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When I saw YOELEO’s offer of road bike framesets for the first time, I had trouble distinguishing all the differences between them.
That’s why I put together this comparison to help you decide which one to buy.
I sorted them by type and compared their main features. You will also see their geometry differences.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
YOELEO Road Bike Framesets Line Explained
The R9 was discontinued in 2022. YOELEO also sells old stock of the R6.
Their naming is not very self-explanatory. So, here is a little help for you:
- R6, R9, and R21 are aero framesets
- R11 is a lightweight frameset
- R12 is a hybrid (all-rounder) frameset
The hybrid frameset means that the frame combines the best features of aero and lightweight frames.
If you don’t know yet whether to buy an aero, lightweight, or hybrid road bike, I recommend reading my How to Choose a Road Bike Guide.
The following table shows the main differences between all YOELEO’s road framesets.
| R6 | R9 | R11 | R12 | R21 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Aero | Aero | Lightweight | Hybrid | Aero |
| Rim brake version | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Disc brake version | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Weight (rim) | 1120g (±30g) | n/a | 850g (±30g) | n/a | n/a |
| Weight (disc) | 1150g (±30g) | 1170g (±30g) | 900g (±30g) | 1000g (±30g) | 1050g (±30g) |
| Fork weight (rim) | 420g (±10g) | n/a | 390g (±10g) | n/a | n/a |
| Fork weight (disc) | 380g (±10g) | 390g (±10g) | 390g (±15g) | 390g (±15g) | 450g (±10g) |
| Available sizes (rim) | 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, and 59cm | n/a | 49, 52, 54, 56, and 59cm | n/a | n/a |
| Available sizes (disc) | 49, 52, 54, 56, and 59cm | 46, 49, 52, 54, 56, and 59cm | 49, 52, 54, 56, and 59cm | 43, 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, and 59cm | 49, 52, 54, 56, 59, and 61cm |
| Bottom bracket (rim) | BB86 | n/a | BB86 | n/a | n/a |
| Bottom bracket (disc) | PF30, BSA, BB30 | BB86 | BB86 | BB386 | BB386 |
| Fully internal cable routing | No | Yes | No (rim brake version) Yes (disc brake version) | Yes | Yes |
| Max tire width | 25mm | 28mm | 30mm (rim brake version) 32mm (disc brake version) | 32mm | 28mm |
| In-depth Review | n/a | YOELEO R9 review | YOELEO R11 review | YOELEO R12 review | YOELEO R21 review |
| Link (rim) | Check Price | n/a | Check Price | n/a | n/a |
| Link (disc) | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Weights for all frames are for the frame size of 54cm.
Use this YOELEO discount code CYCLISTSHUB on yoeleobike.com during checkout to get 10% OFF your purchase. It’s also applicable to YOELEO Canada, Europe, and Japan. Share this code via email.
Aero Framesets R6, R9, and R21 Compared
In this section, I compare all YOELEO aero frames (R6, R9, R21) with each other.
The R6 and R9 look almost identical. But, they differ in a few features.
- The first and most obvious difference is that R6 is not suitable for fully internal cable routing (R9 is).
- R6 frameset also doesn’t come with a handlebar, so you have to buy it separately (R9 does).
- R6 disc is the only YOELEO frameset where you can choose the bottom bracket (PF30, BSA, BB30). R6 (rim) and R9 come with BB86.
- R6 is available for rim and disc brakes, while R9 is only for disc brakes.
- R9 can accommodate up to 28mm tires while R6 only 25mm.
TIP: Read the full review of YOELEO R9.
Here are the differences between R6 (eventually R9) and R21:
- The frame tubes of R21 are thinner.
- The frameset is fully compatible with internal cable routing.
Below is a comparison of the R6 vs. R9, R6 vs. R21, and R9 vs. R21 geometries. I created them using a handy tool called Bike Insights.
TIP: Read the full review of YOELEO R21.
R6 and R21 have similar geometries, while R9 has the least aggressive geometry making it ideal for flexible and performance-oriented riders.
If I had to choose between R6, R9, and R21, I would choose R21. R21 is my favorite YOELEO frameset.
It doesn’t have as thick aero tubes as most aero bikes on the market. It is a well-balanced compromise between aerodynamics, comfort, and performance.
