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Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Just wheels to figure out 50 to 60mm with internet 21+ and under 700 dollars and under 1600g would be good suggestions welcome.... must have shiny finish preferably no decals as going no logos with the design. We're here to help! If you want to be at the forefront of aerodynamics, technology, life, the universe and everything, i suggest the 34mm rims in 58 from Peter cycles (look up his contact on the forum, it's like petercycles@something). I bought 5 such wheelsets from him last year. It then means that conti gp5000 in 32C is just under 32mm, so aero wise, your rim is like 105pc of the tyre, and you can impress the ladies with your bro knowledge of aerodynamics. They will cost you <600usd. Alternatively, not quite as wide, look up yuanan on the forum, they're the OEM for Elite wheels and you can customise anything you want. Ask Leon for his rim collection in pdf, he has a 31mm wide 54mm deep ultralight rim that will also be within budget. My sales rep from far sports is on maternity leave. I suggest pillar wing 20 spokes, cheaper than Spain CX ray, and according to people smarter than me, and assuming I understood correctly, they're just as good if not better. If you ask for no holes in the rim bed, you can skip rim tape and save some weight and make your life easier. Have fun April 04, 2024, 02:02:00 AM |
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Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Size 56 -Nepest Maui 45 (1282g/54t) -SRAM Force eTap 1x -Pass Quest 50t Chainring -Quarq/SRAM Spider PM -Nova Ride OSPW -Cybrei Ceramic BB86 DUB -Continental GP5000 28c -Ride Now TPU Tubes (36g) -Carbon Saddle (102g) -Look Keo Blade Ceramic Pedals -Arundel Gecko Bar Tape -Cyclowax PreWaxed Chain 7.2kg / 7.6kg with everything Only ridden around the block for photos. Rear caliper mount wasn't faced properly, but everything else was easy to build. April 13, 2024, 07:45:30 AM |
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Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Correct. First impression video and then long-term video per usual. Even if I were to conduct standardized test, I would get called out for doing "bro science" as other YouTuber's have. Thankfully the support of this very forum over the years is what allows me to continue and make content. I'm very grateful. Using the same wheels, could you do a NorCal kind of video on a loop you know well, swapping 2 or 3 bikes? You have to use the same wheels for any credible kind of comparison. Your times would be interesting, but equally interesting would be your impression. I take issue with the "because it's 500usd it can never compete with a 1500usd frame", given the 268 is t800&1000, EPS moulded, proven geometry & shape: it's latest best practice afaik. Now yoeleo or the likes are, afaik, just taking oem frames and branding them for a premium, just less of a premium than western brands. Having looked at their specs sheet, manufacturing methods, reputation for QC, the reason why I don't buy them is because I don't see that my money would go into the frame. I'd like to be proven wrong, because I can afford to pay 1500 for a frame, or 5000 for that matter, but i care about relative value. Last, i saw you have a colnago video, any chance you would test ride that with your own wheels for comparison? Colnago Vs velobuild video would break the internet 
April 17, 2024, 02:00:09 AM |
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Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
What a beauty, really gorgeous looking bike. Thank you! I used the adapters that came with the er9. 140mm rear. That might be why I don't have clearance issues. However, no space on that frame to tighten/loosen the rear caliper to bracket bolt for er9. Once it's on the frame, I can only access the lower bolt. That was enough for me to get proper alignment. No rubbing on brakes. I managed to align the calipers without any further actions on the frame. April 17, 2024, 07:40:48 AM |
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Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
I don't really get worked up by "testing" that norcal does. He doesnt make scientific claims and seems to just be making videos about the testing that he does to try and decide what equipment he is going to run. He even says stuff like "i think i get better traction over crappy roads on wider tires and therefore for my riding ____ is the best for me." Is that theoretically valid argument? No. Grip on an ideal surface is only a function of normal force and CRR, contact patch has nothing to do with it. In the real world is he right? Maybe? Reality is that this stuff is really complicated and trying to create repeatable results that are distinct enough to make an unqualified claim is hard even with better experimental design and better instrumentation. You hear that from Peak Torque now too in the way he discusses results. Its a change from a few years ago despite his experimental design and instrumentation being among the best of the popular you tubers. This is a very long winded way of saying that I think experiences are still worth sharing and discussing even if they aren't "scientific" as long as you acknowledge the limitations of your insights. April 17, 2024, 12:07:52 PM |
