The 9 Best Chinese Road Bike Frames for Your New Build in 2023

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These are the best Chinese carbon road bike frames and framesets.

I included frames compatible with rim or disc brakes, lightweight, aero, and all-rounder frames, and also a buyer’s guide.

Their inclusion is based on in-depth market research, evaluating customer reviews worldwide, and interviewing owners, bike builders, and manufacturers to help you choose wisely.

As you probably know, there are a lot of myths surrounding Chinese carbon. Most people are concerned about its quality and reliability…

The below-listed frames are either UCI-approved, in-house tested, or meet other safety standards.

Are you ready to learn more?

Let’s dive in!

What Are the Best Chinese Road Bike Frames?

All frames below come from well-established, branded Chinese bike manufacturers. They are covered by a guarantee and were properly tested. To avoid any damage during transport, they are also well-packed.

Please, note that most of the following frames are shipped from China. Their delivery may take several weeks.

Check the buyer’s guide section first if you don’t know where to begin when choosing the best frame.

Skip to the comparison table…

If you prefer a complete bicycle instead, check out the best Chinese road bikes.

Winspace SLC2 (Best Lightweight Frameset)

I like this type of road bike frame – thin, lightweight tubes and a high-quality finish. Yes, the logo could be smaller or be written using a different font, but this is subjective.

The SLC 2.0 is an improved version of the SLC 1.0. It’s stiffer to squeeze the improve the power transfer.

This frameset includes a seatpost and fork. You can also opt for handlebars and the version for brake or disc brakes.

The frame weighs just 780g in size 54. Therefore, it is ideal for climbing or for people who want to build a lightweight road bike.

The color selection is pretty narrow, but you can contact Winspace support for customized options.

Sizes available: 44cm, 47cm, 49cm, 52cm, 55cm, and 58cm

YOELEO R12 (Best All-Rounder Frameset)

This all-rounder frameset is the most popular YOELEO frameset. Let me explain why.

R12 can accommodate up to 32mm wide tires, making it a versatile road bike.

The frame also has less aggressive geometry that’s more comfortable than on racing road bikes.

Although it is available only for disc brakes, this frame is highly versatile. It will handle rough roads and even light gravel well.

This frameset is also ready for internal cable routing, making it look clean and modern. Additionally, it is compatible with electric and mechanical groupsets.

At YOELEO, you can choose handlebars width + stem length to ensure the best fit possible. This feature is often not available with mainstream brands.

Choose from up to 7 sizes, including those suitable for short women and various colors.

Also available at yoeleoeurope.com and yoeleocanada.com

Triaero (ICAN) A22 Frameset (Best Aero Frame)

ICAN’s bike brand Triaero focuses solely on bike frames. Their aero frame A22 offers an unmatched price-value ratio.

It is designed with internal cable routing in mind, so its installation will be pretty easy for you or your bike builder.

I also like that its tubes are not super thick, so it reminds me of a lightweight climbing bike, although this one is an aero frame.

Considering its low price, this frame is well-built, as explained by Hambini in his video.

ICAN’s crash replacement program is the cherry on top of this imaginary cage. The only downsides are a limited size, color selection, and handlebar + stem options.

Trifox X16 Frameset

Trifox X16 is an affordable, lightweight frame available in multiple cool colors.

The frameset includes a fork (319g) and seatpost (182g). Please, note that the frame weight differs based on the brake type.

The handlebar is not included, but you can browse these Chinese handlebars to complete the frameset.

X16 frame is compatible with electric and mechanical groupsets, and it’s compatible with internal cable routing.

A huge benefit is also Trifox’s crash replacement program. If you crash, you get a 12% discount on the retail price of your next frame.

X16 is available in multiple colors and sizes – 44cm, 49cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, and 58cm.

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

Elves Falath Pro

One of the main selling points of Elves frames is the excellent paint job quality, wide color options range, and the possibility to order custom finish.

Although Falath Pro (Disc) is an aero frame, its geometry is pretty relaxed, contributing to a comfortable ride.

It can fit up to 28mm tires, ensuring great comfort. Of course, it’s ready for internal cable routing. I recommend buying it with an Elves Orome handlebar for the best look.

Remember, it’s available for disc and rim brakes, so you can build the rim-brake-based aero frame, which is rare these days.

I am sure you will also appreciate the extended 5-year warranty and the fact this frame meets ISO 4210 standards.

You can pick one of the 7 sizes (44, 46, 49, 52, 54, 56, and 59cm). The handlebar size is sold separately, but you can also choose the stem length and handlebar width.

Elves Vanyar

If you dream of building a super lightweight bike, you should consider getting the Vanyar frameset by Elves. It weighs only 750g in the 46cm size!

It seems that Vanyar is an open mold frame because I saw it on the offer of other manufacturers already. However, Elves Vanyar is UCI approved.

NOTE: Only the rim version is UCI approved.

It’s available in multiple cool and unique color options, so if you like to stand out, this is your chance.

The only thing I don’t like about the finish is that it includes some unnecessary decals on the top tube.

But you can also submit a custom design if you don’t like the available color options.

I love the elegance of the Elves logo. It reminds me of a road bike but also an elk. This is cool because if you’ve seen Lord of the Rings, you’ve probably also seen Thranduil riding his elk.

This frameset includes seatpost and fork (365g), and it is ready for internal cable routing and electrical or mechanical groupsets.

Unfortunately, Vanyar doesn’t come with a handlebar, so you must buy it separately.

TIP: Browse the best Chinese carbon road bike handlebar to complete this frameset.

Take advantage of the extended warranty of 5 years and choose from 6 sizes.

Winspace T1500 Frameset

This UCI approved aero frame is ideal for pros or avid cyclists who love speed. According to Winspace, T1500 doesn’t only look fast. It is fast.

