I'm 190cm tall so I don't usually consider the small sizes. In a 58, sl8 is a 73.5 and, yes, 72 is comparatively slack.

Hey guys, after I have read through the whole thread, I would like to thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

I'm lurking around the velobuild 168 since a while. I own a Specialized SL6 in 58 with rim brakes. I'm very happy with the fit and character of the bike. But I don't ride so much anymore to justify another S-Works (and prices gone crazy). Only problem with the 168 for me is the lack of a zero offset seatpost. A build will need a spacer or two (not getting younger anymore...). Does anyone have experiences or guidance how much spacers will be needed to compensate 20mm offset?

Are there other frames in the category of the 168 that are more or less comparable to SL7/8 or Supersix  with a (working) tire clearance of 32?

Hello i'm looking for two bleeding kits, i need one for sram (dot) one for shimano (mineral).

On ali i find the EZMTB-Kit or the WinterZSuffANGRI-Kit.
Are they ok, which one do you recommend, or do you have other solutions?

Real tyre clearance is 30 or 32?

The novatec 411/412 are road hubs, that's anyway not the correct for MTB?

I run Goldix Road hubs for roughly 400km.
I am still not 100% sure that the Ratchet will stay alive. But that's also because I read so much about failing Goldix Ratchets. I have 36T version.

Additional feedback on ride quality from the fully built bikes? I am interested in someone with also experience with higher priced Chinese frames (like Yishun or lightcarbon).

Also curious to see if they will have any sale for 11.11

It is a very gratifying experience if you try.
Novatec 711/712 are very light, good and cheap.
Light bicycle can provide you very light rims. Even carbon aero spokes(maybe harder to start with than Pillar or CX-Rays).
So you can end at about 1kg for a wheelset.

by the photos alone the fabric seems the kind of cheap polyester which with time starts to disintegrate - loose threads, color fades, and the sweat smell doesn't go away. Of course, that'd be just what it looks like, but at that price, I wouldn't expect anything different, especially it's an unknown brand.
If you're ok with trying and maybe having to throw away after some months, then maybe worth it..

but imo, with offers from Darevie and Rion on the 'super deals' and such, which end up not being much more expensive, and at least you know the brand and that the fabric is better, I'd say it's better to spend your money on those than on some risky new shirt/brand

• Stability of the steering is a lot better with the grips less inward angled.
• Play in the rear derailleur stays away after the modification of the hanger parts
• There is some creaking that keeps popping up, especially after hitting a hole in the road or doing a little bunny hop. I suspect it is the left BB cup as there is always some anti-seize compound where the cup threads into the frame that even re-appears after a while even after washing it off. I reckon this can only mean there is some movement there. I am going to remove the cup, clean it and put some mild thread locker on the threads. 
• Seatpost seems to stay put for the time being with he 6 Nm torque, thread locker on the bolt and a lot of carbon paste.