The Evolve CIMA Speed Artist is a lightweight, stiff, and comfortable carbon road frameset that multiple reviewers and owners rank among the best Chinese frames, with measured frame weights around 650–777 g depending on size and paint, and complete builds as low as 4.89–6.9 kg. Its build quality, included accessories, documentation, and value are widely praised, and it is often compared favorably to the Specialized Tarmac SL8. The main drawbacks are assembly quirks (tight compression plug, fork hose routing), limited 32 mm tire clearance with toe overlap in larger sizes, polarizing branding, and EU availability/trademark issues.
Pros
- Lightweight: measured frame weights around 650–777 g depending on size and paint, enabling complete builds well under 7 kg.123
- Excellent ride quality: stiff under power yet comfortable over long distances, with rear compliance better than an S-Works Venge and comfort comparable to or better than a Tarmac SL8.123
- High-quality manufacturing: clean internal carbon surfaces, precise machining, immaculate paint and bottom bracket shell, and flawless internal inspection via boroscope.425
- Comprehensive accessory kit and documentation: CeramicSpeed SLT headset, computer and GoPro mounts, bar tape, spacers, 3D-printed Di2 battery holder, and a detailed manual with torque specs.25
- Aerodynamic performance: wind tunnel tested at Silverstone, faster than a Specialized SL8, with optional aero bottles giving a 48-second advantage over 40 km.15
- Good value: costs less than half of an S-Works Venge and significantly less than a comparable Tarmac SL8 Pro build.26
- Practical standards: BSA threaded bottom bracket, UDH hanger, and geometry close to the Tarmac SL8 (Medium ≈ SL8 54) with interchangeable seatpost.132
- Reliable long-term: no creaks, bangs, or rubbing after 2,800–3,200 km, and positive feedback from other owners.1
- Wide fit customization: six frame sizes, three seatpost offsets, multiple handlebar widths and stem lengths, and two fork offsets.52
- Responsive customer service from Evolve and partner shops.63
Cons
- Assembly challenges: fork lacks an internal groove for brake hose routing, the compression plug can be extremely tight and require sanding/grinding, and internal routing through the Kreuza Apex bar is difficult.5
- Tire clearance limited to 32 mm; 35 mm tires leave only about 2 mm at the chainstays, which is too tight for wet roads.35
- Toe overlap due to the short front centre, especially in larger sizes.35
- Polarizing branding: large logo, 'Nature chooses' slogan, and ® symbol; paint choices are limited and 'Raw Carbon' is actually matte black paint.13
- EU availability issues: Evolve lost its EU trademark, the website is intermittently unreachable from the EU, and buyers often must use shops in Portugal or the Netherlands.3
- Stock shortages can stretch delivery to about 60 days with little proactive communication.3
- Not the stiffest for very powerful sprinters (2000W+), and less stable in very fast, windy descents at 60–80 km/h.16
- Only available as a frameset, not a complete bike; some optional accessories (timing chip holder, custom number holder, aero bottles) are not included.21
Key Facts
- Measured frame weight ranges from about 650 g unpainted (size M) to 727 g painted (size S) and 772–775 g painted (size ML), with paint adding roughly 45–120 g.124
- Complete builds have been weighed at 6.23 kg (Small, Dura-Ace, Farsports 55), 6.275 kg (with pedals, cages, mount), 6.9 kg (SRAM Red, CSC 50 mm wheels), and 4.89 kg in a weight-weenie build.316
- Frameset pricing is $2,299 (or $2,499 with integrated cockpit) and around €3,000, with a summer bundle at $3,698 including Elitewheels Drive SL 48D wheels and Kreuza Apex bar.23
- Tire clearance is officially 32 mm; 35 mm tires measuring 35.9 mm leave only about 2 mm at the chainstays, making 32 mm the practical limit.31
- Uses a BSA 68 mm threaded bottom bracket, UDH rear derailleur hanger, and CeramicSpeed SLT headset bearings.241
- Available in six frame sizes (XS–XL), three seatpost offsets, and multiple handlebar widths and stem lengths; two fork offsets (44 mm for smaller sizes, 40 mm for larger) keep handling consistent.512
- Rider weight limit is 109 kg.1
- Frame is made in-house in Xiamen by Evolve, the sister brand of Elitewheels, with a 24-page engineering white paper and testing at the Zedler Institute and Silverstone wind tunnel.12
Sources
- 1China Cycling2 sources
- 2Stephan BECHERT vélove Service Course2 sources
- 3Weight-WeeniesEvolve Cima frame
- 4HambiniEvolve CIMA Frame Review | The Premium Surprise Nobody Saw Coming
- 5Cyclists Hub | Petr MinarikCan a brand’s first road frame be good? [Evolve CIMA Review]
- 6Roller & VéloEvolve CIMA : une bête de course ! [Test]
Reviews & Ratings
17:11The reviewer tested the Evolve CIMA Speed Artist road frame and found it to be a stiff, well-documented, and versatile frame that surprised him with its power transfer compared to the Winspace SLC 5. He noted a few assembly issues and limitations but overall recommended it for riders seeking a balanced, agile bike, and said it would likely become his main bike.
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.
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 carbon road frameset from the company behind Elitewheels, with geometry almost identical to the Specialized Tarmac SL8 (the Medium matches an SL8 54, and the seatpost is interchangeable), a UDH hanger, a seatpost Di2 battery holder and the Kreuza integrated bar. Frames weigh about 650-777 g depending on size, a Small build reached 6.23 kg, and the frameset costs around EUR 3,000; bundles with Elitewheels wheels and the Kreuza Apex bar ran at $3698. Owners praise build quality, packaging, the manual and responsive service, and two SL8 owners say it is as comfortable or more so, soaking up broken pavement better with slightly calmer steering; one would choose it over the SL8. Downsides: toe overlap from the short front centre in larger sizes, 35 mm tyres fit with only about 2 mm at the chainstays (32 mm recommended), and the Kreuza bar dips before the hoods. Its paint history is messy: the disliked 'Nature chooses' slogan and ® symbol can now be left off on most colours, and the 'Raw Carbon' option is matte black paint. Evolve lost its EU trademark, its website has been intermittently unreachable from the EU, and EU buyers often have to go through stores in Portugal or the Netherlands (Mantel) or Panda Podium. Lead times have stretched to 30-40 days of production plus shipping when stock runs out. The Cima GR gravel version adds 50 mm clearance at 820 g painted (M) for $300 less, without CeramicSpeed bearings.
AI Summary
Pros
- As comfortable as or more than a Specialized SL8 per two owners, with slightly calmer steering
- Light: about 650-777 g by size; a Small build reached 6.23 kg
- Excellent build quality, packaging and manual
more pros in the review
Cons
- Toe overlap from the short front centre, especially in larger sizes
- 35 mm tyres leave only about 2 mm at the chainstays; 32 mm is the practical limit
- Kreuza bar dips before the hoods, lowering them relative to the tops
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame weight about 650-777 g by size; Cima GR M 820 g painted
- Geometry close to Tarmac SL8 (Medium ≈ SL8 54); SL8 seatpost interchangeable
- UDH; seatpost Di2 battery holder; Kreuza integrated bar
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
| Rating | ||
|---|---|---|
 pandapodium.ccAffiliate · MyBikeParts | $2,299 | 5.0(1) |
| – |
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