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Reviews & Ratings
The 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.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Lightweight (650g for size M unpainted)
- Has a more aero profile than some super light frames
- Meticulous attention to lightweight details on accessories
- Pretty damn good
- Among the best of the best of Chinese frames
Cons
- Not super Athos light
Key Points
- Model: Evolve Chima
- Weight: 650g (size M, unpainted)
- Paint adds ~45g
- Described as a lightweight all-round aero bike
The 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.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Excellent ride quality - most comfortable yet stiff road bike ever ridden
- Lightweight frame (650g unpainted)
- Aerodynamic performance faster than Specialized SL8
- High attention to detail in design and accessories
- BSA threaded bottom bracket for easy installation
- UDH rear derailleur hanger for compatibility
- Two fork offsets for consistent handling across sizes
- 32mm tire clearance
- 109kg rider weight limit
- Lightweight accessories (seat post clamp 17.5g, expander plug 15g, through axles 48g)
- Easy to build sub-6.8kg complete bike
- Comparable to high-end western frames at fraction of price
Cons
- High price point ($2,299 for frameset)
- In-house handlebar only available down to 36cm width (no 34cm option)
- Optional accessories not included (timing chip holder, custom number holder, aero bottles)
- Polarizing branding design (large 'R' logo, unusual quotes)
- Doesn't feel as fast as Trigon AR01 despite being objectively faster
- Too refined for reviewer's personal preference (prefers more visceral riding experience)
Key Points
- Frame weight: 650g unpainted raw medium size
- Painted frame weight: 727g for size small
- Fork weight: 367g uncut
- Two fork offsets: 44mm for smaller sizes, 40mm for larger sizes
- BSA threaded bottom bracket
- UDH rear derailleur hanger
- 32mm tire clearance
- 109kg rider weight limit
- Developed with extensive wind tunnel testing and R&D
- 24-page white paper on frame development
- Optional aero bottles provide 48-second advantage over 40km vs SL8
- Ceramic Speed SLT headset included
- Multiple seat post options available
- Sister brand of Elite Wheels, founded by co-founders of Elite Wheels and Cybre
The 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.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Ridiculously lightweight
- Hardly any plastic packaging
- Accessory box feels like a quality product
- Quality machining on components like through axles and seat post wedge with no burrs and good anodizing
- Manual is very thorough, polished, with good picture quality and native English
- Immaculate paint job and headset seat
- Perfect bottom bracket shell with no visible flaws
- Perfect bottle holder bolts with no damage
- Clean dropouts
- Includes protective tape for chain rub
- High-quality fabrication on the fork
- Internal surfaces are immaculate with no fraying, ripples, or layer shift
- Overall described as a high quality piece of gear
- Flawless finish
Cons
- One of the fork brake mounts looks like it needs a bit of fettling, as it appears to have a bit of spray over
Key Points
- Frame weight: 775g
- Fork weight: 365g (uncut)
- Seat post is an aerodynamic affair
- Fully internally routed
- Bottom bracket: BSA 68mm
- Disc brake
- Likely has a UDH hanger
- Seat post uses a standardish seat clamp with an Allen bolt for fore/aft adjustment
- Fork has a round steerer at the top and a tapered seat at the bottom
- Internal inspection via boroscope shows immaculate surfaces and well-executed joints with epoxy
- Described as one of the first premium far eastern branded frames
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