From Proven Speed to Unbound Terrain — Redefining Aerodynamic Gravel Performance
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 optimized 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, an increased bottom bracket drop lowers the rider’s center 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 maximize every watt they produce.
Material choice plays a crucial role in achieving this balance. The frame is constructed using TORAYCA T1100 and T800 carbon fiber, combined with a specialized resin system that enhances overall structural performance. The result is a frameset that weighs just 750 grams (size M, unpainted) , which is exceptionally light for a gravel platform, without sacrificing strength or durability.
Every detail reflects evolve’s philosophy: prioritize the rider, and maximize value through thoughtful engineering.
To complement the new platform, evolve has also introduced the KREUZA Apex GR integrated handlebar. Designed as the perfect companion to the CIMA GR while remaining fully compatible with the original CIMA road frameset, the Apex GR reflects the growing demand for products that seamlessly bridge road and gravel riding.
Available in 18 size configurations, the handlebar weighs as little as 310 g in a 385 × 100 mm size. Its aerodynamic NACA-inspired profile features a cross-section as narrow as 16 mm at its thinnest point, helping to reduce drag without compromising comfort. Constructed from premium TORAYCA T800 carbon fiber, the Apex GR is engineered to provide the stiffness required for performance riding while maintaining comfort over long distances. Riders can also equip the bar with clip-on extensions, making it suitable for endurance events, ultra-distance adventures, and long training rides. Each handlebar comes supplied with KREUZA Touch comfort bar tape, further enhancing rider comfort on extended gravel outings.
The launch of the CIMA GR also marks the beginning of a broader gravel ecosystem developed by KREUZA. Riders can now explore a growing range of gravel-focused accessories on both the evolve and KREUZA official websites, including the 1x Chain Guide for quick and reliable chain retention, top tube bag and the Internal Tool Bag, designed to discreetly store essential repair equipment inside the frame. (The Internal Tool Bag is included in the CIMA GR frameset kit and is also available separately.)
In the coming months, KREUZA will further expand this ecosystem with the introduction of the Slice Max aerodynamic bottle system. Together, these products represent evolve and KREUZA’s shared vision of creating a complete, performance-driven gravel system designed for modern riders — from the frame to every detail that enhances the riding experience.
Colorways
While performance defines the foundation of the CIMA GR, its visual identity reflects something equally important: a connection to nature. As evolve’s first gravel model, the design team chose to draw inspiration directly from the environments riders encounter, creating a lineup of colorways 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
Sahara Nude is a study in rawness and restraint. Designed for riders who seek a deeper connection with the terrain, this colorway features a unique textured finish that sets it apart from traditional paintwork. The surface evokes the tactile feeling of natural stone — 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, an understated detail that adds depth and character to the frame.
Sailfish Pearl
In contrast, Sailfish Pearl expresses speed and fluidity. Inspired by the sailfish, the fastest creature in the ocean, this colorway 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 color depending on light and viewing angle, creating a subtle yet captivating sense of depth. The result is a design that feels alive — constantly changing, just like the ride itself.
Before the end of the season, evolve will unveil a new limited-edition colorway, which is the most intricate and craftsmanship-intensive design among the three new releases. Showcasing evolve’s most advanced approach to color design and finishing techniques, this exclusive edition represents the brand’s pursuit of refined aesthetics and exceptional craftsmanship.
Limited to only 30 units worldwide, this exclusive colorway will officially launch in September, arriving at the perfect time for riders to prepare and choose their ultimate gravel setup for the upcoming season.
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: prioritize 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 fiber 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_.
