Elegant but with Flaws... My Honest YOELEO R12 Review
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2024
- Watch this YOELEO R12 Chinese carbon road bike review to determine if it’s worth it.
I’ve been riding it in the Czech Republic, Croatia, and the Italian, Swiss, and French Alps. I clocked more than 15,000 km on it in all sorts of terrains. So, is it any good?
In the video, I will tell you what I like and dislike about it. You will also learn more about the purchasing process, what others think about the bike, and much more.
Use code CYCLISTSHUB to get 10% off YOELEO products at yoeleobike.com.
👉 Buy YOELEO R12 frameset: www.yoeleobike.com/collection...
👉 Buy YOELEO R12 complete bike: www.yoeleobike.com/collection...
📝 Written review: www.cyclistshub.com/yoeleo-r1...
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#yoeleo #carbonbike #chinesecarbon #roadcycling - Sport
UPDATE: My experience with Winspace Agile (review coming soon) provided me with a better comparison. R12 has a pretty stiff rear end, so it's not as comfortable with stiff wheels (like Lún MEGA) on bad roads. This leads to 'vibration fatigue' during longer rides. It also feels more sluggish than my new Agile build. In other words, R12 is not as comfortable as I thought.
More details at www.cyclistshub.com/yoeleo-r12-complete-bike-review/.
I enjoy your reviews and open feedback. My new R12 has been delayed a few times but Yoeleo stated they are working hard to get me the bike. I am super excited to try it out.
Thank you. I am glad you liked it. Well, I've heard things I can't talk about but I agree the communication is an issue with YOELEO.
What bike have you ridden before?
Thanks for the honest review. Looking forward to others.
Thank you. I am glad you liked it. 😊
Great review and really nice paintjob on your frame 🫶
Thank you! 💙
Good accurate and honest review👏. I can't help but see the wheels of the super team behind you. Have you reconciled with them?
Hey, Dani,
Thank you. I appreciate it! :-)
I shot the A-roll for this review while testing a new pair of Superteams. That's why you can see them in the video.
Great video! I have ordered from Yoeleo before, smooth &great experience. Yoeleo needs to really listen to your valuable input and their customers.
They need to hire better designers (either young upbeat local Chinese talents or foreign design houses) who are IN TOUCH with the cycling scene as their logos & bike frames are severely out-dated and the brand name "Yoeleo" needs a refresh.
I attended the Shanghai Cycle Show in May 2023 and it was amazing. Spoke to the industry insiders and got first hand information. In the old days, people made fun of brands from the East like SONY, SAMSUNG, TOYOTA, NISSAN, HONDA, HUAWEI etc.....now almost everyone has a SAMSUNG TV or phone, or drives these car brands that are now World Class. Major Chinese brand carbon bikes that i saw in real life at the Shanghai Cycle Show were of UCI Standards and certifications.
Thank you!
You are absolutely right. I noticed that YOELEO stepped up their Instagram game recently. But branding-wise, there is room for improvement.
Wow! I would love to visit the Shanghai Cycle Show one day, but it's on the other side of the world. Haha. :-D There were some Chinese brands at Eurobike this year, and they were much more interesting than 80% of the Western brands (feel free to watch my reports from Eurobike).
Thank you for your input 😊. Yes, we will listen to any input. This will shape our better future.
🤝 Thanks for this review.
Thank you, I am glad you like it. 🙏
Thank you, I am glad you like it. 🙏
Nice review kind sir!
Thank you, Patrick. I appreciate it. :-)
Hey Bro
Greetings from Silicaon Valley USA. Excellent video and thoughtful well presented rerview. Ignore those with negative energy, don't let others bring you down to their level. And BIG Surprise, where do they think wetsern bike brands' frames are made? Surprise Taiwan and China. Keep riding and enjoy that awesome blude bike... Be well
Thank you. I really appreciate it. :)
Yes, definitely. 95% of the bikes are made there. 😅
I very much enjoy riding my 2023 R12. I built it with Ulyegra Di2 11 sp that i took from an older bike. I totally agree with you about the comfort. I've only had nice comments from other riders. I got one of their standard colors, which is nice (and you can barely see the logo). The bolts are better now. My only issue has been a creak from the seatpost. Hopefully I can get that sorted out.
I have also experienced the creaking of the seatpost. But that was mostly caused by water. I recommend cleaning the seatpost, applying some carbon paste and it should be fine.
