Hello all,

I would like to order my frame from Velobuild tomorrow at the latest (BlackFriday).
I was actually sure at the beginning that I want a VBR-168. However, through various videos and forum posts I am now again considering between VBR-168, VBR-177 and VBR-218.

Visually, I like the VBR-168 the best. I'm just tormented by the question: are the other two frames better in terms of speed/aerodynamics/weight in conjunction with comfort and workmanship/material?
In general, it's pretty flat where we live. I like to go fast and don't let it roll, but do not participate in competitions.

I currently ride a Focus Culebro SL 1.0 from 2015 in size M with the following geometry: https://geometrygeeks.bike/bike/focus-culebro-3-0-2014/
I'm 172cm tall with a 78cm inseam (short legs). It is my first bike and I sit there actually quite well on it, only problem: The seatpost is only minimally extended due to my short legs. So I would like to have a shorter seat tube on the new bike. My optimal seat height is 69cm.

For VBR-168 Chris has advised me to size S 52. For the others I have no info yet.

1. which frame of the three would you choose and why?
2. what size should I choose for 218 and 177?
3. how to order a special color that is not in the store? By email?
4. what is the difference between EMS and XDB shipping to Germany? Which one should I take? I'll have 2 frames sent to me right away. Other is GF-002 for my wife.

Hope you can give me some advice.
Timo

Just received a size 52 frame in matte black with the separate bar and stem.  https://imgur.com/a/F90D6Bd

Shipped 8 days after the order was placed and shipping took 7 days to Pennsylvania.  Overall, I'm impressed for the price.  Frame with derailleur hanger is 1020 grams - about 100g more than what I would expect a genuine Tarmac frame and 200g more than the S-Works.  Not bad.  The rest of the components come in at very respectable weights.  The bar and stem are quite a bit lighter than the Tarmac system and I could save 100g with a lightweight seatpost from Aliexpress. 

The frame and fork are clean from what I can see other than some imperfections in the paint work that I wouldn't expect to get through QC for a name brand frame. BB looks good and it remains to be seen whether the brake mounts will need faced.

I plan to build up with Ultegra hydro mechanical disc and HED 60/90 wheels from another bike.  I was planning on using an FSA ACR headset and stem, but the ACR headset leaves a noticeable gap with the top of the headtube and adds more stack than I would like, so I may modify the included headset cap to fit flush with the ACR stem, which should accommodate full internal routing and look clean. The included stem is actually a bit lighter, but I prefer the look of the FSA.  TBD.

Instead of the included 40cm bars, which look OK but are too wide for my fit, I will be using "The One" handlebar in 36cm.  Its pretty shamelessly "inspired" by the Enve SES handlebars, which I have on hand for another planned build.  Without having ridden either one yet, the build quality and finish looks comparable to the Enve and is a bit lighter.  Neither feel like they will noticeably flex under load.