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 for rim and disc brakes, lightweight, aero, and all-rounder.

I’ve been following the Chinese carbon industry for several years, and I also ride a Chinese bike. I read hundreds of reviews, forum threads, and customer experiences and watched hours of video reviews to save you time.

I also interviewed owners, bike builders, and manufacturers to help you choose wisely.

As you may be aware, there are numerous myths surrounding Chinese carbon. People are concerned about the quality and reliability of these frames. So, the question is…

Are Chinese carbon frames safe to ride?
Yes, they are, but you have to know what to look for. The below-listed frames are from established Chinese bicycle brands. They are UCI-approved, in-house tested, or meet other safety standards (like ISO 4210).

Continue reading for more info.

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

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Also available at yoeleoeurope.com and yoeleocanada.com

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Best Aero

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Skip to the comparison table…

All frames below come from well-established Chinese bike manufacturers. They are covered by a warranty and are 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.

Read the buyer’s guide section first if you don’t know where to begin when choosing the best frame for your riding style.

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

Winspace SLC2 (Best Chinese Lightweight Frame)

According to numerous reviewers, Winspace frames are among the best frames available on the Chinese market.

Personally, I appreciate this type of road bike frame, with thin, lightweight tubes and a high-quality finish. While the logo could be smaller or use a different font, this is a matter of personal preference.

The SLC 2.0 is an upgraded version of the SLC 1.0, featuring increased stiffness for improved power transfer.

This frameset includes a seatpost and fork, and you can also select handlebars and choose between the rim or disc brake version.

In size 54, this frame weighs only 780g, making it an excellent choice for climbing or for those who prefer a lightweight road bike.

The color options are limited, but you can contact Winspace support for custom options.

The higher price may deter some buyers, but it’s essential to note that the quality of this frame (e.g., bottom bracket tolerances, etc.) is comparable to those made by Western manufacturers, making its price more reasonable in comparison.

YOELEO R12 (Best All-Rounder Frameset)

This YOELEO frameset is a versatile all-rounder that’s quite popular. Let me tell you why.

The R12 frameset can accommodate tires up to 32mm wide, making it suitable for roads ranging from smooth tarmac to light gravel.

The frame’s geometry is less aggressive than racing road bikes, making riding more comfortable.

I personally own a complete YOELEO R12 road bike, and I love it. It’s a great combination of aero and a “lightweight” road bike.

The frameset also features internal cable routing, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. It’s compatible with both electronic and mechanical groupsets.

At YOELEO, you can select the handlebar width and stem length to ensure the best possible fit, which is not always an option with mainstream brands.

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, and their aero frame A22 offers an unmatched price-to-value ratio.

The A22 frame is designed with internal cable routing, making it easy to install by yourself or your bike builder.

I also appreciate the frame’s thin tubes, which give it a lightweight climbing bike feel, despite being an aero frame.

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

ICAN’s crash replacement program is the cherry on top, but the downsides are limited size, color selection, and handlebar and stem options.

Trifox X16 Frameset

Trifox X16 is an affordable and lightweight bike frame that comes in multiple cool colors.

The frameset includes a fork that weighs 319g and a seatpost that weighs 182g. Please note that the frame weight varies depending on the brake type but varies around 900g.

The handlebar is not included, but you can check out these Chinese carbon drop handlebars to complete the frameset.

The X16 frame is compatible with electronic and mechanical groupsets and supports internal cable routing.

Additionally, Trifox offers a crash replacement program, providing you with a 12% discount on the retail price of your next frame if you ever crash.

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

Elves Falath Pro

Elves frames are known for their excellent paint quality and wide range of color options, including custom finishes.

Despite being an aero frame, Falath Pro (Disc) has a relaxed geometry that makes for a comfortable ride.

It can accommodate up to 28mm tires and is equipped for internal cable routing. I recommend pairing it with an Elves Orome handlebar for the best aesthetic.

What sets this frame apart is its availability for both disc and rim brakes, which is uncommon for aero frames. Additionally, it comes with an extended 5-year warranty and meets ISO 4210 standards.

The frame is available in 7 sizes, and the handlebar size is sold separately, but you can customize the stem length and handlebar width to your preference.

In early 2023, Elves introduced a new generation of this frame called the Elves Falath Evo.