@cyclistshub I've done that but it comes back quickly.
Try harder. 😅 Have you cleaned the inside as well?
@@cyclistshub Good suggestion. I'll try that.
Nice steel bike from the 1920's 😀 Yoeleo has to be an improvement! NIce to see you punished that bike on all the climbs and kilometers. It's all I need to hear about quality. I have a Carbonda gravel frame . . . so far have finished a dozen long gravel races, including Steamboat Black . . . and built it for about $3000 all included, with GRX components.
Thank you. 😅 I don't think it is that old, but I used it about 8 years ago and had an aluminum bike before.
Yeah, I "punished" R12 on the Tour of Flanders course a few days ago, and it's solid.
Nice, good for you! Hopefully, it will last for many more miles. 👌
Great review! ❤ Thanks for bringing it up, but choosing a Chinese frame can also mean not conforming, and that can attract criticism that really just tells you about the issues carried by those making them. Sometimes they'll try to lean on something that is technically correct, but has little or no bearing on your riding experience, or why you ride.
I have a pair of Yoeleo STD wheels, great quality and custom colour logo was free! Great company.
Exactly! And thank you. 🙏
Which hub do you have on your STD wheels, btw.? YOELEO or DT Swiss?
@@cyclistshub I got the Dt Swiss 350, after feeling confident that they worked well, I got me to consider chinese parts for a bike I eventually built during covid, trifox frame, sensah and elitewheels; working great still and I used the money I saved for things like a proper bike fit.
Honestly, I think the bike fit was the best 'upgrade', much nicer to have a fit and a cheaper bike that just feels really good.
Yeah, the DT Swiss 350 are fine. The YOELEO ones are too loud. 😅
Do you have any experience w/ Lexon and Ryet carbon fully integrated handlebars?
Hi, I don’t.
Beautiful bike! I only heard good things about this brand. As well, I like the Hyper wheels.. 😊
Thank you. 😊
Thanks and I'm looking this brand
You are welcome. 😊
Thanks for the review, its rare to get reviews after riding a bike for extended period of time, few questions, 1) what is the classification of this bike, endurance, race, aero, all rounder etc? 2) what is the cost of the total build? why Yoeleo when compared with similar established brands (except the price)?
Thank you. The problem with long term reviews is that they are not viable. It simply doesn't pay off, especially in cycling where the demand is relatively low compared to tech. :-(
1) YOELEO classifies it as an aero bike, but I think it's an all-rounder. The geometry is "average racing geometry" according to the Bike Insights
2) I bought it as a complete bike for almost $6000. Please, watch my unboxing video from year and a half ago. I explained the reason in the video - I wanted to make my opinion on Chinese carbon and other bikes were out of stock. :-)
Let me know if you have any questions.
@cyclistshub thank you! I agree about your prospect on long term reviews, but from a consumer point of view, its valuable in making the purchase decision.
Apologies for my late reply, YT comment system su*ks. Your comment was held for review.
I am my review helped you. 🙏
I have this exact bike in a 52cm with Dura Ace 11 speed, and have no complaints……..it’s just an awesome bike.
Do you have the 2023 model?
@@cyclistshub Yes”, no issues with it even the rear triangle is center as well.
I have it pictured/posted on YOELEOS Website under Chuck J.
@@1971lemondcool, I will check them out. :)
Is yours the 2023 version that is apparently stiffer?
No, this is the previous generation. 😊
i anticipate for next bike is Winspace Agile but sad GC performance in his video says it not release soon.
Yeah, I don't know when they release it. 😞
@@cyclistshub looking how bad bike industry today and how consumer situation in china. may be they not release it next year. any way Agile it look so good, i love how they combine 2 type of frame.
True true, 2024 will be a difficult year.
Have the new 2023 R12. It has some improvements compared to the previous model. Used to ride Roubaix and agree the R12 is comfortable. No problems with frame quality and my wheels sit 100% straight and spot on. Ultegra Di12 - 165mm cranks - 38 cm bar - custom paint (very well done). 60mm wheels from Yoeleo. Rear hub cap did not meet specs so Yoeleo sent a replacement hub cap. Have not had any hate - and don't give a damn what others think anyway. 😊
Nice, did you ride the previous model as well?
Nope. Roubaix. @@cyclistshub
And which one is more comfortable?
