The YOELEO R12 DB Disc Brake Frameset is generally praised for offering excellent value with high-quality carbon construction, modern features, and a comfortable yet stiff ride, though quality control issues and less aggressive aerodynamics are noted concerns.
Pros
- Excellent value for money compared to mainstream brands
- High-quality paint finish and external polish
- Good balance of stiffness for racing and comfort for endurance
- Easy build experience with perfect bottom bracket and headset tolerances
Cons
- Quality control issues including mis-machined rear axle dropout holes
- Not the lightest or most aerodynamic frame available
- Geometry may not suit riders requiring very aggressive racing positions
- Some components like bolts may be of poor quality
Key Facts
- Frame and fork weight approximately 1630g
- Made from Toray T800 carbon fiber
- Tire clearance up to 32mm
Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer provides a long-term review of the YOELEO R12 DB Disc Brake Frameset after riding it for three months and thousands of miles. He discusses its performance, value compared to mainstream brands, and specific features.
AI Summary
Pros
- Loves the look of the frame with big aero tubes and interesting angles
- Disc brake design saves money by wearing down pads instead of carbon rims
- Easy to set up with internally routed cables and low maintenance once built
- Comes with integrated bar/stem combo and internally routed cabling
- Includes seat post with forward/back adjustment for fine-tuning position
- Frame has a three-year warranty and is UCI approved with proper testing
- High quality paint job, finish, and geometry
- Handlebar/stem combo feels really stiff with no flex
- Includes out-front mount compatible with various bike computers
- More comfortable than his steel frame, absorbing vibrations while remaining stiff for sprints
- Rides very fast on smooth surfaces
- Weighs 8.2 kilos complete
- Much more affordable than mainstream brand alternatives
Cons
- Dreads future maintenance like changing headset due to internal routing
- Dislikes the rubber cover on the seat post clamp, calling it a 'horrible bit of rubber' that spoils the aesthetic
- Concerned about the tiny bolt on the seat post
- Uncertain about cable shifting smoothness with internal routing due to potential sharp angles
Key Points
- YOELEO R12 is an aero frameset
- Price is around $1,300 (approximately £1,000)
- Includes seat post and handlebars when purchased
- Seat post has 4.5cm forward/back adjustment
- Can be set up with Shimano or SRAM groupsets
- Frame has three-year warranty and is UCI approved
- Reviewer is running SRAM eTap groupset (11-speed)
- Size 56 frame with 42mm width bars and 110mm stem
- Comes from Chinese manufacturer but is properly tested
The reviewer discusses a YOELEO R12 DB Disc Brake Frameset that has a significant manufacturing defect in the rear axle dropout hole, which measures over 13mm instead of the correct 12mm. They note the frame appears polished externally but has this critical flaw, attributing it to inadequate quality assurance from the Chinese factory. The reviewer is considering whether to continue the project after receiving a replacement frame.
AI Summary
Pros
- Paint work and finish look brilliant
- Frame appears very polished externally
Cons
- Poorly made rear axle dropout hole on non-drive side
- Hole measures 13+ mm instead of correct 12mm
- Defect appears to be from improper machining (like a Dremel)
- Would cause brake rub under pedaling load
- Wheel would squirm and progressively seat improperly
- Local distributor attributes it to lack of proper QA from factory
- Reviewer states they would return such a frame if purchased new
Key Points
- Frame has 12mm rear axle dropout holes
- Non-drive side hole measures 13+ mm
- Defect would cause brake rub and wheel squirming under pedaling load
- Frame lacks concave receiving axle design (relies on perfect hole diameter)
- Local distributor is sending a replacement frame
- Similar issue occurred previously with another Chinese brand (Elves)
The reviewer has ridden the YOELEO R12 DB Disc Brake Frameset for over 10,000 km across various terrains, including the Alps. He finds it offers a good balance of stiffness and comfort, with excellent value for money, though he notes some quality control issues and outdated design elements.
