TT-Bike Budget Build

[cLs_elite]

Hey Team-ChinerTown,

You guys inspired me to build my own TT bike! I’ve already found some posts about builds here in the forum and just signed up to start my own thread. I’m just starting to look for parts and haven’t ordered the frame yet. I’m planning to go with a SRAM Blips setup and have already bought a Force AXS rear and front derailleur. I also got a SRAM Force D2 Powermeter (left crank)—but that’s all so far.

I’ve checked out different frames and looked into brands like Winow Sports, Tantan, ICAN, Velobuild, Falco, BXT, LightCarbon, and Mira. I’m still waiting for some replies, but I’ve already received a few offers. My goal is to find the cheapest frame with the best value for money. I like the VeloBuild VB-TT-023, but so far, the BXT-TT-119 for $860 seems to be the most affordable option. I plan to order the frame and wheelset next week.

Right now, I have some questions for you guys:

    1. Did I miss any frames that might be better/cheaper?
    a. Are there any upcoming sales or possible discounts I should watch out for?

    2. I’m considering mechanical disc brakes to save costs compared to hydraulic. Are there specific levers for mechanical disc brakes, or anything I should be aware            of?

   3. I already have a SRAM Force D2 Powermeter (left crank). Are there any budget-friendly crankset options? I’m planning to use a 52/36T chainring but I’m not too familiar with SRAM compatibility. Would this one from AliExpress fit and be compatible with the Powermeter? Aliepress = https://tinyurl.com/3tuj9wuf
4.   Aero bar extensions, the standard ones are good enough or should I go with ergonomic/aero ones?
5.   Do you have any other advise for me?

I will update the list with parts from my build as soon as I ordered some stuff.
Would be amazing if you can give me some feedback regarding my questions or in general.

Thank you for your help!



   

[klindsey00]

from my understanding the tt119 tt912 are all the same ish mold shape/geometry, Id have to look deeper into it though. Those sound about right in terms of frame options.

for disc brakes you either have full mechanical, mechanical hydros, or full hydros (trp/sram/shimano tt levers are pricey, riderever is more affordable)

id say the style of extensions on the velobuild look aero but you want adjustability/comfort more than anything.

For the dub spindle, a t47 is best for the larger bearings.

Think about what fits the best and what would be easiest to workon/reassmble for travel.

[ejump0]

If you want the stem to flush with the top tube, VB-TT-023 is the one to check out.
If you want the aero fairing cover in front of steerer tube n made the section look super deep, tt912 is the one you wanna look at.

imo for tt/tri bike, dont look for cheapest, but look for the one that gonna make you feel like riding rocket ship.
my tt912 still gets the looks n head turner these days (also probably coz it doesnt have logo, so ppl were trying to guess what is it  )

[raisinberry777]

   3. I already have a SRAM Force D2 Powermeter (left crank). Are there any budget-friendly crankset options? I’m planning to use a 52/36T chainring but I’m not too familiar with SRAM compatibility. Would this one from AliExpress fit and be compatible with the Powermeter? Aliepress = https://tinyurl.com/3tuj9wuf

Because you have the left side crank, you'll need the same right side crank/spider/chainrings to match. I doubt that the Senicx crank will be a direct fit for SRAM cranks. Cheapest option is probably going to be to buy a full crankset with the length and chainring size of your choice and use it with the left side power meter.

[cLs_elite]

If you want the stem to flush with the top tube, VB-TT-023 is the one to check out.
If you want the aero fairing cover in front of steerer tube n made the section look super deep, tt912 is the one you wanna look at.

imo for tt/tri bike, dont look for cheapest, but look for the one that gonna make you feel like riding rocket ship.
my tt912 still gets the looks n head turner these days (also probably coz it doesnt have logo, so ppl were trying to guess what is it  )

I saw your build, looking great. Hope mine will turn out nice as well. 



Thanks everyone so far, I will look into it and decide this week. I keep you posted.

[johnnyboy4711]

Hey Team-ChinerTown,

You guys inspired me to build my own TT bike! I’ve already found some posts about builds here in the forum and just signed up to start my own thread. I’m just starting to look for parts and haven’t ordered the frame yet. I’m planning to go with a SRAM Blips setup and have already bought a Force AXS rear and front derailleur. I also got a SRAM Force D2 Powermeter (left crank)—but that’s all so far.

I’ve checked out different frames and looked into brands like Winow Sports, Tantan, ICAN, Velobuild, Falco, BXT, LightCarbon, and Mira. I’m still waiting for some replies, but I’ve already received a few offers. My goal is to find the cheapest frame with the best value for money. I like the VeloBuild VB-TT-023, but so far, the BXT-TT-119 for $860 seems to be the most affordable option. I plan to order the frame and wheelset next week.

Right now, I have some questions for you guys:

    1. Did I miss any frames that might be better/cheaper?
    a. Are there any upcoming sales or possible discounts I should watch out for?

    2. I’m considering mechanical disc brakes to save costs compared to hydraulic. Are there specific levers for mechanical disc brakes, or anything I should be aware            of?