Much the same to me. I only miss the future shock from the Roubaix - but running tubeless, carbon handle bar and 28mm tires takes most of the road buzz anyway. @@cyclistshub
Cool 👍
I ordered an R12 and it was missing the proper head set top bearing compression ring, and a couple other parts to complete the build. The price not bad for this frame set but I'm willing to spend more money for higher quality. I don't really care about brand names.
Were you able to negotiate a remedy with them? Did they send you the missing parts?
Otherwise, I agree. YOELEO has good products, but lately, they have been messing up and making silly mistakes. It's better to pay a bit more but have everything hassle-free. 🤷♂
I ordered an R-12 a week ago. I already own an R-11(I cracked the top tube over tightening the seat post) My only complaint is that Yoeleo don't offer a 130mm stem.
130mm? 😮I don't know about any integrated cockpit of this length. 🤷♂️
@@cyclistshub deada has > 120mm integrated stems. Envee does too but they are expensive.
I see but I mean on stock bikes.
Yoeleo make good products and I have several items of theirs that are well made, light and robust. However, they are a nightmare to deal with, especially difficult when they shipped my order to someone else in Bermuda. They wanted me to pay for customs to get the item back into the USA and to do all the running around sending the stuff they sent to me out of the country.
I am sorry to hear that. How did it turn out in the end?
@cyclistshub I sent the equipment that I received to the proper destination and, since Yoeleo would not deal with getting the proper item to me, I canceled the order and bought elsewhere. A terrible experience.
Ufff, I am really sorry about that. This is never a pleasant experience.
Great review. Keep on the good work! One question: how is the side-to-side stiffness of the fork? I am a heavy sprinter and I find that a lot of disc brake bikes will have a slight rubbing of the brake when riding out of the saddle, because the forks are too flexy for the tiny tolerances disc brakes allow.
Thank you!
I think the fork is ok. I am a lightweight rider (67 kg) so I can't flex it that much. However, I notice the disc rubbing more with different wheelsets. The softer ones rub more than stiff ones. It also depends on how well I am able to align the brakes. 🤷♂️ From what I noticed, friends riding carbon KTM bikes often struggle with rubbing as well.
@@cyclistshubokay, thanks! I guess normally wheel stiffness shouldn't matter, because the disc is attached to the hub so it doesn't matter how much the rim flexes. But alignment is definitely a huge factor.
And yes , the one KTM bike I ever rode, had a fork made from cheese, super flexy...
There’s 4 Pro Continental teams using this bike so it’s good, and as good as any other bike also it’s UCI approved. Almost all carbon bikes comes from China and Taiwan………FACT……..I have this bike and built it up with Dura Ace 9100 and have no issues it’s solid stiff and comfortable, it’s fast on the flats and solid going up hill, hands down one of the best bikes I’ve had, just a solid platform all the way around. Mine is a 52 cm so I don’t feel any give in flex, it performs in races as expected and on group rides.
Thanks for sharing your experience. :-)
I bought an R12 frame 3 months ago. Now I'm assembling the whole bike and I have a few questions, but unfortunately I haven't been able to get an answer for a week. I sent 2 emails a week ago and still haven't received a response. So before the purchase the contact was very good, after the purchase the support is non-existent.
I can imagine they are flooded now due to the Black Friday but that's not an excuse. Try contacting them through multiple platforms. Hopefully, you get the answer soon. 🤞
I got answers very quick on my questions about 3 months ago. I really like the bike he did a good job on his review.
Had better experience with after sales. Keep writing and send pics as it makes it easier for them to identify the issue and respond! Hope it gets solved.
when can we appreciate the new R12 video from your side?
Probably not sooner than in 3 months.
The irony that almost all carbon frames are Chinese or Taiwanese manufactured; the name on the frame is just a sticker
Yeah. But the sticker has high value to some. 😀
I fear for your mount and phone with all that shaking 😅
Haha, it took me a while to get used to holding $1000 phone to get some footage. Luckily, I am more confident now.
The mount is fine so far. It survived heavier bike computers like Edge 1040, Karoo 2, etc. :-)
I am sorry to say this but be warned.
I made an order for 2500,- on the 21st of August and was promised that my order would ship the same week.
"Dear Maarten,
Hopefully we will be able to ship out your order within this week.
Once shipped, we will email you tracking number.
Best Regards.
Jasmine"
Today I still haven't received my order and they tell me I have to wait another 40 days(!). Besides they are very very hard to reach and I had to email them many many times before getting an answer. By far the WORST POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE I ever had.
