Chinertown
Chinese Carbon Road Bikes => Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components => Topic started by: Madcrazy10 on June 02, 2022, 10:26:29 AM
-
I'm a bit surprised there isn't a build thread on this frame on here, or a recent one at least. I purchased this XS frame from Velobuild for my wife as she needed an upgrade to her 2013 Aluminum Giant Avail with 8 speed Sora. I ordered on May 11 2022 and received the frame on May 25 2022, so pretty fast turn around which surprised me actually. This frame almost looks identical in geometry to my Canyon Endurace CF SL 7.
Along with the frame I purchased 2 custom paint colors (pink & chameleon blue) which actually turned ok. The fade job between colors could be better and maybe we would have picked a lighter chameleon color as the blue tends to look almost black if it isn't light out. However in the sunlight it does sparkle a bit which is nice.
I also picked up:
$5 carbon spacer pack
$39 carbon VB-HB-009 handlebars (which i asked for 400mm and I believe they sent 420mm, which is OK and it still works but wasn't told ahead of time)
$35 ST-002 80mm carbon fiber stem (right before shipping Chris did send me an email stating he's substituting this stem for the stem that comes along with their 2021 separate handlebar/stem combo. I didn't get this email till the next morning after shipping occurred and thought it might be ok. Turns out it was not. This stem is big, bulky and has a negative angle it seems. My wife didn't like it too much. I just ended up buying an aluminum stem from Amazon for $15 and used that. Chris is being awesome though and said he'd refund me the cost of the stem so I'm happy)
I got a used 105 fully hydraulic groupset off craigslist for $525 which was an awesome find. The crank is a 52/36 with 172.5mm cranks which might be a bit big for her but time will tell. It came with a 11-34t cassette, chain, F&R D's, shifters & calipers. I did have to buy little things like a bottom bracket, a spacer for one of the calipers, 160mm rotors, bottle cages, bar tape etc.
The wheels are from Elite Wheels that I had custom ordered in 50mm depth & 12k twill pattern & 1420 spokes. I asked them for a quiet hub but it's still pretty loud. The tires are GP5000's with pink latex tubes.
I didn't build it as there is a guy up my street that sorta runs a bike shop out of his garage. He charged me $150 to put it all together and that included all gear cables, hydro fluid (I had the hydro cables), installing the groupset, BB etc. I thought that was a pretty good price but I do wish I had the patience to learn myself. Maybe, if I end up doing another one...
The weight was a bit disappointing though. I know the 105 r7020 groupset isn't the lightest but the builder said it weighed 17.9lbs/8.1kgs. Maybe it was wishful thinking but I thought it would have weighed maybe 7.7kg or even less. The seat is temporary as we still haven't decided on one to get so maybe that will lower the weight but not sure what else I could have done.
The wife & I have our first real "test ride" tomorrow. Planning on going 30-40 miles and see how it does but so far seems to be great. If you have any questions let me know!
-
Nice looking bike. The contrast in colors do look good. Hope your wife gets on well with it. Did you happen weight the frame and fork separately?
Is the seatpost frame specific? Let us know your wifes thoughts on the frame after she's got a few rides in.
-
This is pretty much an Endurace.
I have an Endurace in XS built with R8000/6800 and RS-685 shifters currently at 7.6kg I think it can go down to 7.3kg with TPU tubes and new shifters to replace the bulky offseries.
Also have a set of Elite's on it 45mm/27mm with RD-13 and Sapim CX Rays - 1445g with Tape.
-
Nice build and paint choice! Wheels look great. Good to hear VB is working with you on the parts they couldn't fulfill.
-
Nice looking bike. The contrast in colors do look good. Hope your wife gets on well with it. Did you happen weight the frame and fork separately?
Is the seatpost frame specific? Let us know your wifes thoughts on the frame after she's got a few rides in.
Unfortunately, I did not weigh the frame/fork when it came. I don't have a scale but the guy who put it all together for me on a theory that the paint added a noticeable amount of weight. However, when I just had the frame & wheels on it felt light as crap. The groupset definitely added a lot. But, my Canyon Endurace with the exact same groupset in Small (which is about a 54cm in Canyon sizing) is about 7.6kg/16.8 with those Elite wheels on, so I dunno.
As for the seatpost I think it's your standard size rounded post. I had the bike builder cut 2 inches off it because it was so long and I told him it was aluminum. When I picked up the bike he corrected me and said it was carbon... just really thick carbon. He showed me the cut off piece and it had to be quarter inch thick or something.
-
This is pretty much an Endurace.
