The TAVELO Arow is a lightweight, stiff aero frameset with good tire clearance and design inspired by high-end bikes, but suffers from quality control issues (undersized BB, headset problems), high price for a Chinese frame, and limited resale value.
Pros
- Lightweight frame options (standard and SL versions)
- Good tire clearance (up to 34mm)
- Stiff frame for sprinting and acceleration
- Aesthetic design and color options (e.g., Neo Blue)
Cons
- Poor quality control: undersized/out-of-round bottom bracket shell, headset issues, damaged parts
- High price for a Chinese open-mold frame (around $2,000 USD or 2k EUR)
- Low resale value compared to Western brands
- Proprietary D-shaped steerer and integrated bar limit upgrades
Key Facts
- Frame weight: standard ~810g (claimed), SL ~710g (claimed); actual weights vary (e.g., 1,157g for size 540, 840g for XL non-SL)
- Fork weight: 382g (claimed), 355-360g actual
- Tire clearance: officially 32mm, fits up to 34mm
Reviews & Ratings
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Internal EPS molding is smooth with no wrinkles or excess resin.
- Color scheme is described as nice and jazzy.
- Frame design looks good on paper, borrowing features from other brands.
Cons
- Bottom bracket shell is undersized (40.75-40.95 mm vs standard 41 mm) and egg-shaped, making installation of bottom brackets difficult.
- Included bottom bracket is low quality with broken plastic sleeves.
- Headset lacks weather seal and top cap design creates friction; insufficient preload leads to potential clunking.
- Seatpost clamp has burrs that scratch the seatpost; requires filing.
- Expander bung is too tight, O-rings break, and bottom nut falls into fork; hard to remove.
- Fork steerer is short, limiting stack height; frame has very low stack for size 58, requiring high flexibility.
- Integrated handlebars are flexy and have short drops with no flare; not easily replaceable.
- Routing for Di2 cables is poorly placed near chain/cassette.
- No mechanical steering stop; limited space for cables in headset area.
- Frame is expensive (nearly $2000 USD) but has multiple quality issues.
- QC label says 'QC pass' but reviewer questions its meaning.
Key Points
- Frame number 580 F001 is the first production 58 cm frame.
- Bottom bracket shell measured 40.75-40.95 mm; ideal is 41 mm.
- Frame uses EPS molding for smooth internal finish.
- Stack height is exceptionally low for a size 58; no extra steerer tube provided.
- Included bottom bracket is a metal one with plastic sleeves; sleeves arrived broken.
- Expander bung is proprietary and requires O-rings; bottom nut can fall off.
- Seatpost clamp has sharp burrs from machining damage.
- Headset top cap is a large plastic piece that creates friction and limits preload.
- Frame is designed for electronic groupsets; mechanical or 11-speed Di2 may be difficult to route.
- Reviewer obtained a second frame (QX 580 0052) which also had undersized BB but slightly better.
