Chinese Bike After 6 Months (4500km) | Tavelo Arow
Jesse Coyle
February 19, 2025
Update on the state of my Chinese race bike build after 6 months of use.
Comparison to the Enve Melee: https://youtu.be/1JFVKbpj_r0
My original review: https://youtu.be/iXAHGX_3EVM
Parts Mentioned
TAVELO Arow
Summer Sale
FrameTAVELO Arow
Created: September 20, 2024The 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
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
MyBikeParts
TAVELO Arow Road Bike Frameset