I have an Endurace in XS built with R8000/6800 and RS-685 shifters currently at 7.6kg I think it can go down to 7.3kg with TPU tubes and new shifters to replace the bulky offseries.
Also have a set of Elite's on it 45mm/27mm with RD-13 and Sapim CX Rays - 1445g with Tape.
Oh wow, please tell me how you like the hub sound. I also got the RD13 hub!. I was told by Elite to get the RD13 hub since it was supposed to be quieter. I don't see how it could be any louder. I guess their other hubs are just insanely loud? I saw a video where someone packed the freehub with a bunch of grease (different brand but could apply here) and it helped the noise a noticeable amount. Was thinking about trying that. What are your thoughts? Also, did you notice the RD13 has a different freehub pitch sound? Like it's a lower pitch sound as well. (along with being loud). But anway, thought I'd ask your experience with that hub.
-
Glad to see a thread started for the R-066.
I have one ordered and just waiting for shipment.
I decided only to get the frame from Velobuild and get rest of the parts from Aliexpress.
Once I get it, I'll weight frame (M) and post here.
-
Sorry I have the RD-16 Low friction hubs!
It is a "noisy freewheel" but I quite like it! It's useful from time to time to warn people I'm behind them.
The only con I have with the wheels is that they are a bit flexy laterally but for the price I can't complain.
As far as the VBR-066/Canyon Endurace It's a nice fun bike!!!
-
Got my frame today!!!
I ordered a M size frame and custom paining on 04/30, so 5 weeks turnaround...
So far, I'm liking it. If it is OK with OP, I'll tag along to this post for this build.
Same day, I ordered a wheelset from Elite (RD-16, 45mm) but who knows when I'll get it. It has been stuck in "Accepted for transportation by Post" for 2 weeks.. :-\
I've weighted all parts separately...
Frame (size M) with thru axle: 1043g
Fork with thru axle: 410g
Seatpost: 212g
I wont start the build until Friday, in case anyone has a question....
-
Niiiice! What are your plans for groupset, bottom bracket, and tires?
1043 grams for a painted medium frame is really good!
-
Nice. I like that color. Yeah, let's keep this thread going. I really wish I would have weighed everything when I got my frame but didn't really think about it. I'm pretty sure though that it's not the frames fault that my build weighed more than I expected but the parts/groupset I chose.
-
This will be my first road bike. Alway on MTB but wanted to try something new for my N+1 itch ;D
I’m trying to keep the cost below $2000 (it will be very close, though) so I’m trying to source all parts and components from Aliexpress.
For groupset, I went with Sensah 12 spd and Senicx cranks ( I actually have an extra new set, if anyone is interested). Too bad Sensah does not offer a hydraulic set. I really wanted a Shimano groupset but I could not find a used set at a good price, so this is the first thing I will upgrade later on.
For BB, frame uses BB86 and crankset is DUB. Not a lot of options for this combination; Only 2 I could find, SRAM or Ztto. I chose SRAM. There are a few way more expensive options but were out of my budget… I read BB86/DUB is not the best but I had already purchase the crankset, so… I hope it does not give me trouble in the future.
For tires, I found Conti GP5000 S Tubeless 30mm at a decent price but they are out of stock; Hopefully they will come soon. (Does anyone else have luck finding tires at a good price or at least in stock?)
Still waiting on the wheels and I don’t think they will be here anytime soon. It has been 5 weeks since order was placed and there are no updates on shipping.
Apart from tires and wheels, I almost have everything ready to start, but I might have to delay the build until I get the wheels…
-
I got a used 105 fully hydraulic groupset off craigslist for $525 which was an awesome find.
What a steal! I looked on Craigslist for a month before giving up $1k for a mixed r7020/r8025 set.
What reflective handlebar tape is that and does it complement the chameleon?
-
What a steal! I looked on Craigslist for a month before giving up $1k for a mixed r7020/r8025 set.
What reflective handlebar tape is that and does it complement the chameleon?
Yeah, I had to drive an hour and a half to go pick up the groupset but was worth it. I haven't found another used hydraulic groupset anywhere since for a decent price. I did have to spend $70 on (2) 160mm rotors & a $20 shim kit for the rear brake caliper (previous owner used 140mm rotors). Oh, and a bottom bracket was $35 from Amazon. So, probably $650 total.
The bar tape was $15 from Amazon. Link below. I also included 2 pictures to show you how it reflects. In the shade it's just purple but in the sun it looks pretty cool. The only negative which might be a deal breaker for some is it's pretty slick. Not grippy at all. But the wife says she has no problems with it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RBVYY72?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
-
I have one setuped earlier this yr. And I am getting disc rub out of saddle so am thinking that there's quite some flex in the fork. Do you happen to get any disc rub when out of saddle?