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Frame set has no issues with bottom bracket or seat post
- Saddle (Riot 3D printed carbon) has been good and is now stocked in Australia
- New chain rings (Dutch brand) fixed chain drop issues with 12-speed Shimano
- Cybre cranks are good, and a 24mm spindle version is now available
- Handlebars have no issues
- Shimano Ultegra groupset works well, especially Sprint shifters
- Wheel combo (50mm rear, 28mm front) handles crosswinds better
- Tire combo (32mm rear, 28mm front) works well
- Canon Arow bottle cages save watts
Cons
- TAVELO has not validated aerodynamics of the frame, disappointing
- Pass Quest chain rings did not work with 12-speed Shimano (chain dropping)
- L2 ERX groupset had button issues and is now removed
- Chinese lightweight cassette had slower shifting than Shimano
- 65mm front wheel was sketchy in crosswinds
- Canon Arow bottle cages can drop bottles if not inserted straight
Key Points
- Frame uses a cheap SRAM plastic cup bottom bracket, still spins fine
- Seat post has not slipped
- Chain rings changed from Pass Quest to Dutch brand (mechanic parts) in 56/42 combo
- Cybre cranks originally had wide spindle, now available in 24mm spindle version
- Shimano Ultegra 12-speed groupset with Sprint shifters
- Cassette switched from Chinese to Shimano Ultegra
- Wheels: CWS 50mm rear, 28mm front tire (previously 65/75 combo)
- Tires: 32mm rear, 28mm front (measures ~31.5mm)
- Bottle cages: Canon Arow, require careful insertion
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Lightweight (1,157g for the bare frame, 382g for the fork)
- Good tire clearance (officially up to 32mm, but can fit 33-34mm tires)
- Stiffness is excellent for sprinting and accelerating
- Aerodynamic design inspired by high-end bikes like the SL8, Giant Propel, and Canyon Aeroad
- Premium quality compared to other direct-from-Asia frames
Cons
- No publicly available aerodynamic data
- Aerodynamic performance is speculative based on design similarities
- More expensive than some other direct-from-Asia frames
Key Points
- Size 540 (equivalent to an aggressive size 56)
- Weight: 1,157g (frame), 382g (fork)
- Tire clearance: Officially 32mm, but fits up to 34mm
- Aerodynamic design with speed sniffer head tube and deep forks
- Stiffness praised for sprinting and acceleration
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Stiff and fast frame with immediate response
- Relatively decent weight (1,160g frame)
- Flawless after 5,000 km with no issues
- Favorite integrated cockpit for ergonomics and stiffness
- Predictable cornering and well-planted feel
- Fits 34mm tires at the rim
- Good value compared to Western brands if kept long-term
Cons
- Aggressive geometry may not suit smaller or more upright riders
- Resale value likely abysmal like other Chinese brands
- Frame set price of $2,000 USD is not cheap for a Chinese frame
Key Points
- Frame weight: 1,160g in size 540 (equivalent to size 56)
- Integrated cockpit with 130mm stem and 36cm width bar
- Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset
- Machine spider-based power meter
- Sella Italia SLR Boost saddle (S3 width)
- Ceramic bottom bracket and oversized pulley wheel from Novaride
- Wheels: Kneeest Nova 55 (1,300g)
- Fully loaded bike weight: 7 kg (6.7 kg without pedals/accessories)
- Fits 34mm tires measured at the rim
The 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.
AI Summary
Pros
- Updated layup improves ride quality, making the bike more lively and responsive
- Stunning Neo Blue paint job
- Good geometry, especially when slammed at the front
- Available in standard and ultra-light versions
- The reviewer loves the new version compared to the previous one
Cons
- Previous version felt numb and not as fast as it should be
- Standard version is heavier than the ultra-light version
Key Points
- Updated layup, especially around the front of the bike
- Two versions available: standard (race) and ultra-light
- Neo Blue paint job is only available in the standard version
- Reviewer mentions sacrificing weight for the paint job
- Size small frame with slammed front geometry
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
- May be less nimble and not ideal for hilly terrain due to aero nature
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)
- Considered an aero bike rather than all-round
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
- No setback seatpost available, limited adjustment
- D compression plug is a pain
- Press-fit BB instead of BSA
- Frame heavy for SL version (claimed 900g+ vs others)
- Price over 2k EUR, considered high for what it is
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
- Price around 2k EUR
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
- Flexible front end reported
- Low resale value compared to Western brands
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
- Uses proprietary D-shaped steerer and integrated handlebar
- Sourced from Adapt (model QX-B01)
- Available in multiple paint options, some at extra cost
Where to Buy
TAVELO Arow Road Bike Frameset
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
Spotted an error in the specs? Help us correct it — sign in or create an account.
Similar Frames
Performance Road| 420 → 420 | 100% | Compare |
| 450 → 450 | 100% | Compare |
| 480 → 480 | 100% | Compare |
| 510 → 510 | 100% | Compare |
| 540 → 540 | 100% | Compare |
| 580 → 580 | 100% | Compare |
Performance Road
Performance Road
Performance Road
Questions about TAVELO Arow
Sign up and share your experience — help other riders decide!
Create Account & Review