I also like the design of R9. Thanks to its features and improvements over R6, R9 is a clear winner over R6.
You might also be interested in this comparison of all YOELEO road bike wheels.
Lightweight & Hybrid Framesets R11 and R12 Compared
The differences between the R11 lightweight frameset and the R12 hybrid frameset are more obvious than between the aero framesets above. However, there are not as many of them.
- R11 frame is about 100g lighter than the R12.
- R11 is available for rim and disc brakes, while R12 is for disc brakes only.
- R11 (rim) can accommodate up to 30mm tires (32mm disc) while R12 up to 32mm.
- R12 downtube is slightly cut out to accommodate a bottle cage better.
- R12 seat stays are seamlessly connected up to the seat and top frame tube.
The geometry of R11 and R12 are almost the same. The R11 has just a slightly more aggressive stack and reach.
R11 is a clear winner if you want to build a lightweight climbing bike ideal for high mountains.
R12 is more versatile and suitable for flats or hilly terrain.
YOELEO Road Bike Frames FAQ
Summary
Which frame should you choose? There are three main options. Go for:
- R12 if you want an all-around (hybrid) road bike. It is by far the most popular YOELEO frame weighing 1000g in 54cm size. It was designed to be stiff, comfortable, and aero. It can accommodate up to 32mm wide tires, perfect for increasing your comfort.
- R11 if you want a lightweight road bike. This is the lightest YOELEO road bike frame weighing just 850g (rim brake option) and 900g (disc brake option) in 54cm size. It is available in plenty of sizes and has tire clearance for up to 30mm wide tires.
- R21 if you want an aero road bike that doesn’t have huge tubes, and is relatively light, stiff, and comfortable. This frame looks modern. It may do small compromises in terms of weight and aerodynamics, but it is a perfect machine for flats, hilly, and even mountainous terrain.
I hope this article gave you a better understanding of the YOELEO road framesets line. If you have any further questions, feel free to add a comment or contact me.
Use this YOELEO discount code CYCLISTSHUB on yoeleobike.com during checkout to get 10% OFF your purchase. It’s also applicable to YOELEO Canada, Europe, and Japan. Share this code via email.
Also available at yoeleoeurope.com and yoeleocanada.com
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I don’t have good comments with my brand-new fully assembled R12.
It cost me 38k RMB!
The co. promise to replace my new frame in 25 days time which is more or less by around 20th Sept.
Hope the shop can be on time this time and, unlike last time when they had about 1-month delay.
Let you guys know about the outcome by then.
Ciao
CS
Hi “CS”,
thank you for sharing your experience. I am sorry that you did not have a good experience with the complete R12 road bike.
Unfortunately, there is a worldwide bike parts shortage. My guess is that it caused the delay. We, as customers, have to wait a little bit longer. 🙁
I look forward to hearing how it developed.
– Petr
Thinking about the R21, but how does it compare to the R11 and R12 as a climber? I know the latter(s) are lighter, but the R21 is considered a light aero bike. Thanks!
Hi Kareem,
Great question. I was considering the same when choosing a bike from YOELEO (ups… spoiler alert :).
I would say this (design aside) – if you live or ride in high mountains or want a lightweight bike, go for R11. I am pretty sure it feels pretty agile. I wait for one person who expects this frameset and will build a light climbing bike, and we do a review/interview together. Stay tuned!
R12 is more versatile and has a more relaxed geometry. It will feel slower in the mountains but fast on flats and rolling terrain. Its benefit is a wide tire clearance so that you can use it as a gravel bike for light terrain.
And finally, the R21 is more like a racing machine – more aggressive geometry, relatively lightweight, and aero. Narrow tire clearance. It reminds me of the new modern bikes like Specialized SL 7 that try to be “one bike for all terrains.”
Let me know if it helps or if you have further questions. Also, please consider using the ‘cyclistshub’ code to get 2% off your purchase at YOELEO. 🙂
– Petr
Thanks Petr,
Which of those models do you think compares to the Giant TCR? I would imagine it would be the R12 although the TCR is not a relaxed geometry. I live in a very hilly area and surrounded by mountains just hours away. I was leaning R11, but also wanted to keep up with the group on the flats as well. Thanks for your input!