-
I have one setuped earlier this yr. And I am getting disc rub out of saddle so am thinking that there's quite some flex in the fork. Do you happen to get any disc rub when out of saddle?
Yeah, not sure I can help you with that unfortunately. Since this is my wife's bike she hardly gets out of the saddle and definitely not putting down massive watts. I assume your rotors are dead center between the caliper? If not you might have to unscrew the caliper bolts and line it up slightly or maybe your rotor is warped? Maybe try swapping them if they are the same size.
-
Yup they are dead centre. So I went to flex the handlebar stationary, and I can see that whenever I only load 1 side of the handlebar, the disc would rub the pads on one side. So I guess that's the fork flexing and the caliper runs the disc left right when the bars are loaded 1 sided like during an out of saddle sprint
-
My wife's 066D in size S - as recommended by Chris, perfectly fits. Complete Ultegra setup. She loves it :)
-
After a lot of delays, I finally finished this VB-66 build.
Although I went the budget route, somehow but was able to keep at a very decent 7.625kg.
Paint is holding up well but matte finish gets dirty very quickly. I might add a clear coat later on.
I thought i was going to hate the saddle but so far it has been fine on 2hr rides...
Only thing I might change soon are the brakes. Still playing with different pads to see if they get better.
So far, I'm loving it...
-
After a lot of delays, I finally finished this VB-66 build.
Although I went the budget route, somehow but was able to keep at a very decent 7.625kg.
Paint is holding up well but matte finish gets dirty very quickly. I might add a clear coat later on.
I thought i was going to hate the saddle but so far it has been fine on 2hr rides...
Only thing I might change soon are the brakes. Still playing with different pads to see if they get better.
So far, I'm loving it...
It looks sweet. I love that color...
What kinda cable housings did you use on the brakes? My gf's Felt endurance bike runs SRAM Force 1x with mechanical disc brakes similar to yours, and after switching her brake housings to Jagwire compressionless, they felt and performed a million times better. I also used to run mechanical disc on my integrated road bike and the compressionless housings also made a significant difference, but not nearly as much as the gf's bike that doesn't route cables through the bars.
I used to run that same saddle and absolutely LOVED it. But I feel the build quality just wasn't perfect and the rails gave out on me after a few months. Velobuild was amazing about sending me a warranty replacement and I opted for their other banana shaped model this time
-
Adding more pictures...
It looks sweet. I love that color...
What kinda cable housings did you use on the brakes? My gf's Felt endurance bike runs SRAM Force 1x with mechanical disc brakes similar to yours, and after switching her brake housings to Jagwire compressionless, they felt and performed a million times better. I also used to run mechanical disc on my integrated road bike and the compressionless housings also made a significant difference, but not nearly as much as the gf's bike that doesn't route cables through the bars.
I used to run that same saddle and absolutely LOVED it. But I feel the build quality just wasn't perfect and the rails gave out on me after a few months. Velobuild was amazing about sending me a warranty replacement and I opted for their other banana shaped model this time
Thanks, I'm loving the color too. I might add some stickers later on.
That is what I have, Jagwire compresionless. I think the problem is the cheap brake pads they came with. I have replaced rear ones with Shimano organic pads and so far, it fells less grainy and have a just a bit more braking power. I'll just have to get use to mechanical brakes again.
Saddle has been great so far. I acually got it from aliexpress and not through Velobuild. Only thing is, top is very thin and if i'm sitting just to the side, I feel it digging in my cheeks :o. But when I shfit back the weight to the center, it is great.
-
Adding more pictures...
Thanks, I'm loving the color too. I might add some stickers later on.
That is what I have, Jagwire compresionless. I think the problem is the cheap brake pads they came with. I have replaced rear ones with Shimano organic pads and so far, it fells less grainy and have a just a bit more braking power. I'll just have to get use to mechanical brakes again.
Saddle has been great so far. I acually got it from aliexpress and not through Velobuild. Only thing is, top is very thin and if i'm sitting just to the side, I feel it digging in my cheeks :o. But when I shfit back the weight to the center, it is great.
Some Shimano pads definitely make a difference. The gf runs Shimano metal pads along with the Jagwire and is pretty happy with them over the stock setup. I tried to get her on a hydraulic set but she prefers the mechanical calipers because they're purple :D :D
That's the saddle! It looks exactly the same. I miss it so much :P
I would also be interested in your opinions on the Senicx crankset...it looks quite nice.
