The Evolve CIMA Speed Artist is a lightweight, high-quality carbon frameset that receives widespread praise for its build quality, ride comfort, and value compared to premium Western brands like Specialized S-Works. It offers excellent all-round performance, with some minor criticisms regarding branding, handlebar shape, and assembly challenges.
Pros
- Excellent build quality and attention to detail, with immaculate internal finish and high-quality components.123
- Lightweight frameset enabling sub-6.8kg builds.4
- Comfortable ride quality without sacrificing stiffness, suitable for long distances.24
- Aerodynamic performance tested in wind tunnel, faster than Specialized SL8 in some tests.24
- Comes with comprehensive accessory kit including computer mount, bar tape, spacers, and detailed manual.25
- Good value compared to established brands with similar performance.264
- Responsive customer service and company openness to feedback, such as offering 'no quote' paint options.3
- Multiple seatpost options and adjustable geometry via fork offsets for consistent handling.4
Cons
- High price point for a Chinese brand, with some considering it expensive compared to alternatives.43
- Significant toe overlap in larger sizes due to short front center.3
- Integrated handlebar shape creates a trough before the hoods, which some find uncomfortable.3
- Assembly can be challenging due to internal cable routing and tight compression plug.5
- Branding and paint schemes have been polarizing, with initial 'Nature chooses' slogan and trademark symbol (®) widely disliked.23
- Tire clearance of 32mm may be limiting for some riders.5
- Slight lack of stability in very fast descents (60-80 km/h), requiring firm grip.6
Key Facts
- Frame weight ranges from 650g (unpainted, size M) to 777g (painted, size ML) depending on size and paint.24
- Fork weight is approximately 365-385g uncut.15
- Priced at $2,299 for frameset, $2,499 with integrated cockpit; in Europe around €3,000.23
- Uses BSA 68mm threaded bottom bracket.21
- Compatible with UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger).245
- Tire clearance officially 32mm, but 35mm tires can fit with tight clearance (2mm on chainstays).23
- Includes CeramicSpeed SLT headset bearings.24
- Available in 6 frame sizes (XS-XL), multiple handlebar widths, stem lengths, and seatpost offsets.25
Sources
Reviews & Ratings
22:00The reviewer bought the Evolve Sima frame after a previous test and has ridden it extensively, including an étape du Tour. He considers it excellent and compares it favorably to the Tarmac SL8 Pro, citing advantages in rigidity, stability, weight, and value for money.
17:04The reviewer discusses the evolve CIMA Speed Artist (referred to as the Evolve 7 or E-Wolf 7) as a high-end Chinese-made frame set that serves as an alternative to Specialized S-Works models. He highlights its lightweight construction, premium components like Ceramic Speed bearings, and excellent build quality. He praises its aerodynamic performance, stiffness in the head tube area, and rear comfort, ultimately preferring it over the S-Works Venge for long-distance riding.
01:06:31The reviewer discusses the Evolve CIMA Speed Artist frameset, praising its high-quality construction, extensive included accessories, and competitive pricing compared to established brands. They highlight the use of premium components like CeramicSpeed headset bearings, UDH dropout, and BSA bottom bracket, as well as the thorough documentation and packaging. The reviewer notes the frameset's light weight (772g with paint) and aerodynamic design, developed with wind tunnel testing. They express strong overall approval but mention personal preference regarding the paint scheme and logo design.
15:21The reviewer conducts a detailed unboxing and inspection of the Evolve Chima climbing frame. They are highly impressed with the overall quality, noting its extremely lightweight nature, immaculate internal and external finish, and high-quality components. The packaging is praised for being environmentally friendly with minimal plastic. The frame features full internal routing, a BSA 68mm bottom bracket, disc brakes, and what appears to be a UDH hanger. The reviewer uses a boroscope to examine the internal surfaces and finds them flawless, with no fraying, ripples, or layer shifts. They conclude it is a high-quality piece of gear from a premium Chinese brand.
27:17The reviewer provides a detailed analysis of the Evolve Chima frameset throughout the video. They state it is one of, if not the best all-round road bike from China, though not their personal favorite. The reviewer highlights the extensive R&D, attention to detail, and advanced manufacturing behind the frame. They praise its exceptional ride quality, describing it as the most comfortable yet stiff road bike they've ever ridden, with a 'jackal and hide' personality that excels at both comfort and stiffness. The frame is noted for its lightweight construction (650g unpainted), aerodynamic performance that beats a Specialized SL8, and high-quality accessories. However, the reviewer personally prefers the more visceral feel of the Trigon AR01.
17:04The reviewer, China Cycling, provides a long-term review of the Evolve CIMA Speed Artist after riding it for 2,800-3,200 km over 7-9 months. He finds it an excellent all-rounder, comfortable, lightweight, and reliable, often choosing it as his go-to bike. He notes it is not the best in any single category but does everything well, making it a top recommendation for an all-round road bike.
15:46The reviewer discusses the Evolve Chima frameset as the core component of an ultra-lightweight bike build. They state that the frame weighs 650g in a size M unpainted, with the paint job adding approximately 45g, bringing it to just under 700g. They note that while not the absolute lightest (referencing the Athos), it has a more aero profile. The reviewer emphasizes that Evolve paid meticulous attention to lightweight details like the saddle clamp and accessories, which contributed significantly to the overall low system weight. They have been testing the frame since April and state a full review is coming soon, but spoils that it is 'pretty damn good' and among 'the best of the best' of Chinese frames. The frame is described as a lightweight all-rounder, different in ride feel to other bikes like the AR1.

