Cyclists Hub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links.
All content on Cyclists Hub is written by humans, not robots. Learn More
I discovered a new, exciting brand with even more exciting offerings. This article briefly introduces Evolve and their CIMA lightweight frame, which was tested in the Silverstone aerodynamic tunnel. Now, you are among the first ones to even know about it!
About Evolve: A New High-End Chinese Brand?
Evolve is a newly established brand focused on high-end road cycling. It was founded by Tony Tong and Mian Chan, two cycling enthusiasts with extensive industry experience.
Tony Tong is the founder and product engineer of Elitewheels, the brand behind carbon wheels such as EDGE, MARVEL, DRIVE, Helix, etc. He has more than ten years of experience in bicycle engineering. He gained insights into all parts of the manufacturing process, starting from initial design and research to manufacturing and quality assurance.
Mian Chan, another influential force in the industry, is the creator of the crank brand Cybrei. In addition to being a professional cyclist registered with the UCI, he has also served as a technician for a UCI Intercontinental Team. He focuses on designing high-performance cycling components that meet the demands of elite riders and provide a competitive advantage.
It’s no surprise that both operate in Xiamen, probably the most well-known carbon manufacturing hub in the world. Their combined efforts led to the creation of Evolve. This should be a brand focused on producing top-tier cycling equipment that prioritizes performance and durability while delivering exceptional ride quality. Only time will tell if this is true, as no reviews have been published yet. I have to stress again that the brand officially started to present itself just a few days ago.
However, I like the initial presentation. The product and its presentation look professional, and I also like the brand name, which cannot be said about some other Chinese bicycle brands.
By the way, have you spotted the Elitewheels DRIVE 2 in the video? They will be released soon!
Evolve CIMA: 650g Aero-Tested Frame
The Evolve CIMA is engineered for cyclists demanding low weight and great aerodynamics. Evolve seems to position Cima right to Specialized S-Works SL8, Factor O2 VAM, and other high-end climbing road bikes.
The claimed weight is 650 grams for an unpainted M-sized CIMA frame. It is among the lightest in its class, reaching an even lower weight than Winspace SLC 3.0. At the Shanghai bike show, Evolve showcased a complete build (S-size) weighing just 4.95 kg!
What’s interesting, though, is that the frame has undergone rigorous aerodynamic testing at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub. This is the same wind tunnel SEKA Spear, and many other frames were tested.
The only claim published was “Save 4.74W at 45km/h at ±20°on average tested in Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub”. This was very vague and basically doesn’t say anything meaningful. But then, I encountered the following chart (thanks to @jslee_88 for sending it to me). It shows that at 45kph, CIMA is similarly fast as the S-Works SL8 when we only compare results without bottles. When standard or aero bottles are used, the CIMA is faster. I have to stress again that we need standardized aero testing of road bicycles!
The following table summarizes CIMA’s technical specifications.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | T1100, T800, M40 |
| Frame Sizes | XS, S, M, ML, L, XL |
| Frame Weight | 650g (M-sized; unpainted) |
| Fork | 40.2/44mm Offset |
| Fork Weight | 360g |
| Headset | CeramicSpeed SLT Bearing |
| Headset Bearing Size | 40.5 mm ID x 49.5 mm OD x 6.5 mm |
| Head Tube Diameter | 49.5mm |
| Seatpost | evolve® Seatpost |
| Seatpost Weight | 140g (parts included） |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA 68mm threaded BB |
| Cable Routing | Internal |
| Rear Derailleur Hanger | SRAM UDH M12x1mm |
| Compatible Components | Electronic Only |
| Brake Type | Disc |
| Max Chainring | 58-tooth |
| F/R Axle | 12 x 100mm 12 x 142mm |
| Max Tire Clearance | 32mm |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Certification | UCI Approved |
| Limited Rider Weight | 109 kg |
Besides weight, I believe it’s worth mentioning that CIMA uses T1100, T800, and M40 carbon fiber. This is the same combination as on the SEKA Spear and other high-end frames. The CeramicSpeed headset bearings will catch some people’s attention, and I’m sure they will also be reflected in the price. And finally, the frame should be covered by a lifetime warranty. This is a statement of their confidence in their product.
