Elves Falath EVO: Is It Worth Your Attention (and Money)?

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The Falath EVO is a newly introduced high-performance aero road bike frameset from Elves.

I have a pretty good grasp of Chinese carbon frames. After all, I ride one myself. So, I want to share my thoughts on it.

After looking at the Falath EVO, I immediately thought this frame would become quite popular.

So, in this article, I will try to evaluate it based on the information we know so far.

I will also put it in context with Chinese and Western carbon frames.

Key Features

Let’s take a look at EVO’s key features.

UCI Approval, ISO, and EN Safety Requirements

Many people are still skeptical of Chinese frames because they are unsure of their quality. I admit that you can still come across poor-quality frames.

However, this is not the case with the Falath EVO. All their frames meet the safety requirements of ISO 4210-6:2023 and EN 14766.

I also interviewed owners of the Elves Vanyar and Falath Pro, who were happy with them.

Additionally, Falath EVO is UCI approved. It meets the UCI technical requirements, so you can use it in official UCI events.

Aerodynamics

The main talking point for this frame is certainly its aerodynamics. At first glance, it looks fast.

Let me highlight a few key features. The first is the integrated cockpit, which seamlessly blends into the top tube.

You can use spacers with the handlebars to increase the stack. However, your riding position will be higher and less aerodynamic.

But the important thing is to have the position adjusted so that it is comfortable for you and you can stay in it for longer periods.

Next is the relatively small gap between the front wheel and the down tube. But bikes like the Cannondale SystemSix or Cervélo S5 address this better. See the following photos.

Of course, more elongated tubes (including fork, frame, and seat tube) simulate an aerofoil-like shape to reduce the coefficient of drag (CdA), and a reinforced bottom bracket area adds stiffness.

Finally, the rear-end and dropped seat stays are similar to those found on the Canyon Aeroad.

But all these features must increase weight because more material is used. Yes. The frame weighs 1105g in size 54 (XL).

For comparison, the Canyon Aeroad CF SLX weighs 990g.

Tire Clearance

The Elves Falath EVO offers up to 32mm of tire clearance, providing greater versatility and a smoother ride.

*Cervélo S5 has up to 34mm tire clearance; Canyon Aeroad, 30mm; Trek Madone SLR, 28mm.

But you shouldn’t forget that the frontal area increases with wider tires, and depending on the rim width, you get a worse tire-rim transition. These will increase the aerodynamic drag coefficient (CdA). You can watch this video for more information.

Some aero bikes even use a combination of 25mm tires in the front and 28mm in the rear. Many of them still use only 25mm tires.

On the other hand, you will have much better riding comfort, as the larger tire volume helps absorb road vibrations.

So, the benefits of increased comfort and improved grip on challenging roads may outweigh any minor reductions in aerodynamics for some riders.

Geometry

At first glance, the geometry of the Falath EVO seems aggressive, especially thanks to the slammed handlebar.

However, after comparing it to a few aero bikes, you can see that it’s not that aggressive. This should mean a more comfortable riding position that even less flexible and experienced riders can endure.

For geometry comparisons, I recommend using the bikeinsights.com tool.

Available Colors and Customizations

Although the range of colors is rich and Elves is known for its high-quality paint finish, you can order a custom design for an additional cost.

For the integrated handlebars, I recommend pairing the Falath EVO frame with the Falath EVO handlebars. Elves offers widths of 36, 38, 40, and 42 cm and stem lengths of 90, 100, 110, 120, and 130 mm.

Watch the following video from Jourdain Coleman for more info.

Elves Falath EVO vs. Chinese Alternatives

The three main Chinese alternatives to the Falath EVO are the Winspace T1500, ICAN A22, and YOELEO R12.

Falath EVO looks the fastest, but again, we don’t have any comparable data.

In terms of price, the EVO offers the best value. The T1500 and R12 are more expensive, and the R12 is not even a pure aero frame. Although marketed as such, realistically, it’s more of an all-rounder.

The ICAN A22 is the most affordable, costing 2/3 of the Falath EVO while offering decent quality (source). However, it doesn’t look as aero optimized, and you get the narrower color offer.

I don’t consider non-branded frames for the reasons described in my article about the worth of Chinese carbon frames.

Elves Falath EVO Technical Specifications

Conclusion

The Elves Falath EVO looks promising. Beyond the high-quality paint jobs Elves is known for, it also looks fast.

Unfortunately, Elves has not published any whitepaper providing detailed aero data. So we’ll have to wait for a comparison with competing frames.

But if you’re not exactly a marginal gains hunter, the EVO seems like an interesting alternative to Western aero frames.

What do you think of the EVO? Would you consider buying one? Let me know in the comments.

Elves Falath EVO FAQ