The Tavelo Arow is a Chinese carbon aero road bike frameset that receives mixed reviews. It is praised for its stiffness, lightweight, and updated ride quality, but criticized for quality control issues, lack of aerodynamic validation, and aggressive geometry. The frame is considered a good value if kept long-term, but has low resale value and potential compatibility problems.
Pros
- Stiff and responsive frame, excellent for sprinting and acceleration.123
- Updated layup improves ride quality, making the bike more lively and responsive.3
- Lightweight options: standard ~810g, SL ~710g claimed; actual weights vary.42
- Good tire clearance: officially 32mm, fits up to 34mm.21
- Integrated cockpit praised for ergonomics and stiffness.12
- Flawless after 5,000 km with no creaks, rattles, or failures in long-term review.1
- Aesthetic design and color options, including Neo Blue paint.35
- Good value compared to Western brands if kept long-term.1
Cons
- Quality control issues: undersized/out-of-round bottom bracket shell, headset problems, damaged seatpost clamp, and burrs.54
- No publicly available aerodynamic data; aerodynamic performance is speculative.2
- Aggressive geometry (low stack, short headtube) may not suit smaller or more upright riders.16
- Proprietary D-shaped steerer and integrated bar complicate upgrades and repairs.45
- High price for an open-mold frame, competing with Western brands; resale value likely low.41
- No build instructions or torque values included.7
- Limited seatpost setback; no dedicated setback seatpost available.7
- Headset lacks weather seal and top cap design causes friction, leading to potential clunking.5
Key Facts
- Frame weight varies: claimed 810g (standard) and 710g (SL), but actual weights reported from 710g (XS SL) to 900g+ (SL with hardware) and 840g (non-SL XL).47
- Fork weight: 355-382g depending on source.27
- Bottom bracket shell measured 40.75-40.95mm (standard is 41mm) in early production, causing installation issues.54
- Frame uses BB86 press-fit bottom bracket standard.47
- Tire clearance officially 32mm, but fits up to 34mm depending on rim width.214
- Proprietary D-shaped steerer and integrated handlebar; no standard stem compatibility without adapter.45
- Available in two versions: standard (race) and ultra-light (SL), with Neo Blue paint only on standard.34
- Frame is based on Adapt QX-B01 mold, also sold under other brands.4
Reviews & Ratings
34:41The reviewer criticizes the TAVELO Arow frame for poor quality control and engineering issues, including an undersized and egg-shaped bottom bracket shell, a poorly designed headset with insufficient preload and lack of weather sealing, a damaged seatpost clamp that scratches the seatpost, a problematic expander bung that is difficult to install and remove, and a low stack height that limits adjustment. Despite good internal molding, the frame is considered overpriced at nearly $2000 USD.
07:42The reviewer provides a six-month update on the TAVELO Arow after 4,500 km of racing. The frame set is praised for no issues with the bottom bracket and seat post, but the lack of aerodynamic validation is a disappointment. The saddle is a Riot 3D printed carbon one from AliExpress, which has been good. Chain rings were changed from Pass Quest (which caused chain drops with 12-speed Shimano) to a Dutch brand, which resolved the issue. The handlebars have no issues. The reviewer switched from an L2 ERX groupset to 12-speed Shimano Ultegra, noting Sprint shifters are excellent. The cassette was changed from a Chinese lightweight one to Shimano for better shifting. Wheels are CWS, with a 50mm rear and 28mm front tire combo preferred over the 65/75 for crosswind stability. Bottle cages are Canon Arow ones, which can drop bottles if not inserted straight. Overall, the bike is good with some component changes.
55:19The reviewer discusses the TAVELO Arow Road Bike Frameset as a modern, aerodynamic frameset with a mix of design influences from various high-end road bikes. They highlight its weight, tire clearance, and stiffness, while noting the lack of publicly available aerodynamic data.
07:23The reviewer praises the TAVELO Arrow as a capable race bike that is stiff, fast, and relatively lightweight at 1,160g for a size 540 (equivalent to size 56). After a year and 5,000 km, the bike has been flawless with no creaks, rattles, or failures. The integrated cockpit is a favorite for its ergonomics and stiffness. The reviewer notes that the Arrow slots between a Tarmac SL8 and a Giant Propel, offering better bottom bracket stiffness than the SL8 and more comfort than the Propel. It is recommended for competitive athletes and enthusiasts, though the geometry is aggressive and resale value may be low.
15:18The reviewer discusses the TAVELO Arow Road Bike Frameset, highlighting its updated layup and paint job. They note significant improvements in ride quality compared to the previous version, describing it as more lively and responsive.
The Tavelo Arow is a Chinese aero/all-round road bike frameset discussed in the forum. Users note its aggressive geometry, which may not suit long-legged riders. The frame comes with spacers, but the exact number is not specified. There are concerns about QC issues and customer service, with some suggesting ordering through Panda Podium. The bike is considered more aero than all-round, potentially less nimble on hills.
AI Summary
Pros
- Aero design for speed
Cons
- Geometry not ideal for long-legged riders
- Potential QC issues during build and ownership
- Customer service concerns; unclear whether to order directly or via Panda Podium
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Available in sizes 480 and 510
- Reach and stack differences between sizes: 510 has +1mm reach and +6mm stack vs Canyon Ultimate; 480 has -7mm reach and -10mm stack
- Comes with spacers (number not specified)
more key points in the review
The TAVELO Arow is a Chinese carbon bike frame that has drawn mixed reactions. Users note it has a low headtube, no build instructions, a press-fit BB, and a heavy frame for the SL version. However, some report lighter weights for non-SL versions. The handlebars are considered nicer than Seka bars, but the seatpost has limited setback and the D compression plug is fiddly. Price is around 2k EUR, which some find high.
AI Summary
Pros
- Handlebar nicer than Seka bars
Cons
- Headtube quite low
- No build instructions or torque values
- Rear Di2 cable exits from weird spot
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame weight (SL version) reported as 710g for XS, fork 355g, seatpost 113g (without saddle clamp) by one user
- Non-SL XL frame weight 840g, fork 360g with paint
- Handlebar (400mm x 110mm) weight 329g
more key points in the review
The Tavelo Arow is a high-end Chinese carbon frameset positioned as a lightweight aero bike, priced around $1880-$2380 USD depending on version. It features a proprietary D-shaped steerer, integrated handlebar, and BB86 bottom bracket. The frame is reportedly sourced from Adapt (QX-B01 mold) and sold by Tavelo, with domestic Chinese pricing lower than international. Users report mixed experiences: some praise its ride quality and weight (standard ~810g, SL ~710g), while others criticize poor QC (undersized BB, headset issues, flexible front end) and high price for an open-mold design. Resale value is considered low. The frame has been reviewed negatively by Peak Torque, citing multiple design and manufacturing flaws, though some owners report successful builds.
AI Summary
Pros
- Lightweight frame options (standard ~810g, SL ~710g)
- Aesthetic design and color options
- Good ride quality and responsiveness for some owners
Cons
- High price for an open-mold frame, competing with Western brands
- Poor quality control: undersized/out-of-round BB, headset issues, damaged parts
- Proprietary D-shaped steerer and integrated bar complicate upgrades and repairs
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame weight: standard ~810g, SL ~710g (claimed, likely for smaller sizes)
- Price: ~$1880 standard, ~$2380 ultralight via Panda Podium; domestic China ~$1360-$1770
- Bottom bracket: BB86
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
TAVELO Arow Road Bike Frameset
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
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