Evolve claims they conduct in-house testing that is 40% stricter than ISO industry standards. That’s a bold claim, and we often hear bold claims from Chinese brands that then don’t deliver. Hopefully, Evolve is an exception.
CIMA comes in 4 neutral colors: Mist, Emerge, Streams, and Nirvana, which are basically dark grey, green, silver, and black. They look modern and premium, but I don’t like the additional text and quotes. I like to keep things simple.
It’s also available in 6 sizes. You can check out the geometry chart below.
It looks like the integrated handlebar is not included. I was able to identify the model they used during testing. It’s called Kreuza Apex. It’s available in 18 combinations, weighing 305g for the 380mm wide version with a 110mm stem and costing $330.
Currently, I have no details about the pricing or availability. The brand is in the very early stages. Considering how Evolve presents itself, I expect it will be over $2500 for the frameset.
UPDATE: The price is $2299 for the frameset and $330 for the integrated handlebar.
How do you like this newcomer? What price would you be willing to pay for it? Please comment below, and remember you can also join my Facebook group.
Source: evolvebicycles.com
Prices are available if you open the cart: https://www.evolvebicycles.com/cart/
It is $2300
Nice, thanks for letting me know!
– Petr
How would you compare this to the Seka Spear?
No idea as I have not ridden them (unfortunately).
I mean this is just a pure Tarmac SL 8 clone or ripoff but I like it. I think it’s $2500 for the frame and bars which is still a good $1000 cheaper than a Tarmac SL 8 Pro frameset. Everything from the weight, speed sniffer headtube, recessed thru axles, and skinny seat stays w/ BSA bottom bracket is all very Tarmac like.
The issue at least for American customers is tariffs. Even if you can bare the idea of paying $2500 for basically a no name Chinese startup, even if it is associated with Elite Wheels, the Tarmac SL 8 will hold much more cache and resale value and by the time you add tariffs to this, you are past what a SL 8 Pro frame is, albeit it doesn’t come with bars.
Yes, I agree with most of your points. 🙂
I mean I really like the Cima Evolve, it ticks all the right boxes in actually aero tested, very light weight, UDH, BSA, good colorways, good sizing, and the bars are really light and come in 36cm. Again my issue if you are someone like me who changes bikes frequently is resale or brand cachet. I am big Elite Wheels fan since I am running their 1st gen Drive series on both my MY22 Scott Foil RC and Winspace SLC3, but no one here in the states by me in the NY Tri-State area really knows about them or gets their value/performance, even though GCN uses these wheels. I have had a few friends ask me about them but then to only buy Cadex or Roval wheels, even though the Elite wheels are much lighter, come with ceramic bearings, carbon spokes, and are much cheaper. Same with Chinese frames, I have had the T1500 and T1550 frames and while I personally loved them and got the frames bars sub $1500 people here just don’t get the idea of Chinese frames yet. Maybe it’s just more American cycling culture where we really associate brands with quality and prestige like we do with cars, in that driving a luxury car or a perceived luxury bike is considered a massive status symbol. I could build up a Dura Ace or Red E1 Winspace, Evolve Cima, or Setka but because it comes from China people just don’t see the value in the frames, thus when you go to sell them frame you are getting pennies back on the dollar, which is puzzling since people where I live gush about FiftyOne bikes especially the Sika and just assume it’s an European bike, but the bike is undoubtabley made in the Far East.
So for me at least as an American cycling enthusiast, anyone who considers the Evolve Cima with just balk at the price. People complain all the time here how Chinese manufactures like Winspace now charge almost $2K for a frame (before discounts), so I can see how the Evolve will simply just get passed by. For me, I think the Cima is going to be an amazing bike and while I think it might be worth $2500, many people disagree with this, thus if I go to sell it I am going to get pennies back on the dollar. My SLC3 with bars was $1475 shipped on a Christmas sale. Even if is looses 60%-70% of it’s value, I am down a ton less money if a Evolve Cima looses 60%-70% to through at my next project
Yes, the resale value of Chinese carbon products is poor. It will take years for these brands to build the brand reputation. You also hit the nail on the head with that comparison. But the Chinese brands are being talked about more and more lately (see some mainstream media). So it will be interesting to see how this develops. 🙂
– Petr