YOELEO R11 Review: An Ultimate Climbing Machine?

CyclistsHub is supported by its readers. We may receive a commission if you buy products using our links (learn more).

This is the YOELEO R11 frameset review. This build is equipped with SRAM Red groupset and Lún HYPER wheels.

You find out whether or not this frameset is good for climbing, races, and training. What to expect from it, how it compares to YOELEO R12, and more.

Spoiler alert: YOELEO R11 is one of the best Chinese lightweight road bike frames.

About Artur

After my first interview about Artur’s experience with YOELEO R12, we stayed in touch and discussed bikes regularly.

Artur is a cycling enthusiast from Poland who likes building bikes independently. He already built the R12 for his father and some other bikes.

His idea for this build was to build a bike for the next 4-5 years with the most modern construction and the newest gears. At first, he thought about R21, but the geometry convinced him to pick R11.

YOELEO R11 Disc Build Summary

R11 is a lightweight road bike frameset from YOELEO. It includes the frame, fork, seatpost, and integrated handlebar (its dimensions are optionable).

You can also order a complete bike from YOELEO, but building it by yourself is probably a better deal because you can choose the parts you like.

Here is the summary of Artur’s newest build.

Artur built an ultimate climbing machine that weighs just around 7.7 kg (with pedals and accessories) [frame size 54]. When we consider it comes with disc brakes, 50mm deep wheels, and not the lightest saddle and other components like bottle cages, this is a pretty low weight.

Of course, weight is not the only factor you consider when buying a bike. So let’s take a closer look at Artur’s build.

Below, we highlighted the main advantages and disadvantages of the R11 frameset. 

Artur’s Build Experience

Here I ask Artur a few questions regarding the build. 

Did you encounter any issues during the build? For example, were the BB tolerances and internal cable routing on point?

YOELEO website states that R11 uses BB86. I picked Koegel BB, and it fits like a hand to a glove. Everything was well made, and it fits well. I don’t remember encountering any issues during the build. 

The YOELEO frames have housing for internal cable routing to prevent cables from hitting the frame and causing noises, right? 

All new systems from SRAM and Shimano are more or less cableless. I picked SRAM, which has no cables related to the front derailleur or rear derailleur. The front and rear brakes have internal cable housing. 

Anything else you would like to share with bike builders?

It’s not rocket science. If you have all information and you pay attention to documentation. Patience is also a very important thing. I recommend all people do it by themself. However, you will need some special tools like an internal bearing press tool, a bleeding set for shortening brake cables, or a torque wrench, which are crucial.

Artur’s Riding Experience

In this section, I ask Artur about his riding experience and how he compares R11 with YOELEO R12 and other bikes.

How does the R11 differ from the R12 in terms of riding experience?

It is hard to compare them because I think it depends on individual aspects. R11 geometry suits me way much better (it’s less aggressive). Maybe it feels a little bit stiffer, but the difference is small.

Does the R11 flex?

No, it is a hell of a stiff bike. But on the other hand, it is good at absorbing vibrations caused by the road surface.

What are the things you like the most about the R11?

I would say that all bikes I’ve ridden were like wearing somebody’s suit. This R11 which I built, is like a tailor-made suit. I guess thanks to the Trek Madone-like geometry that fits me well and the components I chose.

Is there anything you don’t like about the R11?

For now, nothing. The frame is well made and well painted. But the truth is the plug-in through-axles, which YOELEO delivered, are just rubbish. 

YOELEO R11 Alternatives

Here are some alternatives to the R11 lightweight frame. I included mainly Chinese road bike frames because mainstream manufacturers don’t sell lightweight carbon road bike frames for around $1,000 (they are several times more expensive).

• Winspace SLC2.0 is slightly more expensive and comes in fewer color options, but based on one of my interviews, it is better quality and stiffer than Vanyar. Read the full Winspace SLC2.0 review for more info or use the ‘cyclistshub10‘ discount code to get 10% off.
• Trifox X16 (also available for disc brakes) is more affordable but heavier, and the frameset doesn’t include a handlebar. Read the full Trifox X16 review for more info.
• Elves Vanyar (also available for disc brakes) is lighter and comes in unique finishes, but the frameset doesn’t include a handlebar. Read the full Elves Vanyar review for more info.

YOELEO Carbon Products FAQ

Summary

Artur, would you recommend the YOELEO R11 frameset? Is it worth its price?

Yes, definitely. Although the color didn’t look like in the pictures, I like the real colors more than those on the website.

What are the overall costs of your build?

I had a discount on the YOELEO frameset. Anyway, due to the SRAM problems with availability from SRAM and their ridiculously high prices, I paid around 5,125$.