AI Summary
Pros
- Good balance between stiffness and comfort
- Comfortable geometry that prevents back pain on long rides
- Excellent value for money, especially the frameset at around $1,200
- Ability to customize stem and handlebar combo (different widths and lengths)
- Affordable custom painting option (originally $150 extra, now $300)
- Integrated cable routing for a clean look
- Frame build quality is considered one of the better among Chinese brands
- Flexibility in component choice
- Received compliments on color and design abroad
Cons
- YOELEO logo looks outdated and needs redesign
- Rear part of the frame is outdated (prefers dropped seat stays like on Specialized SL7)
- Rear wheel is slightly off-center between seat stays (a defect noted by a bike mechanic)
- Some bolts are of poor quality and started to rust
- Delivery times can be long (waited 3 months, extended by custom paint)
- Some parts on complete bike were subpar (fake Specialized saddle, mismatched handlebar tape)
- No information provided on bolts for this version, had to ask YOELEO directly
- Felt sluggish on steep hills (around 10% grade), though this depends on wheels used
Key Points
- Frameset price was around $1,200
- Custom painting was $150 extra (now $300), extending delivery by about 2 months
- Geometry balances relaxed and aggressive, comparable to Specialized SL7
- Uses 28 mm tubeless tires (reviewer previously used 25 mm clinchers)
- Has fully integrated cable routing
- Ordered with Shimano Ultegra Di2 11-speed groupset and 50 mm deep rims
- Received within 3 months in December 2021
- Reviewer's first carbon road bike (previous were steel and aluminum)
The reviewers discuss the YOELEO R12 DB Disc Brake Frameset, noting it's a UCI-approved frame with Toray 800 carbon fiber, a 6-year warranty, and 110kg rider limit. They highlight its build quality, normal geometry, and adjustable seatpost, but mention it's not the lightest or most aerodynamic frame. Comfort and speed ratings vary between the two testers, with one finding it comfortable and the other less so on rough roads.
AI Summary
Pros
- UCI-approved frame
- 6-year warranty
- Made from Toray 800 carbon fiber
- Excellent build quality with perfect bottom bracket and headset tolerances
- Perfect through-axle hole alignment
- Tight seat post tolerance (vacuum fit)
- Four standard paint options plus custom option for $500 AUD
- Adjustable sliding setback seatpost with 40mm layback adjustment
- Takes up to 32mm tires
- Normal, stable geometry with 73° seat and head angles
- Longer wheelbase provides planted, stable handling
- Local distributor in Australia
- Good all-rounder with nice handling
Cons
- Not the lightest frame (1630g for frame and fork)
- Seat post wedge clamp grip material positioned too low
- Surface area not as muscular as other aero bikes
- Doesn't have dropped seat stays (less aerodynamic)
- Compulsory 20mm of spacers in front end inflates effective stack height
- Comfort varies by rider weight and seat height (one tester found it harsh on rough roads)
- Not the fastest frame in straight lines or climbs
- Sticky freehub on test wheels affected speed perception
- No local bike shop network for support
- Company received criticism during COVID for supply and warranty issues
- Price ($3,000-$3,500 AUD) competes with mainstream brands
Key Points
- Frame weight: 1630g (frame and fork)
- Stack: 550mm, Reach: 386mm (effectively ~560mm with spacers)
- Seat angle: 73°, Head angle: 73°
- Bottom bracket drop: 72mm
- Fork rake: 43mm
- Tire clearance: up to 32mm
- Adjustable seatpost with 40mm layback
- 110kg rider weight limit
- Custom paint adds weight to frame
- Tested with medium frame size
- Compared to: Windspace T500 (1640g), Elves FTH Evo (1680g), Seker Exceed RDC (1270g)
The reviewer describes the YOELEO R12 DB Disc Brake Frameset as a carbon fiber aero race bike purchased directly from China, noting its competitive pricing, attractive design, smooth ride quality on rough roads, and good speed performance, though it lacks some stiffness compared to premium brands.