The Evolve CIMA is a lightweight road bike frame praised for its stiffness, comfort, and attention to detail. However, assembly is challenging due to internal cable routing and a tight compression plug. Overall, it is a compelling option for performance-oriented riders.
The Evolve CIMA Frameset is a lightweight carbon road bike frame, with users noting a claimed weight of around 650-777g for the frame. It is priced around 3,000 EUR, positioning it as a premium option, though some users consider it expensive compared to alternatives like the Cannondale Supersix Evo Hi-Mod. The frame is made from carbon fiber, with a seatpost battery holder for Di2 systems, and features a UDH hanger. It is produced by the same company behind Elite Wheels, and is available through various retailers including Mantel and PandaPodium, as well as directly from Evolve with taxes included. The geometry is similar to the Specialized Tarmac SL8, with a short front center and low fork offset, leading to agile handling but potential toe overlap, especially in larger sizes. Initially, frames came with a 'Nature chooses' slogan on the downtube, which was widely criticized; the company now offers 'no quote' paint schemes without the slogan and, later, without the trademark symbol (®) on some colorways, though the Rewind color cannot be ordered without the ®. New colors include 'Navy white', a Raw Carbon option (which is actually a matte black paint) released in May/June 2026, and the Billow white with a deep glossy pearl-like finish. Build quality, packaging, and the included manual are frequently praised as excellent, and customer service has been noted as responsive. The integrated Kreuza handlebar is stiff and performs well, though some users criticize its shape for creating a trough before the hoods. Tire clearance is generous: users have fitted 35mm tires (measuring 35.9mm) with only 2mm clearance on chainstays, making it uncomfortably tight for wet conditions; 32mm tires are recommended. Evolve has launched a new website at evolvebicycles.com and released the Cima GR gravel version, available in Sailfish Pearl and Sahara Nude colors, with 50mm tire clearance, a medium frame weight of 820g painted, and a price $300 lower than the regular Cima (without CeramicSpeed SLT bearings). The GR also introduces the Kreuza Apex riser bar. Bundle deals with wheels and components are available, and the ride is described as comfortable, stiff, and fast, with sharp handling. Notably, Evolve lost a trademark dispute in the EU, leading to deletion of its EU trademark and potential legal issues for EU importers; the website was briefly down for EU visitors but is now accessible again, though intermittent issues persist. Individual customers ordering from China face low risk of seizure. A size Small Cima build with Dura-Ace and Farsport wheels achieved 6.23 kg. For sizing, a rider 181cm with a short torso is recommended to choose Medium over M/L, as the Medium has identical geometry to a Tarmac SL8 size 54.
AI Summary
Pros
- High build quality and attention to detail, with excellent packaging and a detailed manual.
- Comfortable ride quality, described as less harsh than some competitors like Winspace or Pardus, while still being stiff enough.
- Good weight, with frames around 650-777g depending on size, enabling lightweight builds (e.g., 6-6.8 kg complete).
more pros in the review
Cons
- Significant toe overlap due to short front center geometry, especially concerning in larger sizes (e.g., ML, L, XL).
- Initial paint schemes included a widely disliked 'Nature chooses' slogan on the downtube, though 'no quote' options are now available.
- High price point (~3,000 EUR), considered expensive compared to some established brands like Cannondale Supersix Evo Hi-Mod.
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame weight: ~650-777g (claimed) for road; Cima GR medium painted 820g
- Price: ~3,000 EUR for road; Cima GR $300 less
- Material: Carbon fiber
more key points in the review
Where to Buy

evolve CIMA Speed Artist Carbon Road bike Frameset

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