-
Some Shimano pads definitely make a difference. The gf runs Shimano metal pads along with the Jagwire and is pretty happy with them over the stock setup. I tried to get her on a hydraulic set but she prefers the mechanical calipers because they're purple :D :D
That's the saddle! It looks exactly the same. I miss it so much :P
I would also be interested in your opinions on the Senicx crankset...it looks quite nice.
Here is where i got the saddle:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2251832657672829.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.1aa11802EeNmlF&gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt
Senicx crankset has been very good. Absolutely no issues working with the Sensah shifter. 105 weight at 1/2 the price. But there are some details i have to share... Senicx PR2 is SRAM DUB and this frame uses PF86 BB (DUB 30mm and PF86 shell 41mm) So, PF86-DUB BB bearings are tiny; this will cause friction and low life expectancy out of the BB. I just started seeing a new model, PR3 that uses shimano 24mm; this might have been a better fit on this frame. But anyways... Crankset has been very good and it has a nice quality finish; no noises, no flexing so far.
-
Yeah, I had to drive an hour and a half to go pick up the groupset but was worth it. I haven't found another used hydraulic groupset anywhere since for a decent price. I did have to spend $70 on (2) 160mm rotors & a $20 shim kit for the rear brake caliper (previous owner used 140mm rotors). Oh, and a bottom bracket was $35 from Amazon. So, probably $650 total.
The bar tape was $15 from Amazon. Link below. I also included 2 pictures to show you how it reflects. In the shade it's just purple but in the sun it looks pretty cool. The only negative which might be a deal breaker for some is it's pretty slick. Not grippy at all. But the wife says she has no problems with it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RBVYY72?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
42cm handlebars look very odd on such a small bike, makes the front end look very out of proportion imo.
-
Looks great everyone! May I ask how is the tyre clearance like?
-
Looks great everyone! May I ask how is the tyre clearance like?
I'm using 30mm tires and there is about 8mm space on either side on the front and about 5mm in the rear.
-
This is my 066 build. The frame is medium, which is a bit big for me.
Shimano 105 drivetrain
Giant Conduct SL brake
-
Here is mine.
First picture is the bike after the first build up. Second picture is couple months later with (a lot) of swapping parts.
Evo 1:
(https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/download/file.php?id=98354&mode=view)
Evo 2:
(https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/download/file.php?id=99706&mode=view)
Frameweight: 1056g
Size 58 with bolts, rear hanger
Fork: 373g
Uncut
Bike: around 7-7,1kg (with roadtyres and TPU Tubes)
Ordered raw but came with black paint.
My experience with Velobuild/Chris:
Terrible, never ever.
Regards,
Jim
-
After a lot of delays, I finally finished this VB-66 build.
Although I went the budget route, somehow but was able to keep at a very decent 7.625kg.
Paint is holding up well but matte finish gets dirty very quickly. I might add a clear coat later on.
I thought i was going to hate the saddle but so far it has been fine on 2hr rides...
Only thing I might change soon are the brakes. Still playing with different pads to see if they get better.
So far, I'm loving it...
Did Chris tell you to take this handlebar/stem combo? It does not seem to fit this frameset at all (transition between stem an frame and also the angle of the handlebar)
-
Here is mine.
First picture is the bike after the first build up. Second picture is couple months later with (a lot) of swapping parts.
Nice build! What size are those Schwalbe's and what's the max you think the frame could clear?
-
The Schwalbes are 32c. I guess it could handle up to 35c.
-
Did Chris tell you to take this handlebar/stem combo? It does not seem to fit this frameset at all (transition between stem an frame and also the angle of the handlebar)
No, this was a different purchase from AE.
You are correct. Handle bar is not good. it is supposed to be -17 deg but it is more like 20 - 22 deg. The spacers are backwards because the angle is too much and they dont fit the correct way. Stem length was also wrong (+ 20mm).
I do not mind the look but just can't get used to the position. Waiting on arrival of new handlebar / stem.
-
No, this was a different purchase from AE.
You are correct. Handle bar is not good. it is supposed to be -17 deg but it is more like 20 - 22 deg. The spacers are backwards because the angle is too much and they dont fit the correct way. Stem length was also wrong (+ 20mm).
I do not mind the look but just can't get used to the position. Waiting on arrival of new handlebar / stem.
sorry, I didn't mean to badmouth your purchase. Just thought maybe Chris recommended it to you.
-
I'm looking at potentially buying this frame but I'm not sure if the large would fit. For reference I'm about 6'4" (193cm) tall with a 35.75" (908mm) inseam and currently ride a Cannondale Synapse size 58cm which fits alright. Comparing the geometry they look similar enough, curious to hear if any other taller riders have experience with this frame or if anyone has some advice on fitment/sizing.