I am a fan of some of its color options but not the logo. What about you, do you like it? Let me know in the comments below.

The good news is that the frame is available for both rim and disc brakes. Before placing your order, you can also opt for an integrated handlebar (contact Winspace customer support for more info).

This frame was, of course, tested in a wind tunnel. Although the results are not publicly available, it has a few features that improve its aerodynamics, like the asymmetric frog-leg-muscle chainstay, asymmetrical bottom bracket shaft, or a wide front fork.

Choose from 5 sizes (41, 44, 47, 51, or 55cm).

YOELEO R11 Super Light Frameset

This YOELEO R11 lightweight frameset includes a frame, fork (390g), handlebar, and seat post (204g). It is available as an option for rim or disc brakes.

Of course, it is compatible with mechanical or electrical groupsets. Before purchasing, you can opt for the handlebar width and stem length to maximize the chance of the best fit.

R11 frameset can also accommodate up to 30mm (32mm) wide tires, which is great if you need wider tires for gravel and dirt roads.

It also has improved internal cable routing (compared to its previous version) thanks to new EPS+Latex frame molding, so routing cables won’t be a hassle.

You can choose from various colors and sizes (49cm, 52cm, 54cm, 56cm, and 59cm).

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

Rinasclta Aero Frameset

This frame can be characterized by one word – simplicity. It comes in a matt or glossy black finish. It has a hidden seatpost clamp, a nice detail I appreciate.

Rinasclta frameset includes fork and seatpost. But they manufacture handlebars in various options, so you can also order them from Rinasclta.

This frame is available for rim or disc brakes. It allows you to use up to 32mm tires and has an internal cable routing.

Of course, it is compatible with mechanical and electric groupsets. The sizing options are limited to 4 sizes only (49cm, 52cm, 54cm, and 56cm).

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My Verdict

Be careful if you decide to buy a cheap, unbranded frame. But Chinese carbon road bike frames from established manufacturers are safe to ride and are covered by a warranty.

• The best lightweight road bike frame in this selection is Winspace SLC2 (use the ‘cyclistshub10’ code at checkout to get 10% off). This frameset consists of a frame, fork, and seatpost.
  The M size weighs only 780g. It is not the lightest frame in this selection but offers the best price-value ratio.
  It is available for rim and disc brakes, and you get a 3-year warranty.
• The most versatile road bike frameset is YOELEO R12 (also available at yoeleoeurope.com and yoeleocanada.com). It includes a frame, fork, seatpost, and handlebar.
  This aero frameset has not as aggressive geometry as racing framesets and can accommodate up to 32mm tires. This means it is more comfortable. It is available in plenty of sizes and colors, and you can even order a custom paint job.
  YOELEO covers this frame with a 3-year warranty.
• If you prefer speed and aerodynamics, make sure to check out the Triaero A22 frameset. It includes a frame, fork, seatpost, and handlebar.
  It combines the best features from aero and lightweight frames creating a well-balanced compromise between speed, weight, and comfort.
  This frameset is completely ready for full internal cable routing resulting in a minimalistic and clean build.
  I cannot forget to mention it’s covered with a 15% crash replacement program and a 2-year warranty.

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

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How to Choose the Best Chinese Road Bike Frame?

There are countless unbranded Chinese road bike frames out there. It is not easy to choose the one you can 100% rely on.

Therefore, I recommend buying carbon products from trustworthy and reliable Chinese bicycle brands.

All frames in this article passed extensive product testing, are covered by warranty, and come from established manufacturers.

Below, I explain more features to consider when choosing a new road bike frame.

Disc or Rim Brakes

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

If you want a bike with rim brakes, the frame and the fork will be designed for a quick release.

Frames for disc brakes are designed for a thru-axle (also called through-axle). It has to provide threads so the thru-axle can be threaded out of the frame/fork when removing the wheels.

Frame Type

There are 8 basic types of road bikes. However, this article focuses only on endurance, performance, and aero frames to keep things simple.

I found out that Chinese manufacturers usually offer performance-oriented (lightweight and aero), sometimes endurance frames. Here is how they differ:

Weight

Frames’ weight will vary depending on the frame type, size, and even the painting*. I selected more than 20 frames from various manufacturers to compare their average weight (M size). You can see the results below.

*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 a little bit different.

Tom Sturdy, an experienced carbon frame builder, said in an interview for Cycling Weekly that a stiffer frame could result in the rider getting tired faster, for example, on roads with a worse surface. This is because a too-rigid frame can’t absorb unevenness.

The stiffness is pretty tricky. It is almost impossible to estimate it without more detailed data from testing that are usually unavailable or when you cannot test the frame in person. So you have to rely either on the manufacturer’s claims or on the experience of others who have tried a frame you are interested in.

In general, however, Chinese carbon frames from trusted manufacturers do not lag behind the frames of more well-known brands in terms of stiffness and weight.

Bottom Bracket and Groupset Compatibility

Another thing to consider is the compatibility of the frame with the bottom bracket (BB). There are 2 basic types of bottom brackets – threaded and press fit.

The groupset compatibility is much simpler. Most modern carbon road bike frames are compatible with mechanical and electric groupsets from Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, etc.

Technically, you can use an electric groupset for older frames with external cable routing, but it won’t look good.

Size & Color Option

Once you’ve selected a particular frame, all you have to do is choose the right size and color option. Choosing the right bike size is essential to ensure riding comfort and prevent injuries.

There are several methods (choosing a bike size based on your height, inseam length, etc.). Or, you can use my road bike size chart.

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

The color option is solely up to your preference. Some manufacturers offer the possibility to upload your own design. This is a paid service and is not included in the price of the frame.

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

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Carbon Road Bike Frames FAQ

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