Ceepo Mamba-R (Part 1): Crushing Gravel with Aero Flair
First of all, apologies for the lack of reviews! Had my 2 A-races early this year and training volume was getting the most out of me but hear me out, I've got this in the pipe for long and I’m pumped to kick off this three-part series on my Ceepo Mamba-R, a bike that’s been my go-to for shredding every terrain from gravel to tarmac with serious style and speed.
For those not familiar with the brand, Ceepo has been around for a while but is most known for its triathlon bikes with aero in mind before it became the thing in the peloton. Recently, Ceepo roared back into the US market in 2025 through Ceepo Bikes USA in Lansdale, PA, and they’re making waves by sponsoring Team BIKE AID, a European pro cycling team racing the Mamba-R to push boundaries in road, gravel, and triathlon events through 2025. This bold move signals Ceepo’s commitment to multidiscipline performance, and it’s got the cycling world buzzing. In this first installment, we’re diving into gravel riding, where this bike is an absolute beast. Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll hit the road, and part three, where we’ll explore its triathlon prowess. Since 2022, the Mamba-R’s design has stayed largely unchanged—think of it as a refined classic, not a weight weenie’s dream but a serious value performer for riders who want one bike to check every box.
Specifications
Here’s the rundown on the specs that make the Mamba-R a gravel-crushing machine:
Frame Material | Carbon fiber (Japan Toray ®) |
Tire Clearance | Max 35c (fitted 38c Panaracer Gravel Kings with +0.5cm clearance) |
Weight | Frameset: 1,120g (M size, naked); Fork: 450g (uncut steerer 300mm, naked) |
Groupset Compatibility | Mechanical and electronic, 2x and 1x |
Bottom Bracket | BB386EVO |
Brake & Rotor | Flat Mount, Rotor 160mm Max. |
Seat Post | CEEPO tri-seat post (reversible) |
Colors | None More Black, Kamado Red and more |
UCI Compliance | Yes |
Gravel Performance
These specs scream gravel readiness, with enough tire clearance to handle chunky rubber—I managed to fit 38c Panaracer Gravel King tires with more than half a cm of clearance to spare. The carbon frame balances stiffness and comfort, making it a versatile performer for multidiscipline riders who don’t obsess over shaving grams.
On gravel, it may not be the best but for light gravel, the Mamba-R is a straight-up beast, built to keep up with the aero obsession sweeping gravel racing. Look at Dylan Johnson’s setup at Unbound Gravel 2024—his Felt Breed Carbon with narrow aero bars, a 140mm Enve stem, and shaved Continental Race King tires shows how aero is king, even on dirt. The Mamba-R fits right into this trend with its sleek, truncated airfoil tube shapes and kammtail downtube that cut drag while maintaining stability. The asymmetrical chainstays deliver crisp power transfer, so every watt you put down rockets you forward.
I’ve hammered this bike on everything from smooth gravel paths to rocky, rutted trails, and it’s always delivered. The carbon frame soaks up vibrations, keeping things smooth on rough dirt roads. Its neutral geometry makes cornering on loose surfaces feel confident and predictable, whether you’re carving turns or bombing descents. For gravel riders chasing speed and efficiency, this bike is a no-brainer.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is everything on long gravel rides, and the Mamba-R nails it. The carbon fiber frame eats up vibrations from bumpy gravel roads, keeping you fresh for hours. The FSA SMR stem lets you dial in your fit, so you can stay comfy whether you’re grinding out miles or soaking in the scenery. The bike’s geometry hits a sweet spot—stable for sketchy descents, nimble for tight turns, and perfect for keeping you in control on mixed terrain.
Versatility
Who Should Get This Bike
The Ceepo Mamba-R is made for riders who want a do-it-all bike. Gravel junkies eyeing road races, triathletes needing a versatile rig, or cyclists who love mixing terrains—this bike’s got your back. It’s perfect for those who prioritize aero efficiency and multidiscipline performance over chasing the lightest frame. If you want one bike that checks every box, this is it.
User Feedback
Fellow riders are raving about the Mamba-R’s gravel game. One cyclist on a forum said, “The Mamba-R handles gravel like it was born for it—stable, responsive, and comfy enough for long rides.” My own experience backs this up; this bike feels at home on dirt, with enough clearance for beefy tires and handling that inspires you to push harder and explore further.
Rating
The Ceepo Mamba-R is a gravel-slaying powerhouse that blends cutting-edge aero design with rugged versatility for riders who demand speed across any terrain.
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