AI Summary
Pros
- Competitive pricing compared to established brands like Canyon
- High-quality carbon fiber frame with aerodynamic tube profiles
- Smooth ride that handles rough roads well
- Fast performance that builds and holds speed easily
- Multiple color customization options available
- Modern features including internal cable routing, disc brakes, and wide tire compatibility
- Comfortable for long rides despite aggressive geometry
- Includes warranty and shipping costs
Cons
- Not as stiff as premium bikes like Specialized Tarmac SL7 or Giant TCR when sprinting or climbing
- No aerodynamic data provided by the company
- Brand is less established than mainstream options
Key Points
- Direct-to-consumer brand from China
- Aerodynamic road race bike design
- Internal cable routing
- One-piece carbon fiber handlebar/stem
- Disc brake compatible
- Wide tire clearance
- Aggressive geometry
- Available in multiple color options
The reviewer discusses the YOELEO R12 DB Disc Brake Frameset, noting its refined and comfortable ride quality, high-quality paint job, and overall value. He mentions it's suitable for endurance riding and group rides but may not be ideal for aggressive racing geometry or those seeking maximum speed urgency.
AI Summary
Pros
- Refined and comfortable ride quality
- High-quality paint job described as 'black with rainbow sparkle' and 'flawless'
- Good value for the price
- Suitable for endurance riding and group rides
- Compliant over bumps
- Easy to build with Shimano Di2 setup
- UCI approved
Cons
- Geometry may not suit riders requiring very low stack and long reach for aggressive racing
- Does not provide a strong sense of urgency to go fast compared to other bikes like Winspace T1500 or Specialized La Sprint
- May require adjustments like a longer stem or handlebars to mimic aggressive fit
Key Points
- Frame is described as 'the most refined comfortable bike I've tested so far'
- Geometry is more suited for all-day, steady, strong, comfortable rides
- Can be used for racing at professional or elite levels
- Part of a complete system with YOELEO C50 Pro wheels with steel spokes
- Allows internal cable routing
- Comes with a carbon stem and thoughtful top cap from YOELEO
The reviewer provides a long-term review of the YOELEO R12 DB Disc Brake Frameset after approximately 4,000 kilometers of use. He describes it as the most polished bike frame he has ever had on his channel, praising its packaging, build quality, and ease of assembly. He notes it is a stiff frame suitable for racing but not the most aerodynamic by modern standards.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent packaging with high-density foam and comprehensive accessories
- Includes detailed manual with torque settings and instructions
- Comes with all necessary grommets and brackets for electronic shifting systems
- Easy build experience with no need for tapping, chasing, or rethreading
- Brake mounts were square and in line
- Frame is very stiff, making it suitable for racing
- Good value at around $1,400 including all tariffs and taxes
- Well-finished with no resin or layer shifting inside
- Includes internal wiring tube to prevent rattling
- Metal crown race on fork for compact design
Cons
- Frame is quite stiff, which might not suit all riders
- Not the most aerodynamic bike by modern standards
- Sizing might not be suitable for everyone
- Not the absolute fastest frame available for racing
- Aerodynamic performance becomes less optimal above approximately 35 km/h
Key Points
- Model: YOELEO R12 DB Disc Brake Frameset
- Price: Approximately $1,400 including all tariffs and taxes
- Bottom bracket: BB386 (faced)
- Paint: Green fleck finish
- Headset bearings: Two bearings (40mm diameter, 52mm outside) with different thicknesses
- Fork features flat metal crown race
- Includes integrated handlebars and stem
- Seat post offers 0-40mm setback adjustment
- Frame has boxy tubing design for stiffness
- Reviewer used it for approximately 4,000 kilometers including racing, duathlons, and time trials
Where to Buy
YOELEO R12 Disc Brake Bike Frameset
Specifications
Attributes
Included Components
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