As the cycling industry evolves, Chinese brands are gaining increasing recognition for their quality and innovation - and evolve® is a standout example.
This week they officially launched their first product, the CIMA performance road frameset. Made with top-tier T1100, T800 and M40 carbon fibre and weighing just 650g (unpainted, size M), the debut frameset is a statement of intent from the Xiamen-based brand.
Their stated goal is to carve out a place in the market by delivering top-tier performance to cyclists worldwide through a range of in-house designed and manufactured bikes and finishing kit.
CIMA: Evolve®'s Promising Debut in Performance Road Cycling
Headquartered in Xiamen, China's hub for carbon fibre composites, evolve say they are "built on a solid foundation and driven by a clear mission: to deliver performance with purpose."
The brand's first model, the CIMA, is introduced as a "performance-focused road frameset designed to push limits". Named after the Italian word for "summit" and inspired by the Cima Coppi of the Giro d'Italia, the CIMA reflects the brand's aspiration to offer a well-rounded, high-performance ride.
Three colours are available at launch, with the CIMA coming as a frameset complete with seatpost and optional integrated cockpit. The frameset including aero seatpost is priced $2,299 (£1,735), with evolve seeking to offer keen value to more experienced, performance-chasing cyclists.
Geometry is the heart and soul of any frame, and evolve has sweated the detail: the CIMA is available in six sizes, accommodating riders from 146cm to 202cm, and offers two offset forks and three BB drops.
The carefully crafted geometry ensures that every rider, regardless of size, experiences the same responsive, high-performance ride.
On paper the numbers look good: the unpainted frame in size M weighs just 650g while the unpainted fork weighs only 355g. The frame is made using high-end T1100, T800, and M40 high-modulus carbon fibre, with evolve claiming excellent stiffness - they cite a figure of 53N/mm for the bottom bracket - which, they say, offers exceptional handling and pro race-level responsiveness on a par with top-tier international brands.
Alongside evolve, and to complement the brand's range of bikes the founders have also launched Kreuza - an accessory brand featuring the Apex, an ultra-lightweight, aerodynamic one-piece handlebar designed to elevate both speed and style.
Together, the two brands are focused on delivering top-tier products and services for pro cyclists and seasoned enthusiasts. Evolve is not aiming for the entry-level market or trying to cover the entire spectrum of cycling needs: instead, they are targeting the mid-to-high-end segment - cyclists who seek upgraded performance and value.
Uncompromising Testing and Performance
The CIMA frame has undergone 21 separate testing procedures in evolve's in-house lab and, evolve claim, has been tested to an even stricter standard than ISO. For example, the CIMA underwent rigorous seatpost fatigue testing, reaching a maximum load of 1440N over 10,000 cycles.
In addition the CIMA also was tested by the Zedler Institute in Germany and underwent wind tunnel testing at Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub. While remaining coy about which rival brands were used as a benchmark, evolve claim that at 45km/h, the CIMA saves an average of 4.74 watts compared to "the other leading international brand, with a lower CdA value, proving its aerodynamic superiority."
Media test samples are apparently on the way, with GCN among those excited by the potential on offer. "It looks legit - super light, even with paint it's still very, very light," they commented of the CIMA.
"It's incredibly smart, uses top-end T1100 carbon which is the same as what you get in a lot of super high-end bikes from western brands, CeramicSpeed bearings in the headset, a threaded bottom bracket, and a beautiful paintjob. It's ticking a lot of boxes."
Like GCN, we're keen to see the impact this brand will make, and hope to have the chance to test ride their debut bike and bring you some first-hand feedback.
In the meantime, keep an eye on evolve - this Chinese brand is just getting started.
Find out more at evolvebicycles.com.
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