Case Study: Custom Yoeleo G21 Altera Gravel Bike

I’ve owned more gravel and cyclocross bikes than any other type combined. Why? Simply put — they’ve always felt like a compromise. Not as fast as my road bike, and not as fun as my mountain bike.
Gravel cycling as a discipline is constantly evolving, and I see it as having two main branches: Adventure Gravel and Race Gravel. My riding and goals sit firmly in the Race Gravel category, with a few key target events planned for 2026.
So, what makes this gravel bike different? And why did I choose the specific components I did?

The Problem with Traditional Gravel Bikes

Gravel bikes have historically been all about compromise, mainly due to two limitations:
1. Tyre Clearance
Most gravel frames only allow tyres up to 40–45mm wide. That means you’re forced to choose between speed or durability:
• Go with a fast-rolling tyre and risk punctures, or
• Choose a tougher tyre and sacrifice rolling efficiency.
Mountain bike tyres, interestingly, solve much of this issue. Despite their size, modern MTB tyres can actually roll faster thanks to lighter casings and higher air volume, which also provides natural puncture resistance.
2. Gearing and Components
Until recently, gravel drivetrains were adapted from road groupsets. This created two problems:
• Durability — road components aren’t designed for off-road punishment.
• Gearing range — ratios were never quite right for mixed terrain.

The Build: My Yoeleo G21 Altera

Frame:
I chose the Yoeleo G21 Altera frame primarily for its generous tyre clearance — up to 53mm. This opens up a whole new level of performance and comfort on rougher terrain.
Wheels:
Custom VeloElite Carbon Prototype wheels, built with silver Hope hubs and matching spokes. The rims are 45mm deep with a 30mm internal width, perfectly optimized for the wider tyres I’m running. They look incredible and perform even better.
Tyres:
• Front: Continental Race King 2.2 (56mm) with the Black Chili compound — one of the fastest-rolling MTB tyres available, offering excellent grip and confidence on loose surfaces.
• Rear: Schwalbe Thunder Burt Superground 2.1 (53mm) — fast, light, and just grippy enough for dry or mixed gravel. I went for the Superground version for extra durability.
Drivetrain:
A carefully hand-selected mix of components to maximize performance and reliability:
• Shifters: Shimano GRX 1×12
• Brake Calipers: Shimano Dura-Ace
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT (short cage)
• Cassette: Shimano XT 9–45T
• Chainring: 46T
This setup provides a huge gear range — perfect for both steep climbs and flat-out racing speeds.
Cockpit:
For an aerodynamic and efficient position, I’ve gone with a 150mm stem and 38cm-wide handlebars. This combo gives me enough control for technical descents while keeping me tucked and aero on faster sections.

Why This Setup Works for well for gravel riding

Some of these choices might seem unconventional, but every component has been selected to give me a performance edge in race conditions. Gravel racing demands versatility — each course has its own terrain challenges — so a well-balanced, efficient setup can make all the difference.
This Yoeleo G21 Altera build has been fine-tuned with one major goal in mind: The Gralloch UCI Gravel Race, May 2026.
I’m confident this bike will deliver the speed, control, and durability I’ve always wanted from a gravel rig — without the compromises.