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The ELVES Falath EXP is an aero frameset from Malaysian brand Elves that has generated significant discussion. Users note its UCI approval and distinctive design featuring a large hole in the seat tube reminiscent of the Trek Madone. Opinions are polarized: some praise its aesthetics, stiffness, and value proposition with custom paint options, while others criticize it as gimmicky with questionable aerodynamics and poor design execution. The frame appears to target younger riders with bold styling, though concerns exist about geometry, crosswind stability, and whether it represents genuine innovation versus copying trends. Recent wind tunnel tests show mixed results, performing better with a rider than without.
AI-Generated Forum Summary
Pros
- Good value proposition with competitive pricing compared to Western brands
- Stiff and fast performance with good descending ability
- Customizable paint options and color-matched wheels at no extra cost
Cons
- Design criticized as gimmicky with poor implementation of the seat tube hole
- Questionable aerodynamics and unsteady in crosswinds
- Polarizing aesthetics with many finding it ugly or a mash-up of other designs
Key Points
- UCI approved aero frameset
- Seat tube hole design similar to Trek Madone
- Custom paint options available
- 5-year frame warranty
- Free delivery with no import taxes in some markets
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it perform in wind tunnel tests?
Mixed results - performed poorly without a rider but middle of the pack with a rider in Cyclingnews tests
Is the geometry unusual like other Elves frames?
Some users report the geometry can be unsteady in crosswinds and takes getting used to, while others prefer it over previous models
The reviewer discusses a bike they refer to as 'El's Falif EXP Aero' or 'L's', which appears to be a phonetic or shorthand reference to the ELVES Falath EXP Aero frameset. They state it is a brand new, wild-looking aero race bike that offers amazing value for money. The reviewer highlights its striking design, including a hole in the seat tube called the 'inverted triangle airflow channel' (ITAC) for drag reduction and compliance, a deep down tube, massive fork blades, and a step-down head tube. They note it comes with a one-piece aero carbon handlebar/stem, internal routing, and an adjustable seat mast. However, they criticize its high weight (8 kg), crosswind instability, and a seat post slipping issue. Performance testing showed it was as fast as a Specialized Tarmac on a flat test and marginally faster than a Giant TCR on a hilly route. The reviewer praises the low price, wide choice of customizable paint finishes, and overall comfort, but cites several significant drawbacks.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Amazing value for money
- Striking/wild looks that stand out
- Low frame set price (ยฃ912 / $1,200)
- Complete bike price is ยฃ2,000 cheaper than rivals like Giant Propel or Canyon Aero with similar parts
- Seven stock paint colors to choose from
- Custom paint available at no extra cost
- Fantastic comfort and smooth ride
- Good fit with racy feel
- Narrow, flared handlebar drops are liked
- Comfortable saddle
- Surprisingly fast in real-world testing (matched Specialized Tarmac, slightly beat Giant TCR)
Cons
- Very heavy at 8 kg, deemed too heavy for a 2025 aero race bike
- Very susceptible to crosswinds, not stable in windy conditions
- Seat post slipped on first ride despite correct torque; required excessive torque (9-12 Nm) and carbon paste to fix
- Top tube is too wide, causing knee rub for the reviewer's pedaling style
- Buying process involves direct purchase from China with potential delays and customs duties
- Not a climbing bike due to weight
Key Points
- Brand is 'El's'/'L's' (phonetic for ELVES)
- Model is 'Falif EXP Aero' (phonetic for Falath EXP Aero)
- Features an 'inverted triangle airflow channel' (ITAC) hole in the seat tube for aero and compliance
- Frame has a very deep down tube, massive fork blades, step-down head tube
- Comes with one-piece aero carbon handlebar/stem, internal routing
- Seat mast offers 3-4 inches of adjustment
- Frame weight contributes to total bike weight of 8 kg
- Tested with 32mm tires, maxing out frame clearance
- Uses own brand wheels, handlebar, and saddle on complete build
- Complete bike as reviewed retails for ยฃ45,000 (likely a typo/error in transcript, context suggests a much lower price)
- Company acknowledged 'teething issues' with seat post and revised torque specification
