VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame

[SillyMochi]

Glad it works for you. Headset didn't come loose again? How much torque did you apply to the compression plug and stem bolts?

[2Burgen]

Since I always stop before the max torque when doing it by hand, I stopped using a torque wrench after a few years of using one. So, I cannot answer the question.

The plug rather loose but the stem rather tighter.

[hazzer19]

I completed my build approximately one month and 1,000 km ago, and I thought I would share some impressions and experiences. Communication with Velobuild went well, as did the tax-included shipping to Europe, which took just under three weeks. The frame size is 49 cm, and I chose the color "glossy pearl white" after seeing some great pictures earlier in the thread. The color looks just as impressive in person, although there are some minor imperfections in the paint (a couple of matte spots and some "orange peel"). Nothing I can't live with for the price.

I ordered the frame without the handlebar but with the stem. I wouldn’t feel comfortable using the stem (nor did I really intend to) based on the quality of workmanship it exhibited. I tossed it in the bin. Instead, I modeled and 3D-printed a custom transition piece in CF-reinforced nylon, between the stock headset dust cap and a genuine SL7 stem with corresponding spacers. It turned out quite well.

I opted to use a DEDA 70 mm expander plug, and the installation almost ended in disaster. It was oversized for the fork steerer’s internal diameter, so I had to turn/sand down the diameter of the end pieces. However, I misjudged the flexibility of the middle piece, and it began to get stuck about three-quarters of the way down during installation. I had to resort to an almost uncomfortable level of force, hammering it down with a rubber mallet, but it got there in the end. On the plus side, I’m sure it will never slip. Be careful if you plan to use this expander—don't repeat my mistake!

While the included headset bearings seemed fine, I installed stainless bearings from the start, hoping they’ll be "set and forget." The brake caliper mount faces were not properly masked during painting, so I had to carefully file/sand them down. To my relief, I haven’t encountered any alignment or rubbing issues so far.

Apart from the issues mentioned above, the build went smoothly without any major concerns. I used 105 Di2 except for the front derailleur and cassette (Ultegra), and rotors and chain (Dura-Ace). Routing the Di2 cables and brake hoses went smoothly after drilling/Dremeling out the hole in the front derailleur port. I bought the 3D-printed battery seatpost wedge that was linked earlier in the thread. The wheels are AR56 from LB, and the handlebar is PRO Vibe aero carbon. The included mounting hardware has worked fine with the PRO Turnix carbon rail saddle.

I had concerns about the speed-release axles, but they’ve worked flawlessly so far, and I would even say they're convenient. The small hex screw holding the derailleur hanger in place needs to be quite loose, though—otherwise, the thru-axle binds in the threads as it misaligns the hanger. I secured it with Loctite, and it hasn’t caused any issues since.

Would I buy again? Yes!

Clean looking build! Especially the cockpit area, nice work

[arnaud63]

Hello everyone,

First, thanks for the hundreds of really helpful messages about this frame 

I have received the frame. I'm having a bit of difficulty to route the shifting cable for the front derailleur. There seems to be too much of a bend in the cable to properly seat in the cable pass through bracket. I have read several times that the metallic piece needs to be modified with a dremel so that the cable end cap sit more horizontally in the grommet. I have carefully started to drill the upper part but it seems not enough to have the cable properly seated inside. I'm using regular Shimano ot-sp41 outer cable.
I'm afraid that if the cable runs too much horizontally in the grommet, the inner cable may enter in contact with the tire or in order to prevent it, the inner cable will be bent too much when tightened to the RD.

I would appreciate any information or pictures on how you managed to have a mechanical front derailleur installed and route the cable.
Thanks

[Tdiguy]

Has anyone considered or tried a SL7 transition cover instead of the supplied VeloBuild cover?

[2Burgen]

Velobuild paints the cover so it fits the frame colour.

[adrian9211]

Anyone has experience with orders to UK? Chris advised to choose cheaper delivery method and pay custom duties. Really wish to pay more for delivery and be sure to receive parcel without any hassle.

[Serge_K]

Anyone has experience with orders to UK? Chris advised to choose cheaper delivery method and pay custom duties. Really wish to pay more for delivery and be sure to receive parcel without any hassle.

Given the sales volumes Chris, and having dealt numerous times with customs myself, if he suggests that, it will probably end up being cheaper, wouldnt be in his own interest to advise something worse for you, and i m pretty sure their margin on all shipping methods is similar. The parcel gets stopped, you get a letter, you have to pay something, and then it's delivered to you. if you have documents ready (ask him the value declared on the parcel and make sure you have some invoice that shows that), it can delay delivery by only a few days.
And if budget is no object, dont get a VB

[Jnewman]

Anyone has experience with orders to UK? Chris advised to choose cheaper delivery method and pay custom duties. Really wish to pay more for delivery and be sure to receive parcel without any hassle.

I paid for the cheaper delivery and arrived in about 14 days from dispatch. I didn't get charged any custom duties - I've only been charged for one order from China ever - a set of cheap wheels. Only cost me about £20 as they always mark down the actual price on the box.

[PLA]

How is the quality of velobuild these days? I'm considering a frame from them...

[heissduscher]

So, my build is done 

Looks Awesome! which size did you get ? I am currently undecided between an S and an M and try to figure out which is visually more appealing to me..

[easycon69]

I'm really proud to show you my latest build:

Frame: Velobuild 268 size 54, color: Ice break red fade to black
Bar/stem: Velobuild integrated 110/420 mm
Saddle: RXL Carbon saddle
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170, 50/34 - 11-30. 172,5 mm
Wheels: Farsport Feder 45 mm 28 mm external
Tyres: Continental Ultra Sport III 700x28 mm
Tubes: RideNow TPU 36g

Weight 7,3 kg with Garmin support and bottle cages, w/o pedals. 

I am very happy with the result, considering that this is my first assembly of a bicycle with an electronic groupset and hydraulic brakes. I didn't have any particular problems during assembly, apart from a little worry when cutting the brake lines to length.
I covered 120+ km over the weekend and everything went smoothly: the bike responds very well to stress and is stiffer than my VB 168.

[some guy]

I'm really proud to show you my latest build:

Frame: Velobuild 268 size 54, color: Ice break red fade to black
Bar/stem: Velobuild integrated 110/420 mm
Saddle: RXL Carbon saddle
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170, 50/34 - 11-30. 172,5 mm
Wheels: Farsport Feder 45 mm 28 mm external
Tyres: Continental Ultra Sport III 700x28 mm
Tubes: RideNow TPU 36g

Weight 7,3 kg with Garmin support and bottle cages, w/o pedals. 

I am very happy with the result, considering that this is my first assembly of a bicycle with an electronic groupset and hydraulic brakes. I didn't have any particular problems during assembly, apart from a little worry when cutting the brake lines to length.
I covered 120+ km over the weekend and everything went smoothly: the bike responds very well to stress and is stiffer than my VB 168.

do you use the seatpost cover from another bike or did velobuild finally update theirs?

[easycon69]

do you use the seatpost cover from another bike or did velobuild finally update theirs?

I've used a seatpost cover bought from Aliexpress. The one supplied by Velobuild is longer in the back, not so nice to see...

[some guy]

I've used a seatpost cover bought from Aliexpress. The one supplied by Velobuild is longer in the back, not so nice to see...

Would you mind sharing the link?