tube length but did’t say what it should be equal to. Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Roman,
I don’t have any specific bike in my mind right now. But I can recommend the bikeinsights.com tool where you can browse bikes in a certain category. So, you can start with brands you like and, eventually, extend your research. 🙂
I hope it helps.
– Petr
The Yoeleo G21 is my favorite. I will probably give it a try!
Nice! I’m testing it and so far so good! 🙂 Detailed review coming soon.
– Petr
Good selection. What do you about Velobuild GF-003?
Thank you, Gijs. I don’t have experience with it but it looks modern. However, I usually don’t recommend buying unbranded carbon frames due to their questionable quality.
– Petr