-
I would´ve advised you to get a larger size (also for the Synapse). If you feel comfortable on the Synapse and you get the same position with a large 066, then it will suit you. Other people have very different proportions, flexibility, etc. even if you are the same size.
-
I'm looking at potentially buying this frame but I'm not sure if the large would fit. For reference I'm about 6'4" (193cm) tall with a 35.75" (908mm) inseam and currently ride a Cannondale Synapse size 58cm which fits alright. Comparing the geometry they look similar enough, curious to hear if any other taller riders have experience with this frame or if anyone has some advice on fitment/sizing.
An XL will have a higher stack(less vertical drop between the bar and the saddle) and longer reach(shorter stem needed).
If you are flexible, ride a lot and fast you can get a smaller frame.
Otherwise a bigger frame will be a little more comfortable.
-
I've used https://bikeinsights.com/ for frame comparisons. Just pick your current bike frame, then overlay with the 066 frame. This will give you an idea which frame size will be closest to your current bike.
For example, I built a medium 066 frame, which is a bit too big for me. I have a medium Giant Defy Advanced and I'm very happy with it. A small 066 would have fit me much better than the medium.
If you think about it, the distance between saddle to the BB is governed by your inseam. No matter which frame size you get, this distance will be the same. Also same with the reach, your upper body and arm length will govern that. If you look at the geometry between sizes, they differ very little, so in most cases, you pick the right stem length and right steer tube length to suit you. The only thing you want to look out for is the standover height. Bigger the frame, less the clearance between the top tube to your crotch. And of course, bigger the frame, less exposed seat post, which is less aesthetic pleasing. ;D
Good luck with your build!
I'm looking at potentially buying this frame but I'm not sure if the large would fit. For reference I'm about 6'4" (193cm) tall with a 35.75" (908mm) inseam and currently ride a Cannondale Synapse size 58cm which fits alright. Comparing the geometry they look similar enough, curious to hear if any other taller riders have experience with this frame or if anyone has some advice on fitment/sizing.
-
This is a super random question the all of you 066 owners but do any of you have the rim and disc versions? I have the rim version on order and will be looking for a disc frame soon. The geo chart looks identical between the frames and that is one of the drivers of me buying this frame. Just hoping someone else has both to confirm if they are in fact identical or close to it. Thank you and love al the builds.
-
Here is mine.
First picture is the bike after the first build up. Second picture is couple months later with (a lot) of swapping parts.
Frameweight: 1056g
Size 58 with bolts, rear hanger
Fork: 373g
Uncut
Bike: around 7-7,1kg (with roadtyres and TPU Tubes)
Ordered raw but came with black paint.
My experience with Velobuild/Chris:
Terrible, never ever.
Regards,
Jim
Hi!
What's your height and inseam measurement? And how do you like the fit?
What was terrible regarding Velobuild and Chris?
Thanks
-
The 066 just got updated to fully internal cables and T47 BB!
https://www.velobuild.com/products/2023-vb-r-066-carbon-fiber-endurance-road-racing-bike-frame-disc-version
When I spoke to Chris last week, he mentioned that they will release a new VB road frame in the next months.
I wonder if this might be it.
But the 066 is still interesting as a modern lightweight frame, with T47 BB.
-
Yea I just noticed the disc version of this. I like everything about it except the crazy gap between the seat tube and rear tire. A size S with a slammed + long stem would match my current fit and look kind of awesome.
-
Hi!
What's your height and inseam measurement? And how do you like the fit?
What was terrible regarding Velobuild and Chris?
Thanks
Hi there,
im sorry I just saw you post. Probably too late but still, here is my response:
Im about 188cm and have longe legs and long arms. I am normally between large and xlarge. Because of my bodytype and also because I am quite flexible I ride my bike with a moderate gap of 12cm between saddle and handlebar. For me this is comfy, for others it won’t. Stem length is 120mm.
I would always suggest to go to a bikefitter. I haven’t done it for the first 2/3 years and I could have save a lot of money. My fit was quite good before I went to a fitter but it took a lot time to be there and went through couple of frames, stems and so on.
Btw the 066 or canyon endurace for this matter is still no real endurance bike. For people with a stiff back and/or short arms this frame is not suitable.
About my experience with VB and Chris: Despite my order the handlebar combo wasn’t UD but 3K, the carbon axles broke with 6nm, total garbage and I didn’t receive my bottlecages. After I opened a dispute he told me to send me a new handlebar and the bottlecages. He asked me to close the dispute, unfortunately I did so. Never received the parts (he probably sent an empty box to a address which didn’t exist, because I could track the parcel but at the end they couldn’t deliver it because of a fals address.
Regards,
Jim