The reviewer provides a detailed first look at the ELVES Falath EXP Aero Carbon Road Disc Frameset. They describe it as the newest aero bike from the Chinese company Elves, noting it is UCI approved and positioned as a road racing aero bike. The specific frame set reviewed is a 52cm model with a T47 bottom bracket, 32mm tire clearance, and a distinctive large hole in the seat tube (a 'speed hole') claimed to improve aerodynamics and comfort. The reviewer discusses the company's background, the frame's value proposition, its aerodynamic performance based on third-party testing, sizing, and their personal experience living with the bike for several months. They conclude they were impressed, especially considering the price, but note specific drawbacks.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Extremely good value for money in its category
- Frame set price is ยฃ888
- Bundle deals available (e.g., free handlebars with frame and wheels)
- Aerodynamic performance is in the 'same realms' as other high-end aero bikes, being mid-table in comparative tests
- Beat the Merida Reacto by 6 seconds in a 40km TT simulation
- External seat post clamp prevents parts falling into the frame
- No issues with seat post slippage experienced by the reviewer
- T47 bottom bracket is user-serviceable with simple tools
- Good sizing options from the Asian manufacturer, including small sizes
- Multiple handlebar width options available
- Handlebar shape is praised as brilliant, being short, shallow, and narrow in the drops
- Suitable for racers as a cheaper alternative that is easier to replace if crashed
Cons
- The bike is not light, weighing 7.83kg for the built-up test bike
- The bike is 'all over the place in the wind' and unpleasant in gusts
- The aesthetic is not to the reviewer's personal taste
- GP5000 tires were extremely difficult to mount and remove from the supplied Elves wheels
- The freehub on the supplied wheels had an engagement issue due to excess grease, causing pedal slippage
- The headset came loose a couple of times (though attributed to user error)
- The oversized T47 bottom bracket shell makes tool placement tricky
- The handlebar position is long and low, requiring flexibility and strength for comfort
Key Points
- Model: Falath EXP
- Brand: Elves
- Type: UCI approved aero carbon road disc frameset
- Size tested: 52cm
- Key feature: Large hole in seat tube ('speed hole') for aero/comfort
- Tire clearance: 32mm
- Bottom bracket: T47
- Claim: Improved aerodynamics over previous Falath Evo model
- Price: Frame set is ยฃ888
- Bundle: Frame, wheels, and handlebars for ยฃ1,496
- Aero claim: 17 seconds off the Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 in a 40km TT (with rider)
- Saddle: 3D printed ELF saddle
The reviewer presents a detailed review of the ELVES Falath EXP Aero Carbon Road Disc Frameset. They state it is the brand's latest addition to the aero road bike category. They were impressed with its aerodynamics, finding it effortless to hold speed in a group, and its stiffness, particularly in power transfer from the bottom bracket area. The frame is noted as being UCI approved, having a threaded T47 bottom bracket (upgraded from press fit), and accommodating up to 32C tires. They mention the frame price is $1,200, and a package with wheels and handlebar is $2,000. The reviewer highlights the option for free custom paint. They note the ride is stiffer than their Tarmac SL8, which is expected for an aero frame, but still enjoyable. They discuss the seat post fit and the need to use adhesive sandpaper to eliminate seat post rock. The frame's design includes a 'massive hole' in the seat stay area intended to aid vertical compliance.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Excellent aerodynamics, feels effortless to hold speed in a group
- Incredibly stiff, especially in the bottom bracket area for power transfer
- Very responsive, doesn't feel flexy or loose under power
- UCI approved
- Threaded T47 bottom bracket (upgraded from press fit)
- Can fit up to 32C tires
- Affordable price: frame is $1,200, package with wheels and handlebar is $2,000
- Option for free custom paint on the frame
- Good sizing fit for the reviewer (large/55 at 6ft tall)
- Design includes features for vertical compliance (skinny top tube, 'upside down triangle' hole)
Cons
- Ride is stiffer than the reviewer's Tarmac SL8 (though expected for an aero frame)
- Seat post requires adhesive sandpaper to eliminate potential rock and noise
- The sizing/integration of the seat post may limit how much post is exposed, which could be a preference issue
Key Points
- Latest aero road bike model from Elves
- UCI approved
- Threaded T47 bottom bracket
- Fits up to 32C tires
- Frame price: $1,200 USD
- Package deal: frame, wheelset, and handlebar/stem for $2,000
- Free custom paint option available
- Includes design for vertical compliance: skinny top tube and large hole in seat stay area
- Seat post may require adhesive sandpaper to prevent rocking