YOELEO G21 Review: Solid Value but with One Big Catch

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I’ve already teased riding YOELEO G21 on my Instagram and Strava, and recently, I also accomplished a gravel race on it. So, what is my experience with it after about 1000 km? You will find out below.

NOTE: I invested about $1000 into this build. I received the frame, handlebar, and wheels for this review from YOELEO, but as always, I will be 100% honest with you and share both the good and the bad.
NOTE 2: I plan to update this review after longer-term use (once I ride over 5000 km).

YOELEO G21 Build Summary

Below, I list the main specifications of this build.

YOELEO G21 Pros and Cons

The Build Process

I left this G21 build to a local YOELEO distributor as I didn’t have the equipment or experience to build it myself. Additionally, the GRX RX800 is a mechanical groupset, so the internal cable routing is more complicated than, say, electronic groupsets.

Since they already have experience with G21 here, the build only took about 4 hours. During this time, they didn’t encounter any problems, for example, with the internal cable routing. However, based on their experience, they preventively sanded down a bit the metal part located near the rear derailleur to prevent it from squeaking.

I also want to point out that if you are going to build a G21 with two chainrings (2by), you must use the spacer as specified in the YOELEO instructions. Otherwise, the chainrings will interfere with rear seat stays.

My Experience with YOELEO G21

Honestly, this is my first gravel bike, so unfortunately, I have nothing to compare it to except my road bikes. I previously tried 32mm knobby tires on the YOELEO R12, and while I had fun on lighter terrain, it wasn’t quite the same.

My first impression of the G21 was that it was much more comfortable than the YOELEO R12. It makes sense. First, the R12 is a road bike with smooth, 28mm tires. I have wider (40mm), higher-volume tires on the G21. Second, the R12’s rear end is stiff, while the G21’s is much more compliant (also due to the narrower seat tube), so it can absorb more ride vibrations that are not further transferred to the body.

The geometry of the two bikes is also different. The G21 has a longer wheelbase and shallower head tube angle than the R12. Although I have a relatively long stem (11cm) for gravel biking, the G21 is still easy to handle. Surprisingly, the G21 gives me a sharper response than the R12, which is more stable.

However, what I like most about the G21 and gravel biking in general is the combination of speed and off-road riding. I did one race on the G21, where both MTB and gravel bikes started together. I enjoyed the gravel sections a lot, but it wasn’t up to the technical descents due to the narrow and smoother tires.

I also used the G21 partly during the winter to save my road bike from the road mess, such as gravel, debris, and salt. After all, I expect more wear and tear with the G21 than with a road bike, which I take more care of.

In retrospect, I regret a bit my decision to take a fork without mounts. I won’t have as much storage space if I decide to do some multi-day, self-supported bike-packing trips. In the end, having the fork mounts doesn’t really matter, even if you don’t plan anything like that at the time of purchase.

With the YOELEO, I want to highlight the ability to choose the size of the integrated handlebars. If you already have some experience and know what fits you, this customizability will save you money and the hassle of a possible replacement.

You may also have noticed the eye-catching paint job. When arranging the frame, I asked YOELEO to create an ice-crack effect on their light and dark blue combination. The result is absolutely stunning, and many people have turned around for this. If YOELEO deserves praise somewhere, it’s here. But expect to wait at least 4 weeks longer for custom-painted frames.

But not everything was rosy. For example, the packaging contained the wrong seatpost clamp, so my local distributor had to give me his, which he took from another bike. At the same time, the loud YOELEO hubs irritate me quite a bit. They are indeed a copy of the DT Swiss system, but much louder. So, if you plan to order wheels from YOELEO, ask if they can supply them with DT Swiss hubs.

My Verdict

Before buying a G21, I recommend you consider the frame size, handlebar width, stem length, and whether you want a fork with or without mounts. With most Western brands, you won’t have this choice. It’s one of the biggest advantages of YOELEO (and other Chinese brands). The price for a custom paint job is also friendly ($300), so you can let them customize your color as well. However, make sure you specify the color as precisely as possible and expect at least a few weeks (maybe even months) longer delivery time.

I’m happy with the G21 except for a few details (the gravel bike is more fun in the field than on the road). These details include the loud hubs of the SAT PRO wheels and the silly mistakes YOELEO makes when shipping orders (like sending the wrong seatpost clamp).

I’ve also noticed that YOELEO has had problems with customer support and order processing lately (since half of 2023). I don’t know what’s going on inside the company. I still believe their products offer good value for money, so hopefully, they will shake off this crisis soon. The cycling industry needs more competition because the prices are at an all-time high.

The product for this review was kindly provided by the manufacturer. This did not influence my overall verdict or my opinion about the product. You can learn more about how I approach reviews here.