By Fernando Vilela (aka Café na Trilha)
Yoeleo R12 – Long Term Review and a good History about a man and a road bike.
When I first heard about the Yoeleo R12 I wasn’t looking for a new bike and, definitely, not for a partnership. What caught my attention was a message from the brand’s importer in Brazil inviting me to try out a bike for a year, with the idea of creating some content around it. But here’s the thing: I don’t promote anything I haven’t tested thoroughly, and I’d never commit to using a bike for 12 months without knowing exactly what I was getting into. So I accepted the bike, but not the partnership!
That was the beginning of my story with the Yoeleo R12.
From the first ride, it was clear this wasn’t just another carbon frame dressed up with nice decals. The finish was top-tier, the geometry aggressive without being uncomfortable, and most importantly, the quality felt legit. I did my homework — checking certifications, details in the layup, build specs — and everything pointed to a serious product. So I called the importer back and made a counteroffer: a two-year deal, on the condition that the bike stayed with me. That’s how much I believed in it.
Since then, the R12 has been part of my life, quite literally. I’ve trained, raced, and even crashed on this bike. One of the scariest moments I’ve had on a bike happened while riding my R12: a brutal crash that left me unconscious on the ground with a broken jaw and a destroyed helmet. The R12? Just one broken wheel. The frame held up. And so did my trust in it.
Today, I’m receiving my third Yoeleo R12. Not because I needed a new bike, but because I wanted another one. I still have all three models, and after riding them consistently over time, I can confidently say I’m in a position to write a true long-term review. Not one based on specs or assumptions, but on years of real use, sweat, crashes, climbs, descents and everything in between.
Now, a little backstory for context: Yoeleo started in 2011, founded by Leo and a group of cycling-obsessed friends. But the story actually goes back to 2007, when they were still OEM manufacturers producing carbon components for global brands. After years of experience behind the scenes they launched their own brand, Yoeleo,focused on delivering high-quality carbon bikes and components directly to cyclists through smart e-commerce strategies. The R&D is strong, the customer experience is sharp, and their connection to performance runs deep — just look at their UCI Continental team, Yoeleo Test Team p/b 4MIND Project, competing in road and gravel disciplines with Yoeleo wheels, frames, and bars.
But this isn’t just about a company. It’s about a bike that has earned its place in my routine and, honestly, in my story. The R12 is fast, clean, well-built, and battle-tested. And over the next chapters, I’ll dive into what that really means — in detail, and with the kind of depth only time (and a few scars) can provide.
The Frameset I received came with a pair of C35 DB PRO NxT SL2s wheels, they surprised me from the first ride.
They’re light — like, noticeably light — in a way that you feel before you even clip in. Just walking the bike to the road, you can tell something’s different. And once you start pedaling, that lightness translates into this strange mix of smoothness and reactivity. It’s not just about saving watts on a climb; it’s about the way the bike responds when you stand on the pedals, the way it holds speed with less effort, the way it accelerates with almost no lag.
It’s worth saying: this isn’t placebo!
Whether it’s the T1000 carbon layup, the 35mm profile that finds a sweet spot between aero and stability, or the filament winding process they talk about on the site… it all adds up.
They’ve paired the wide 32mm external width and I put a 28c tires on it. It’s the kind of setup that just rolls. Fast. Confident. Stable in crosswinds. Cornering feels sharp but predictable. And when you dig in there’s instant engagement — that ratchet system in the hub doesn’t wait around. You push, it moves. Simple as that. Great Sound!
What I like the most, though, is that these wheels don’t try to be flashy. No loud graphics. No unnecessary hype. They’re just quiet performers — the kind of gear you forget about because it works.
For anyone considering their next bike, be it your first real road machine or your next high-performance upgrade, the R12 deserves a look. It’s a bike that earns your trust. Whether you’re lining up for a race, heading out for a training session or just riding to clear your head, it delivers. In other words, it’s fast when you want it to be, smooth when you need it to be, and solid when it matters most.
Complete review: https://youtu.be/pkgPxux8MBI&list=UULFcgAvBgJ9cX8w6NeHTlgqdQutros
