Feedback on the Velobuild VB-M-095??

[apctjb]

Have recently built up two bikes; one using a Workswell 093 road frame and the other Velobuild 27.5+ MTB fat tire frame.

Looking to build another hard tail MTB, and looking for the light frame, slacker geometry and can accommodate >2.3" tires. Considering the Velobuild 095, and looking for any feedback others might have had with this frame or suggestion for another.

Weight is a big consideration as I am shooting for <20lb build.

 

[Wal-ter]

Here a frame that looks identical to the vb-095:

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/2018-NEW-T1000-29er-Carbon-mtb-Frame-UD-Mountain-bike-Frame-29-UD-PF30-Matt-Glossy/32847677694.html?spm=a2g0y.10010108.1000016.1.37cc4917fkA1wk&isOrigTitle=true

claimed weight 1000gr

I am a bit sceptical about the particular seat clamp...

[apctjb]

Here a frame that looks identical to the vb-095:

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/2018-NEW-T1000-29er-Carbon-mtb-Frame-UD-Mountain-bike-Frame-29-UD-PF30-Matt-Glossy/32847677694.html?spm=a2g0y.10010108.1000016.1.37cc4917fkA1wk&isOrigTitle=true

Yes, looks like the same frame. Do you have first hand experience with internal seat clamp or just don't like the idea? I have never had one but have ridden with people (road bikes) that do.

[Wal-ter]

Here a frame that looks identical to the vb-095:

https://it.aliexpress.com/item/2018-NEW-T1000-29er-Carbon-mtb-Frame-UD-Mountain-bike-Frame-29-UD-PF30-Matt-Glossy/32847677694.html?spm=a2g0y.10010108.1000016.1.37cc4917fkA1wk&isOrigTitle=true

Yes, looks like the same frame. Do you have first hand experience with internal seat clamp or just don't like the idea? I have never had one but have ridden with people (road bikes) that do.

I have a TT frame with an internal seat clamp but the screw is located on the superior part of the horizontal tube and in case of failure I can extract the whole mechanism and replace it.
I wonder if I could do the same with this vb-095; looking at the images the screw is under the horizontal tube and the mechanism might be embedded in the frame and not replaceable. Better ask to the vendor

[bxcc]

With a TT length of 600 (19" frame) and chain stays at 440, I would put the Velobuild 095 strictly in the XC category and not the "slack fun to ride" category.

Do care if the rear is 148x12 Boost? If that works, I would go with the XMCarbon CS-496. Otherwise, check out the Workswell 062. Yes it's 71 HA with a 497mm fork (based off the 90mm that Specialized uses) but most 100mm forks are 506 or 507. I have a RS Sid 120mm on mine and it's roughly 69.5 for the head angle. And with the relatively short 430mm chain stays and long 620mm top tube (18.5"), it's super fun to ride. It's not really in the "trail" segment, but it's still plenty fun ride.

[apctjb]

Do care if the rear is 148x12 Boost? If that works, I would go with the XMCarbon CS-496. Otherwise, check out the Workswell 062. Yes it's 71 HA with a 497mm fork (based off the 90mm that Specialized uses) but most 100mm forks are 506 or 507. I have a RS Sid 120mm on mine and it's roughly 69.5 for the head angle. And with the relatively short 430mm chain stays and long 620mm top tube (18.5"), it's super fun to ride. It's not really in the "trail" segment, but it's still plenty fun ride.

The CS-496 looks very similar to the velobuild 27.5+ plus frame that I just finished. Its boost, and with the asymmetrical chainstay can fit up to 3" tires. I put 2.6" tires on 40mm rims and 120mm Reba shock and your right, it is a ton of fun to ride.  Problem is the frame weighed in at 1500g in size 17. If I could find this frame at 1200g then that is clearly the way I would go, but hoping for something fun to ride but lighter.

Cound not find the Workswell 063 online.

[bxcc]

Here is the 062
http://www.workswellbikes.com/PRODDUCT/MTB/XC/20170117/16.html

Their new 150 frame looks like a decent option too. Nice and long in the top tube, relatively short at 435 in the chain stays, and 69.5 HA with a 100mm fork.
http://www.workswellbikes.com/PRODDUCT/MTB/XC/20170809/154.html

[Silverado123]

Looks awesome!

[apctjb]

claimed weight 1000gr

I ordered the Velobuild 095 in size L -19". Came in this week. Measured 1004g on my scale, impressive for a MTB frame. Fit and finish look good. Ordering up components now, will post photos of completed bike...

[Wal-ter]

claimed weight 1000gr

I ordered the Velobuild 095 in size L -19". Came in this week. Measured 1004g on my scale, impressive for a MTB frame. Fit and finish look good. Ordering up components now, will post photos of completed bike...

Great!
What about the seat clamp? Is it strong enough?
I also looked at this frame, but the seat clamp is my first concern.

[apctjb]

Seat clamp is beefy with large contact area. Interesting aside it appears that with the internal seat clamp  you could use either 30.9 or 31.6 seat post as the mechanism can take up the slack when using a 30.9

[Wal-ter]

Seat clamp is beefy with large contact area. Interesting aside it appears that with the internal seat clamp  you could use either 30.9 or 31.6 seat post as the mechanism can take up the slack when using a 30.9

good to know, thanks for the information.

What about the BB? Velobuild claims it is a PF30, but some other vendors of the (apparently) same frame on aliexpress say it is a BB86 (which sounds me a bit weird since BB86 is a road bike standard as far as I know)

[apctjb]

What about the BB? Velobuild claims it is a PF30

The one I got is PF30. I am setting mine up with XT 1x11 so using a PF30 to Shimano BB.

[apctjb]

I tried the frame with 2.4 tires; plenty of clearance. If I find a deal on some 2.6" going to give them a try although that might be pushing clearance to bare minimum.