YOELEO G21 Altera Review: Improved in the Right Places!

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I already reviewed the earlier era, the YOELEO G21. On this assessment of the YOELEO G21 Altera, I share what’s new and my expertise driving it.

NOTE: I invested about $1850 into this construct. I acquired the body, cockpit, wheels, saddle, and bottle cages for this assessment from YOELEO, however as at all times, I will likely be 100% trustworthy with you and share each the nice and the dangerous.

YOELEO G21 Altera Construct Abstract

YOELEO G21 Altera Construct Abstract

Beneath, I checklist the primary specs of this construct.

YOELEO G21 Altera Execs and Cons

Unboxing

YOELEO leveled up its field recreation. The body and equipment at the moment are packed like origami. Naturally, the body is effectively protected in opposition to outdoors injury brought on by dangerous dealing with by logistics firms.

Beneath, you’ll be able to see some detailed photographs, which offers you an thought of the extent of consideration to element.

I additionally took just a few photographs from the within. Within the down tube, you’ll be able to see imperfections, however aside from these, I believe the body appears to be like fairly good from the within. The chainstay space is at all times a bit tough as a result of that is the place two components of the body are linked.

The Construct Course of

YOELEO G21 Altera was solely my second construct (after Winspace Agile). I used to be curious to see if I might encounter any points, similar to dangerous tolerances or issues with routing cables. However YOELEO stepped up their recreation right here. For instance, there was no play within the bearings within the head tube. They fitted completely.

I made a decision to go for SRAM Rival XPLR 1×13spd. The construct was fairly simple, as I didn’t need to route Di2 cables or, even worse, mechanical cables like on my previous G21. I solely needed to route the 2 hydraulic brake cables, and that was it. For the reason that within the body was clear, I managed to route them fairly simply. I didn’t want any magnet to information them by way of.

Due to the UDH system, putting in the rear derailleur was additionally very simple. Sure, I needed to watch a video to discover ways to set it up accurately, however as soon as I did, I didn’t need to make any micro changes. It labored completely proper from the beginning. I’ll speak about it a bit extra within the trip expertise part.

Keep in mind that if you wish to use G21 Altera with two chainrings, you will need to use the spacer as specified within the YOELEO directions. In any other case, the chainrings will intervene with the rear seat stays.

My Expertise with YOELEO G21 Altera

That is my second gravel bike, so my solely reference level is the earlier era G21. I additionally tried 32mm knobby tires on the YOELEO R12. It was enjoyable driving by way of gentle gravel, however I couldn’t trip in rougher terrain. However with G21 Altera and broad tires, I can.

I took my first trip with the G21 after recovering from an sickness. I went for a brief trip by way of the native forest. I’ve wider tires with a tread that gives extra grip in unfastened terrain than on my earlier G21, so I used to be in a position to ship it with no respect.

I forgot how way more thrilling gravel biking is in comparison with highway biking. Particularly in case you are not afraid of taking difficult routes, however due to the wealthy tire clearance of 700x53mm, you’ll be able to principally use MTB-like tires and trip by way of virtually something.

The tire choice is one thing I nonetheless battle with, as I primarily trip my highway bike(s). Moreover, to achieve a forest, I have to trip on paved roads or bike paths. I want a quick tire that additionally gives enough grip within the terrain. Beforehand, I used Maxxis Receptor Exo TR 40mm, however now, I’m utilizing the Tufo Thundero 43mm. They provide me way more confidence when cornering.

As is customary with Chinese language manufacturers, YOELEO additionally provides you the choice of selecting totally different cockpit dimensions. I selected 110×400mm. I trip highway bikes with a width of 380mm, however gravel bikes want a bit higher maneuverability, so 400mm is the candy spot for me. As well as, it’s also possible to select whether or not you desire a fork with or with out extra bag holders. Should you don’t care about aesthetics, I might select a fork with them. You by no means know once they may come in useful.

Make sure you spend sufficient time to decide on the proper body dimension and cockpit dimensions, changing the cockpit (and even worse, the body dimension) requires money and time. Fortunately, at the very least the cockpit doesn’t break the bank and is offered for under $299. Some Western manufacturers promote them for multiples of this worth.

Lastly, I need to spotlight the up to date geometry of the Altera that has a slacker headtube, leading to a wider wheelbase. This improves the general stability and reduces toe overlap.

My Verdict

It’s superior to see that YOELEO listened to buyer suggestions and improved their body in areas that matter. No person cares whether or not the body is 100g lighter or heavier if it’s not UDH appropriate. So thumbs up right here. In case you are searching for a high quality Chinese language-branded gravel body that gained’t break your financial institution, the G21 Altera is the one to think about.

There are higher-end frames which are extra appropriate for racing, however that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t race on the Altera. Quite the opposite, at the very least you gained’t have to fret about breaking it for those who fall. A number of riders (together with my good friend) raced on this bike on the 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships within the Netherlands, and a few of them even made it onto the rostrum (congratulations, Jasper!).

I hope you discover this assessment useful. Should you resolve to this body, please think about using the low cost code under. It’s the easiest way to economize and help my web site. Thanks very a lot prematurely!

The product for this assessment was kindly supplied by the producer. This didn’t affect my total verdict or my opinion in regards to the product. You may study extra about how I strategy opinions right here.