Guide to Domestic Chinese Gravel Bike Frames and Custom Builds

Gravel cycling (colloquially known as "gua车" or melon bikes in China) has witnessed an unprecedented surge in popularity. Rather than purchasing expensive premium import completes, a growing number of cycling enthusiasts, DIY builders, and budget-conscious riders are choosing the "自组" (self-build) route. By pairing high-value domestic framesets with carefully selected components, riders are building high-performance, personalized setups without the premium brand markup.

Here is a comprehensive guide to the top domestic Chinese gravel bike frames, categorized by material, brand profiles, and essential self-build advice based on real-world riding experiences.

Material Comparison: Carbon, Aluminum, Titanium, and Steel

When starting a custom build, your choice of frame material determines your bike's weight, durability, aesthetic appeal, and budget limits. Here is how the dominant domestic options compare:

In-Depth Profiles of Notable Domestic Frames

1. Carbonda & Assisting Force (AF)

Carbonda is highly regarded as a high-value domestic alternative to premium imported frames.

• Assisting Force AF01: Manufactured in the Carbonda factory using advanced monocoque carbon technology, the AF01 features flat inner walls and a highly optimized integrated frame storage box. This storage box utilizes a secure, rattle-free closure system that solves the common alignment and noise issues of older designs. It is equipped with a T47 bottom bracket, UDH derailleur hanger, 52-52 headtube, and uses a 27.2mm seatpost. An ultra-lightweight SSL version is also available.
• Carbonda 707: Frequently utilized as a cost-effective "substitute" for top-tier imports like the Specialized Crux or Trek Checkmate, making it perfect for entry-to-mid-tier custom carbon builds.

2. Hanglun (航轮)

A massive OEM manufacturer for global titanium brands, Hanglun also offers highly regarded frames under its own name.

• Hanglun G7.2: Priced at approximately ¥5,000, this frameset is highly cost-effective and retains excellent resale value. It supports up to 50C tire clearance and features raw, handmade welds for a unique metallic aesthetic.
• Hanglun G0: A popular choice for flat-bar commuting or urban cruising. However, note that its matching titanium fork is roughly 300g heavier than carbon equivalents and delivers lower lateral stiffness and reduced vibration damping.

3. Cosmos (宇宙) & Incolor

• Cosmos Oi!: Offered in two distinct carbon fiber versions. The Balanced version (priced at ¥6,999 for the frameset) features 15 integrated mounting points, making it highly expandable for heavy-duty bikepacking. The Racing version (priced at ¥9,999 for the frameset/complete build baseline) features a clean, hole-free design with T1000 carbon fiber reinforcement for high speed.
• Incolor Voyager: A premium, racing-oriented carbon frame featuring excellent lightweight geometry optimized for road speed and light gravel performance.

4. SEKA "瓜瓜乐"

This frame is built strictly for heavy-duty durability rather than weight-saving. Complete builds easily start at 8kg+, prioritizing structural strength for aggressive off-road and technical trail riding over rocky terrain. Note that it features a relatively high standover height.

5. Entry-Level & Budget Alternatives

• Twitter G2 (性能): An ultra-lightweight aluminum gravel frame. The XL frame (equivalent to a Specialized size 58) weighs a surprising 1650g excluding hardware. Its uncut carbon fork weighs 330g, and the seatpost weighs 150g, complete with a modern UDH derailleur hanger.
• Zhongwei G30 / G50: The G30 is an entry-level carbon frame with an EPS version priced at just ¥2,200. It allows builders to complete an entire bike for around ¥6,600 using second-hand parts. Its successor, the G50, has also been released. Be aware that the G30's carbon fork is relatively soft, which can sometimes lead to minor disc brake rotor rub during out-of-the-saddle efforts.
• Gascycle N2: Technically a road-oriented aluminum frame with a carbon fork, but its ability to clear up to 35C tires makes it a highly popular option for light gravel and mixed-surface road builds.

Practical Tips for Your Custom Gravel Build (自组)

• Time Your Purchases: Winter and late off-season promotional periods are the best times to purchase frames and components. Market prices dip significantly, and backordered parts are much easier to source.
• Avoid Over-Shaving Weight: For real off-road gravel riding, structural durability is far more important than saving a few grams. Shaving too much weight on carbon components increases the risk of structural failure on rocky terrains.
• Speed vs. Aerodynamics: If your goal is to ride faster on rough gravel, reducing your tire width by 5mm is far more effective than focusing on aerodynamic frame shapes.
• Sizing Down for High Standover Frames: For robust frames with high standover heights (such as the SEKA), consider sizing down and using a longer stem to preserve groin clearance during sudden, unexpected stops.
• Component Compatibility Warnings:
  • Seatposts: If your frame specifies a 27.2mm seatpost (like the AF01), you must source specialized narrow-diameter dropper posts. Standard, cheaper dropper posts (30.9mm or 31.6mm) will not fit.
  • Wheel Building: Affordable options like Vel Carbon Rims offer highly consistent 25mm hooked profiles, but they feature unpolished spoke holes that can feel abrasive during the initial lacing process.
  • Tire Selection: Ensure your frame has wide clearance (up to 45C or 50C) for true off-road versatility. Avoid narrow stock tires (such as 28C tires sometimes packaged with brands like Pardus) if your primary goal is actual gravel riding rather than road cycling.
  • Drivetrain Matching: Consider modern domestic components such as the WheelTop GEX 13-speed electronic groupset, which provides precise, single-chainring shifting even on bumpy terrains.
  • Maximizing a Budget: For a premium custom build around a ¥20,000 budget, pairing a high-quality domestic titanium frame (like Hanglun) with premium second-hand components (like SRAM Force AXS or Campagnolo Ekar) will deliver maximum long-term value.

All Xiaohongshu Notes