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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 it 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. 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. Unfortunately, the test results have not been published yet. The only claim published is “Save 4.74W at 45km/h at ±20°on average tested in Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub”. This is very vague and basically doesn’t say anything meaningful.
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 3 neutral colors: Mist, Streams, and Nirvana, which are basically dark grey, silver, and black. They look modern and premium, but I don’t like the additional text on the down tube. 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. But I will try to find out more details and update this article eventually.
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
