Seka ExAero GR review: can this highly in-demand Chinese gravel frame compete with the established favourites?
A high-quality frame with a superb paint finish and great features that delivers both on- and off-road
The Seka ExAero GR is a highly sought-after Chinese gravel bike that aims to compete with established brands. It closely resembles Seka's Spear aero race bike, which was inspired by Specialized's Tarmac SL8. The bike incorporates the WindEye aero element at the rear, developed in collaboration with AeroCoach, resulting in lower drag and improved rear compliance, crucial for gravel riding.
Seka utilized a combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing to design the frame. The Seka Spear performed well in wind tunnel tests at 40km/h. The ExAero GR achieved only a 9.9w slower speed compared to a Spear with round bottles, which is impressive for a gravel bike.
The frame features 56mm front and 52mm rear tyre clearance, ensuring minimal frame rub even with heavy mud. The chainstays are thin enough to accommodate a crank-based power meter without any issues. Seka also provides magnetic internal frame storage and mounting options for various accessories, including bottle cages or bags.
The Gladius GR one-piece handlebar offers multiple width and length options, allowing for personalized adjustability. The bike is available in six sizes, with six-frame sizes ranging from 49 to 61cm. The quoted weight of an unpainted frame without hardware for size 54cm is 980g. In comparison, the Cannondale SuperX Lab71 weighs less than 900g, and the Specialized S-Works Crux 5 starts at 789g for a 56cm painted frame.
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