YOELEO G21 Review: Solid Value but with One Big Catch

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You might be interested in my YOELEO G21 Altera review, which is a newer model.

I’ve already shared updates about my YOELEO G21 rides on my Instagram and Strava, and recently, I also completed a gravel race on it. So, what’s my experience with it after about 1000 km? You’ll find out below.

NOTE: I invested about $1000 in 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 extended 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 its internal cable routing is more complex than that of, say, an electronic groupset.

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 sanded down the metal part near the rear derailleur to stop it from squeaking.

I also want to point out that if you’re 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 the rear seat stays.

My Experience with YOELEO G21

Since this is my first gravel bike, I don’t have much to compare it to besides 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. That 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 absorbs more ride vibrations, preventing them from transferring to your 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 (11 cm) for a gravel bike, the G21 is still easy to handle. Surprisingly, the G21 feels more responsive 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 during the winter, partly 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 better care of.

In retrospect, I somewhat regret my decision to choose 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.

Regarding 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 ordering 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 stopped to look at it. 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’re 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 wheels with DT Swiss hubs.

My Verdict

Before buying a G21, I recommend considering 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 reasonable ($300), so you can let them customize the color for you as well. However, make sure you specify the color as precisely as possible and expect at least a few weeks (maybe even months) for a longer delivery time.

I’m happy with the G21 except for a few details (I find the gravel bike more fun in the field than on the road). These details include the loud hubs of the SAT PRO wheels and the careless 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’ll 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.