YOELEO G21 Review: Solid Value but with One (Big) Question Mark

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I’ve already teased using YOELEO G21 on my Instagram and Strava, and lately, I additionally completed a gravel race on it. So, what’s my expertise with it after about 1000 km? You can see out under.

NOTE: I invested about $1000 into this construct. I obtained the body, handlebar, and wheels for this evaluation from YOELEO, however as all the time, I will likely be 100% trustworthy with you and share each the nice and the unhealthy. NOTE 2: I plan to replace this evaluation after longer-term use (as soon as I journey over 5000 km).

YOELEO G21 Construct Abstract

Beneath, I checklist the principle specs of this construct.

YOELEO G21 Execs and Cons

The Construct Course of

I left this G21 construct to an area YOELEO distributor as I didn’t have the gear or expertise to construct it myself. Moreover, the GRX RX800 is a mechanical groupset, so the interior cable routing is extra difficult than, say, digital groupsets.

Since they have already got expertise with G21 right here, the construct solely took about 4 hours. Throughout this time, they didn’t encounter any issues, for instance, with the interior cable routing. Nonetheless, based mostly on their expertise, they preventively sanded down a bit the metallic half positioned close to the rear derailleur to stop it from squeaking.

I additionally wish to level out that if you will construct a G21 with two chainrings (2by), you will need to use the spacer as specified within the YOELEO directions. In any other case, the chainrings will intrude with rear seat stays.

My Expertise with YOELEO G21

Truthfully, that is my first gravel bike, so sadly, I’ve nothing to match it to besides my highway bikes. I beforehand tried 32mm knobby tires on the YOELEO R12, and whereas I had enjoyable on lighter terrain, it wasn’t fairly the identical.

My first impression of the G21 was that it was far more comfy than the YOELEO R12. It is smart. First, the R12 is a highway bike with clean, 28mm tires. I’ve wider (40mm), higher-volume tires on the G21. Second, the R12’s rear finish is stiff, whereas the G21’s is far more compliant (additionally because of the narrower seat tube), so it could take in extra journey vibrations that aren’t additional transferred to the physique.

The geometry of the 2 bikes can also be completely different. The G21 has an extended wheelbase and shallower head tube angle than the R12. Though I’ve a comparatively lengthy stem (11cm) for gravel biking, the G21 continues to be simple to deal with. Surprisingly, the G21 provides me a sharper response than the R12, which is extra steady.

Nonetheless, what I like most concerning the G21 and gravel biking basically is the mixture of velocity and off-road using. I did one race on the G21, the place each MTB and gravel bikes began collectively. I loved the gravel sections so much, nevertheless it wasn’t as much as the technical descents because of the slim and smoother tires.

I additionally used the G21 partly through the winter to save lots of my highway bike from the highway mess, reminiscent of gravel, particles, and salt. In any case, I anticipate extra put on and tear with the G21 than with a highway bike, which I take extra care of.

On reflection, I remorse a bit my determination to take a fork with out mounts. I received’t have as a lot space for storing if I determine to do some multi-day, self-supported bike-packing journeys. Ultimately, having the fork mounts doesn’t actually matter, even in case you don’t plan something like that on the time of buy.

With the YOELEO, I wish to spotlight the flexibility to decide on the scale of the built-in handlebars. If you have already got some expertise and know what suits you, this customizability will prevent cash and the trouble of a doable substitute.

You might also have seen the eye-catching paint job. When arranging the body, I requested YOELEO to create an ice-crack impact on their mild and darkish blue mixture. The result’s completely gorgeous, and many individuals have circled for this. If YOELEO deserves reward someplace, it’s right here. However anticipate to attend not less than 4 weeks longer for custom-painted frames.

However not every thing was rosy. For instance, the packaging contained the unsuitable seatpost clamp, so my native distributor needed to give me his, which he took from one other bike. On the similar time, the loud YOELEO hubs irritate me fairly a bit. They’re certainly a replica of the DT Swiss system, however a lot louder. So, in case you plan to order wheels from YOELEO, ask if they’ll provide them with DT Swiss hubs.

My Verdict

Earlier than shopping for a G21, I like to recommend you take into account the body dimension, handlebar width, stem size, and whether or not you desire a fork with or with out mounts. With most Western manufacturers, you received’t have this selection. It’s one of many largest benefits of YOELEO (and different Chinese language manufacturers). The worth for a {custom} paint job can also be pleasant ($300), so you may allow them to customise your coloration as properly. Nonetheless, ensure you specify the colour as exactly as doable and anticipate not less than a number of weeks (perhaps even months) longer supply time.

I’m pleased with the G21 aside from a number of particulars (the gravel bike is extra enjoyable within the discipline than on the highway). These particulars embrace the loud hubs of the SAT PRO wheels and the foolish errors YOELEO makes when transport orders (like sending the unsuitable seatpost clamp).

I’ve additionally seen that YOELEO has had issues with buyer help and order processing these days (since half of 2023). I don’t know what’s happening inside the corporate. I nonetheless consider their merchandise supply good worth for cash, so hopefully, they’ll shake off this disaster quickly. The biking business wants extra competitors as a result of the costs are at an all-time excessive.

The product for this evaluation was kindly supplied by the producer. This didn’t affect my general verdict or my opinion concerning the product.