Elves Vanyar

If you’re looking to build an ultra-lightweight bike, consider the Vanyar. It weighs only 750g in the 46cm size!

Although Vanyar seems to be an open mold frame, Elves Vanyar (rim) is UCI approved. The disc brake version is not UCI approved.

It comes in several unique and stylish color options, making it a great choice if you want to stand out from the crowd.

However, the finish includes some unnecessary decals on the top tube that I find a bit unappealing. If you don’t like the available color options, you can submit a custom design.

The Elves logo is elegant and reminiscent of both a road bike and an elk. It’s a cool reference to Lord of the Rings, where Thranduil rides an elk.

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

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a handlebar, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. Check out the best Chinese carbon road bike handlebar to complete this frameset.

Take advantage of the extended 5-year warranty and choose from 6 available sizes.

Winspace T1500 Frameset

This aero frame is UCI approved and perfect for pro or avid cyclists who love speed. Winspace claims that the T1500 not only looks fast, but it is fast.

While I like some of the available color options, I’m not a fan of the logo. Do you like it? Let me know in the comments below.

The great news is that this frame is available for both rim and disc brakes. Before placing your order, you can also choose to opt for an integrated handlebar (simply contact Winspace customer support for more information).

This frame was tested in a wind tunnel, and although the results are not publicly available, it has several features that improve aerodynamics, such as the asymmetric frog-leg-muscle chainstay, asymmetrical bottom bracket shaft, and wide front fork.

YOELEO R11 Super Light Frameset

The YOELEO R11 frameset is a lightweight option that includes a frame (850g), fork (390g), handlebar, and seat post (204g).

You can choose between a rim or disc brake option. The frameset is compatible with mechanical or electrical groupsets, and you can select the handlebar width and stem length for the best fit.

For those who need wider tires, the R11 can accommodate up to 30mm (32mm) wide tires, which is great for gravel and dirt roads.

Additionally, the internal cable routing has been improved compared to the previous version thanks to new EPS+Latex frame molding, making cable routing easy.

There are various colors and sizes available for you to choose from.

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

Rinasclta Aero Frameset

This frame can be described in one word – simplicity. It comes in a matte or glossy black finish and features a hidden seatpost clamp, which is a nice detail.

While the rear end resembles the YOELEO R12, some may find this frameset more appealing.

Rinasclta comes with a fork and seatpost, and they offer various handlebar options as well.

This frame is available for both rim and disc brakes and can accommodate up to 32mm tires.

It also features internal cable routing and is compatible with both mechanical and electronic groupsets. However, the sizing options are limited to only four sizes.

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 SLC2 (use the ‘CYCLISTSHUB10‘ code at checkout to get 10% OFF). It weighs just 780g, is well-made with tight tolerances, and looks fantastic. You can choose between rim or disc brakes, and the frame comes with a 3-year warranty.
• The most versatile road bike frameset is YOELEO R12 (also available at yoeleoeurope.com and yoeleocanada.com). 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 Triaero A22 frameset. It combines the best elements of aero and lightweight frames to create a well-balanced compromise between speed, weight, and comfort. This frameset is compatible with internal cable routing, resulting in a clean and minimalist build. Additionally, it comes 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.

How to Choose the Best Chinese Road Bike Frame?

There are many unbranded Chinese road bike frames available, which can make it difficult to find one you can trust. That’s why 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 with a warranty.

In the following buyer’s guide, I’ll explain the features you should 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 (learn more about their pros and cons). 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 several road bike types. 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.

During an interview with Cycling Weekly, experienced carbon frame builder Tom Sturdy noted that a frame that is too stiff can make the rider tired 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.

Overall, Chinese carbon frames from trusted manufacturers are on par with frames from 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.

Groupset compatibility is usually simpler, as most modern carbon road bike frames are compatible with mechanical and electronic groupsets from popular brands like Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo.

However, using an electronic groupset on an older frame with external cable routing may not look great.

Size & Color Option

Choosing the right bike size is crucial for riding comfort and injury prevention.

There are several methods for doing so, such as using your height or inseam length or consulting a road bike size chart like the one provided.

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

For color options, some manufacturers offer the possibility of uploading your own design, but this is typically a paid service and not included in the price of the frame.

Remember that the paint job may add around 100g to the frame’s weight, so if weight is important to you, consider buying a frame without any paint job (raw carbon).

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.