evolve expands into gravel with the new CIMA GR frameset

Following the success of its performance road platform, CIMA, evolve is now bringing its engineering philosophy into a new frontier. At this year’s Shanghai International Cycle Show, the brand officially unveiled the CIMA GR, marking its first step into the gravel category. More than just a new model, the CIMA GR represents a natural evolution, built on a proven foundation and refined through a full year of focused development.

Rather than starting from zero, evolve chose a different path. The CIMA GR inherits the core DNA of the original CIMA road frameset, translating its performance-driven philosophy into a platform capable of handling more complex and demanding terrain. The result is a gravel frameset that balances speed, control, and durability, designed not only for exploration but for riders who demand performance without compromise.

Performance

At the heart of the CIMA GR lies evolve’s unwavering design principle: geometry comes first. Just like its road counterpart, the gravel platform has been developed with a strong focus on rider experience, ensuring that performance is consistent across all sizes and conditions.

The CIMA GR is available in six carefully engineered sizes, each paired with optimised STR (Stack-to-Reach) values. This ensures that riders of different body types can achieve the same balanced position, maintaining consistent handling and control across the entire size range. It’s a detail that reflects evolve’s commitment to precision, not just in materials, but in fit and ride quality.

To meet the demands of gravel riding, the geometry has been thoughtfully adapted. A slightly slacker head tube angle improves stability, especially during high-speed descents on loose terrain. At the same time, a lower bottom bracket lowers the rider’s centre of gravity, enhancing confidence and control when navigating technical sections.

Meanwhile, the refined fork trail contributes to a ride feel that is both stable and responsive, striking a delicate balance between predictability and agility. Together, these adjustments allow the CIMA GR to deliver a riding experience that feels intuitive, controlled, and fast across a wide variety of surfaces.

Beyond geometry, aerodynamics remains a key pillar of the CIMA GR’s performance. Tested at the world-class Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub, the frame demonstrates a measurable advantage in real-world conditions. Under controlled testing scenarios, the CIMA GR is capable of saving up to 17.28 watts at 35 km/h, compared to leading gravel models on the market.

This level of aerodynamic efficiency is rarely associated with gravel bikes, yet evolve has successfully integrated it without compromising versatility, setting a new benchmark for what an aerodynamic gravel frame can achieve.

Performance improvements extend deeper into the structure of the frame. Based on in-house testing data, the CIMA GR features a 1.2% increase in head tube stiffness and a 7.5% improvement in bottom bracket rigidity compared to another top-tier gravel model. These enhancements translate directly into more precise handling and more efficient power transfer, allowing riders to maximise every watt they produce.

Material choice plays a crucial role in achieving this balance. The frame is constructed using Torayca T1100 and T800 carbon fibre, combined with a specialised resin system that enhances overall structural performance. The result is a frameset that weighs just 750 grams (size M, unpainted) - exceptionally light for a gravel platform - without sacrificing strength or durability.

To complement the frame, the CIMA GR is equipped with a range of premium, rider-focused components. These include CeramicSpeed SLT bearings (optional) for long-lasting, low-maintenance performance, a SRAM UDH derailleur hanger for universal compatibility, and a BSA threaded bottom bracket for ease of service and reliability over time.

Every detail reflects evolve’s philosophy: prioritise the rider, and maximise value through thoughtful engineering.

Versatility is another key aspect of the CIMA GR. With maximum tyre clearance of 50mm, the frame is capable of accommodating a wide range of setups, from fast gravel racing configurations to more aggressive, all-terrain exploration. This adaptability ensures that the bike performs just as well on smooth dirt roads as it does on rough, technical trails.

Meanwhile, evolve also launched the KREUZA Apex GR One-Piece Handlebar, which is a perfect match for the CIMA GR. This bar is not only compatible with the CIMA GR but also with the original CIMA road frameset. With 18 size options, the handlebar weighs just 310g for size 385 x 100mm.

Featuring an aero profile, the bar’s cross-section is only 16mm at its thinnest point, ensuring that it minimises drag while providing excellent comfort. Constructed with premium Torayca 800 carbon, the handlebar is also built for durability and comfort over long distances. Riders can even install bar extensions, adding comfort for longer rides. The KREUZA Touch comfort handlebar tape comes included, making long gravel rides even more comfortable.

Colourways

While performance underpins the CIMA GR, its visual identity reflects something equally important: a connection to nature. As evolve’s first gravel model, the design team drew inspiration directly from the environments riders encounter, creating a lineup of colourways that are both expressive and meaningful.

To keep the range focused and memorable, the CIMA GR is introduced in three distinctive finishes, each representing a different aspect of the natural world.

Sahara Nude (To be launched on June 18)

Sahara Nude is a study in rawness and restraint. Designed for riders who seek a deeper connection with the terrain, this colourway features a unique textured finish that sets it apart from traditional paintwork. The surface evokes the tactile feeling of natural stone. It's subtle, grounded, and authentic.

Inspired by desert landscapes, the design reflects the essence of gravel riding itself: dust, sand, and surfaces shaped over time by wind and movement. A refined silver foil accent on the fork introduces a delicate contrast, balancing the rugged texture with a sense of precision and elegance. Look closer, and a hidden wind-erosion pattern reveals itself in an understated detail that adds depth and character to the frame.

Sailfish Pearl (To be launched on June 18)

In contrast, Sailfish Pearl expresses speed and fluidity. Inspired by the sailfish - the fastest creature in the ocean - this colourway translates natural efficiency into visual form. Every line and graphic element is designed to reflect motion, precision, and flow.

The pearl white glossy finish serves as a clean and luminous base, capturing light in a way that enhances the frame’s sculpted surfaces. On the fork and seat tube, fin-inspired graphics echo the dynamic movement of a sailfish cutting through water.

Adding another layer of complexity, iridescent decals shift in colour depending on light and viewing angle, creating a subtle yet captivating sense of depth. The result is a design that feels alive.

Limited colourway: Turquoise Green (To be launched on July 30)

The most intricate of the three, Turquoise Green draws inspiration from the natural beauty of turquoise stone.

A smooth gradient transitions from light green to deep green, creating a layered visual effect that feels organic and immersive. This is paired with a matte metallic finish with subtle silver tones, adding texture and a modern edge to the design.

Carefully placed silver foil accents enhance the handcrafted feel, echoing the raw edges and natural patterns found in real turquoise. Every detail is composed with intention, resulting in a colourway that balances individuality with sophistication.

With the launch of the CIMA GR, evolve once again demonstrates its commitment to pushing boundaries, not only in performance but also in design and craftsmanship. Each frame is treated not simply as a product, but as a carefully considered piece of work, where engineering precision meets visual expression.

For evolve, the mission remains clear: prioritise the rider, respect the process, and create products that deliver both performance and meaning.

About evolve

evolve isn’t just another brand entering the cycling scene, it’s the result of three years of passion, precision, and experience. Founded by Tony Tong (Elitewheels) and Mian Chan (Cybrei Cranksets) - both influential names in the cycling industry - evolve brings together technical expertise and rider-focused innovation. Based in Xiamen, China’s hub for carbon fibre composites, evolve is built on a solid foundation ready to deliver performance with purpose.

For more information, visit evolvebicycles.com or follow us on Instagram @evolvebicycles_.