   3. I already have a SRAM Force D2 Powermeter (left crank). Are there any budget-friendly crankset options? I’m planning to use a 52/36T chainring but I’m not too familiar with SRAM compatibility. Would this one from AliExpress fit and be compatible with the Powermeter? Aliepress = https://tinyurl.com/3tuj9wuf
4.   Aero bar extensions, the standard ones are good enough or should I go with ergonomic/aero ones?
5.   Do you have any other advise for me?

I will update the list with parts from my build as soon as I ordered some stuff.
Would be amazing if you can give me some feedback regarding my questions or in general.

Thank you for your help!



   

I am thinking of the same in the future
I would try these- https://www.riderever.com/product/5/17/28
paired with Sram rival axs and blips.
still on fence about frame as i try and do UCI nationals and gran fondo TTs - unless i can get one that is very close to original and slap a UCI sticker on it!

[ejump0]

I am thinking of the same in the future
I would try these- https://www.riderever.com/product/5/17/28
paired with Sram rival axs and blips.
still on fence about frame as i try and do UCI nationals and gran fondo TTs - unless i can get one that is very close to original and slap a UCI sticker on it!

yeoleo T9 looks exactly the same as tt912. 
while few yeoleo aero bikes are uci legal, but i cant quite find if tt912 are tt legal

[cLs_elite]

I am thinking of the same in the future
I would try these- https://www.riderever.com/product/5/17/28
paired with Sram rival axs and blips.
still on fence about frame as i try and do UCI nationals and gran fondo TTs - unless i can get one that is very close to original and slap a UCI sticker on it!

I like the riderever TT brake lever. But I can't find any good deal on them and dont want to spend 250-300$ +
Are the mechanical disc brakes so bad? Never had any before...

Hehe, I like the idea with the sticker

[cLs_elite]

yeoleo T9 looks exactly the same as tt912. 
while few yeoleo aero bikes are uci legal, but i cant quite find if tt912 are tt legal

Havent checked out the yeoleo t9. On the yeoleo website they have no TT frames available at the moment.

[Barry McCockiner]

I am thinking of the same in the future
I would try these- https://www.riderever.com/product/5/17/28
paired with Sram rival axs and blips.
still on fence about frame as i try and do UCI nationals and gran fondo TTs - unless i can get one that is very close to original and slap a UCI sticker on it!

I’m running these RideRever hydraulics on my Velobuild VB-TT. They’re good, haven’t used the SRAM Hydro’s to compare to. But once upon a time these RiderRevers came stock on Cervelo TT bikes.

[ejump0]

Havent checked out the yeoleo t9. On the yeoleo website they have no TT frames available at the moment.

back then in 2023 came to know about yeoleo t9/t9s because a jp triathlete were riding it on strava. i think by that time it was taken off yeoleo website.
then as i stumbled upon tt912, hmm this looks familiar..
yeoleo official website no longer advertise it, but their old youtube n fb still have it. i cant quite see if theres uci sticker

anyway, due too beefier frame, tt912 may be heavy compared to other chiner tri frames. n also my cockpit is the older 2pieces stem+handlebar. i like speedmax cfr look with uprise basebar, thus i intentionally request n went for this config n install the basebar upside down (take note, with this 2piece setup, the fork front fairing has cutout for the current stem head if you swap stem in future, you need to figure how to cover the gap. the newer cockpit is 1 piece, n no cutout. but no uprise basebar)

[cLs_elite]

I’m running these RideRever hydraulics on my Velobuild VB-TT. They’re good, haven’t used the SRAM Hydro’s to compare to. But once upon a time these RiderRevers came stock on Cervelo TT bikes.

Yeah they look good and I like that you can have your blips mounted on them. How much did you pay for them? There are not too many vendors selling them in Europe...
The cheaper option would be to go full mechanical disc brakes. Not too sure about this right now. Mabye I should just get the RideRever levers

[Serge_K]

Yeah they look good and I like that you can have your blips mounted on them. How much did you pay for them? There are not too many vendors selling them in Europe...
The cheaper option would be to go full mechanical disc brakes. Not too sure about this right now. Mabye I should just get the RideRever levers

Keep us posted, I'm in Europe too, and agree. When i looked at it, assuming the frame allows, my ccl was i'd do mech disc, because the ride rever hydro are super expensive. I have mech discs on my gravel bike, they do work. Hydro is better, but i wouldnt be descending hairpins on a TT bike.
Also, from a traveling perspective for races, sram wireless + cable actuated brakes should be easier to live with than hydro hoses. And Hambini in the last nero show podcast said he had to empty his hoses from hydro fluid several times while taking planes in Europe. I doubt he made that up.

[Barry McCockiner]

Yeah they look good and I like that you can have your blips mounted on them. How much did you pay for them? There are not too many vendors selling them in Europe...
The cheaper option would be to go full mechanical disc brakes. Not too sure about this right now. Mabye I should just get the RideRever levers

I got mine for £170.99 on eBay (with a discount code) from a bike shop who also sell on there. You can actually pick them up there now for even less than that! (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/335035938661?var=544262923126)

Haven't travelled internationally with the TT bike yet but will be in May. Plan is to put disc brake pad spacers in for the flight, maybe even turn the levers 90deg inwards.

[BadIdeasMakeGoodStories]

Hambini is EXACTLY the type of person I would expect to make something like that up.