Hi Maarten,
That sucks. It's frustrating not getting a reply or satisfactory solution for a long time. Maybe @yoeleo could help?
Merlin Agilis
Titanium
Also. I hope you have not heard bad things regarding Yoeleo. They try hard but don’t like to give bad news on delays
Well, we will see in the following weeks/months.😀
that makes me nervous what are you hearing@@cyclistshub
hey, even i know what is yoeleo and i do agree they make good product. BUT in EU we buy from EU production ;)
Hi, what do you mean from EU production? From their EU store?
@@cyclistshub , like time bicycles czcams.com/video/UUuXmeL4zCE/video.html
produced from ground in EU ;)
EU production? As far as I know, only Time is producing bikes here in Slovakia, and some boutique brands like Festka and so.
EU production? As far as I know, only Time is producing bikes here in Slovakia, and some boutique brands like Festka and so.
I believe their frames are manufactured in Slovakia, right?
..... If you get a let's say, an SL7 or SL8, you'll probably still have most of these "complaints" -- The "Specialized" LOGO is decades old, probably they should do some new VI. The rear part is boring, that dropped seat stay looks exactly like at least 10 other bikes out there that you wonder if they come from the same mold. You didn't feel the aero marketing claims from there "win-tunnel", you call them and they tell you well you just weren't fast enough. The SL8 is cheating with the new narrower handle bars, you can do it yourself with $20 instead of $15000 and you feel scammed. However you won't make a video of any of this because that Specialized probably poured 1000x more money into marketing than Yoeleo, They sponsor world tour teams. Fans treat that decades old logo as a faith. So back to your "review"... Let's say I think it will be better if you just VLOG your journey/experience with bike and that will be much more interesting. You seems cycled through some very stunning views, that probably will be much more beautiful than the review. If any, I'd say you should confirm that the rear end dimension discrepancy thing, if it's not a wheel thing, then you should RMA the frame and let us know how this goes. That's the only value in this "review" as a "review". The Winspace looks like they are the new marketing champion these days. Every youtuber seems to have one so I'd say that will be much more biased. If you get free stuff from these companies then well I'm glad because it's great for an avid cyclist who put such work into making cycling videos. There's nothing wrong with that. However, it's just if Yoeleo pours you more money you could just easily change your pinned comments to "well though Winspace feels much more comfortable with more compliance in the rear end, when it comes to a really steep climb or when sprinting in a race I do feel the direct power transfer in the R12 is much more appreciated with no compromise. In these result defining scenarios you really need all that stiffness you can get, that's why R12 really shines when you want a fast bike and race hard". Now you have acquired Specialized's most prominent skill -- find an angle, both in terms of in their "win-tunnel" as yaw, and in doing some PR work.
I can't say because I've never ridden an SL7/SL8 (I'd like to). 😊
I'm honestly not sure what exactly you're trying to say with your comment. I ask people to find out what they are interested in in reviews and I try to reflect that. To my surprise they often want to hear feelings and subjective comparisons to other bikes. It would be nice to have sophisticated tests and provide objective data, but it's not within my financial capabilities. Judging by the amount of published data (e.g. from wind tunnels), it doesn't even seem to be within the capabilities of many brands. 🤷♂️
What do you expect from a bike review? And who does such reviews? I am honestly curious about this because it seems that nobody does perfect reviews and I am wondering if that's even possible. 🤔
As for "vlogging", I tried one such video (you can find it on my channel under the title (Cycling Through the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps, I really recommend watching it). To date, it is the video that has taken me the most time (probably over 40 hours). And guess what, it has the least views of all. 🙃 It's not sustainable to make these videos.
I've received "free" products (actually in exchange for a review with my full creative and editorial control) from Winspace as well as YOELEO and other brands. I understand your view that reviews of their products can seem biased. I don't know about other creators, but I always try to approach reviews as objectively as possible. Several times I have even stated issues that I may have glossed over. But that's not my style, and people who know me know that I say what I think about things.
I don't know if you've tried R12 and Agile side by side, but I couldn't write what you suggest because R12 is really sluggish compared to Agile. Of course, I'm just getting started with bike reviews. I don't have that many reference points. It's very challenging to build them up (due to the high costs of bicycles), but I believe I'm improving with each review. That's why I'll be glad if you follow me on this journey.
- Petr
6k for a chinese bike, jeeeez
😬