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VB-R-168 Build- A sceptic's experience
Hello all. I am located in USA so all of the links below may not work for you. This is just an overview of my experience and what I found while building the new bike. I purchased a VB-R-168 frame, integrated bars, VB-60 carbon wheels, and the rest of the components needed to make it a rolling machine  . Before I start, I wanted to say I was very sceptical of this purchase and worried that it would not turn out as good as it did. Chris from VB is very helpful and responsive. I have read of negative experiences relating to VB, but mine was thankfully a pleasant one. Parts ordered - VB-R-168 frame (size 58- matte black)- Velobuild http://www.velobuild.com/products/-171 - VB integrated bars (440 mm width- matte black)- came with frame/forks/seatpost/spacers - VB-RC-60 carbon disc wheels (matte black) - Velobuild http://www.velobuild.com/products/-57 - Continental GP5000 25mm tires- Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08RNVPQY3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Inner tube- Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XMJFJ5L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Carbon assembly paste- Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012RIEM6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Park tool grease- Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NORVHI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Foam cable covering (to stop noisy cables)- Hardware store that sells everything https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/2029n11 - Shimano 105 groupset/ disc brakes/ press fit BB- Aliexpress- 007Bike Store https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32943199402.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.4cdd4c4dIxdtcS - Bleed kit- Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWN4LSD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Shimano Ultegra center lock discs (160mm front 140mm rear)- - Fizik saddle- Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PDLTTNN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Sram bar tape- Amazon- I would not do this again. terrible feel https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00142FFCG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Inner cable set (2) - Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JLWSF82/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 The good- The frame, bars, and forks came within two weeks (to USA). The wheels took longer because I requested 350 straight pull hubs. Everything went together nicely (I definitely recommend using carbon paste and torque wrench). Getting the cables through the frame and bars was reasonably difficult, but not too bad. The bike is all together and I have a few rides under my belt. Great bike, stiff, fast. Definitely a great bike for the price. I hate when my bikes are noisy from cable rattle, etc... so I made sure I took all necessary precautions when building this one. The end result is pretty great considering the price point. The not so great- The seat post has slipped on me (it may not do this if you are smaller. I am 220 lbs-100 kg). I found adding more carbon paste and upping the torque setting slightly definitely helps. The wheels took a bit longer due to covid and my customizations which isn't the end of the world. The aero bars may be too aero for some. I purchased the VB separate stem and bar combo to replace the integrated bars- that hasn't arrived yet. I left the steerer tube slightly long to add spacers later on. I have added some pictures of the bike fully built. Feel free to ask any questions if you have. Thanks for reading/viewing. October 08, 2021, 09:01:24 AM |
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Re: VB-R-168 Build- A sceptic's experience
My brake calipers were already connected to the hoses, so I didn't want to disconnect those. I ran my rear brake from back to front (afterwards I realized that the brakes were pre-bled so I am glad I did it that way) and slid the foam tubing on from the front of the frame down the downtube. *By pre-bled I mean that they already had fluid in them, so when I cut them to size and inserted the fitting, I didn't need to bleed the brakes. The front brake hose I sent up from the bottom and added electrical tape around the steerer to keep that in place. The rear derailleur I ran from the back to front as well (and slid the foam tube on after). The front derailleur was the most difficult. Had to run that down the downtube and get it to seat into the frame mount for the cable housing down by the bottom bracket. It was difficult to get that lined up without seeing it. Once all of those were in place and poking out where the bars connect, I slid all of the spacer rings over the hoses/cables, ran the hoses and cables through the bars, cut to size, connected, and was done (I realize that probably sounds like it went smoothly...I did have to redo it once I realized I forgot the headset spacers the first time  ).
October 08, 2021, 02:20:14 PM |
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Re: VB-R-168 Build- A sceptic's experience
I just received my VB (separate) stem and bars. These will replace the integrated bars that are currently on the bike. First impressions are that they are stiffer than the integrated bars. I will update with pics/thoughts once I get this combo installed (which requires re-routing cables through small bar spaces )
November 12, 2021, 02:20:37 PM |
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Re: VB-R-168 Build- A sceptic's experience
I just received my VB (separate) stem and bars. These will replace the integrated bars that are currently on the bike. First impressions are that they are stiffer than the integrated bars. I will update with pics/thoughts once I get this combo installed (which requires re-routing cables through small bar spaces The bar/stem combo has been installed. See attached pictures (sorry for the bad pictures. it is connected to my trainer currently). I decided to externally route the cables on this combo because of how difficult it is to internally route them. The holes are very small and difficult to work with (even more difficult than the previous integrated bars). This may have had something to do with the fact that all cables were already cut to length so everything was more difficult. I think this option will be good for future maintenance though. I cut the top headset spacer to allow the cables to be internal until the stem. I was also able to connect my quadlock mount to the bars which is a big plus (the fully integrated bars are not round so this can't be done). After getting the stem/bar combo mounted, I don't think there is any difference in stiffness between the old and the new bars. However, I am on the heavy side at 220lbs so some flex is expected. Overall I am happy with the result. November 17, 2021, 08:39:33 AM |
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Re: Velobuild VB-R-168 Frame
Anyone with the separate bar/handlebar combo... I recently switched from integrated bars to the bar/stem combo. The stem has a hole through it and the back of the bars has a small slot for the wires to go through and then on the underside is where they would route out to connect to the brakes. I was not able to route my cable through it as it was so tight and my cables were already cut to size. I explained this on my thread (VB-R-168 Build- A sceptic's experience). Hope this helps. November 18, 2021, 06:51:39 AM |
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Re: VB-R-168 Build- A sceptic's experience
I weighed the wheels as they are with discs, cassette, tires, etc... The rear wheel was 4.5 lbs (2041 grams) and the front was 3.5 lbs (1587 grams). I have attached some current pictures of the bike as well. March 14, 2022, 08:16:24 PM |
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Re: VB-R-168 Build- A sceptic's experience
It is great now. I actually added more headset spacers to bring up the bars (as you can see in the pictures). I also have a 90mm stem so that shortens it up some. That is the main reason I switched from the integrated bars to the stem/bars combo. The reach was a little long for me.
March 15, 2022, 05:45:48 AM |
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Re: VB-R-168 Build- A sceptic's experience
Good to hear, does it come with enough spacers or did you have to order more? How tall are you? I’m 5’11.5” with slightly longer arms and trying to decide between sizes. I think there are 5 spacers that come with the frame/fork/bar when you order the frame. When I ordered the separate stem/bar combo, I asked Chris from VB to include some more spacers (which he did). I am 6' 1" and have pretty long arms. However, I do not like a super aggressive position on the bike, so I opted for the added spacers. Hope that helps. March 15, 2022, 09:50:27 AM |
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Re: VB-R-168 Build- A sceptic's experience
The weather is warming up and I have been able to get out for a few more rides. The bike is fast and handles great! There is however a clicking coming from the BB area when I pedal. I am trying to determine what is causing this so I can get rid of it. It starts to get annoying on longer rides. Other than that, no issues . I attached a current picture as well. April 18, 2022, 08:14:54 AM |
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Re: VB-R-168 Build- A sceptic's experience
Looks great! Thanks! Interesting that you mention that. I thought I had it snug but after one of my rides there was some movement and noise so I loosened everything up and tried again. I was able to tighten the top cap enough to remove pretty much all of the movement/sound. I just stood in front of the bike pinching the front tire with my knees and wiggled the stem while tightening the top cap until it was no longer moving. It did require me to go fairly snug on that top cap screw but seems fine so far. That seemed to stay snug after my most recent ride as well. April 18, 2022, 11:42:21 AM |
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