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Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Sounds fun, got any pics of those? I don't know about resale value... I expect the resale value of my 500EUR china frames to be 0 in every color... April 24, 2024, 06:08:23 AM |
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Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Update on my 268 Highs -I love the Mavic thru-axle system. It's quite convenient actually. Being able to keep the axles in place when both transporting the bike and working on it on a mechanic stand is great. -The bike is both stiff and nimble enough. I can't say there really is any discernible difference in stiffness compared to other bikes. Unless you are truly sprinting or climbing, there will be plenty of other variables in regards to maintaining any set speed. -Visually I appreciate the frame design. Obviously because it looks like an SL7/Venge. Well rounded proportions. The sloping top tube gives the visual impression of an extreme saddle-to-handlebar drop versus a more horizontal top tube. More exposed seatpost (should?) also means more comfort as the seatpost has the ability to flex. 32c GP5000 tubeless fits no problem. Lows -Zero setback seatpost. It's not fully problematic for me, but I had to move my saddle back far more than I'm accustomed to. If this was my only road bike it would most likely be a deal breaker. A non-issue for most folks however. -7x9 saddle clamp for carbon rails. On my particular clamp when using my AliExpress carbon saddle (7x9 rails), visually it does not appear as if the clamps are fully engaging with the rails. Other 268 owners with carbon saddles have not experienced this, and so far the saddle has stayed put. However, the saddle clamp bolt is now slightly bent from trying secure to the rails. Also a non-issue if you're using 7x7 rails as VB also supplies clamps for that too. Just something to be aware of. -While the bike as a whole rides better than my previous VeloBuild frames, it does still suffer some from road chatter at the rear triangle. Rough pavement can upset the back end. Thankfully though still far better than my Dengfu R12 and TanTan x38 in this regard. This is completely subjective and anecdotal of course. Over the past few weeks I've made an effort to rotate riding each of my bikes everyday day to get a good feel on the differences and overall riding dynamics. Closing It's a great DIY bike at the price point so far. As always, wheel selection and bike fit/position will do most of the heavy lifting. If I could change anything it would be adding more reach to cockpit to offset the zero setback seatpost. Dear VeloBuild: Please make one for me thanks! May 02, 2024, 03:06:12 PM |
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Re: Best carbon wheelset under 800usd?
Hey! I’ve recently gone through a similar process and bought two different carbon wheelsets, so I thought I’d share my experience — it might help with your decision. ⸻ 1. DFS Carbon 65/60 T1000 Wheelset • Specs: 1231g, 5mm carbon spokes, 90kg weight limit • Experience: These have been excellent so far. It was my first purchase from DFS Carbon, and everything went smoothly — communication, shipping, and overall quality were all solid. • Comments: great wheels although the hubs will need looking at due to ghost pedalling which may be the hubs and 25mm inner worth with the same profile as the XM Carbons you are looking at 2. XM Carbonspeed 50/60 T1100 Wheelset • Specs: 18/18h hubs, 5mm carbon spokes, 120kg rider weight limit • Comments: I chose these over a lighter DFS who likely could have offered a lighter wheel set because I preferred the rim shape of the new 50/60mm 24mm internal width design XM Carbonspeed offers. Still waiting for these to be delivered so will be very excited to receive these should be around 1200g The XMC Wheelset you have selected Value: The wheels you’ve selected from XMC are superb value at this price point — hard to beat in terms of spec and materials. • Note on Hubs: These wheels use side-entry hubs for the spokes. While that’s fine in many cases, there have been reports (especially in rougher conditions) of spokes potentially popping out if there’s a sudden loss of tension. Personally, I’d recommend requesting different hubs fully enclosed straight-pull hubs — for added reliability and peace of mind. As for wavy wheels, I’m personally not a fan — they feel a bit gimmicky to me, and I prefer the cleaner, more classic lines of traditional rims. That’s not to say they won’t perform well, but you can definitely find more affordable and proven options. If you’re interested, check out the Tagoola thread and consider messaging Matter — they’ve had consistently strong reviews and offer excellent value. That said, XMC remains one of my top choices, especially because of their spoke options, great customer service, and overall high-quality product. The consistent positive feedback from other riders really helped give me confidence in my purchase. May 26, 2025, 01:57:59 PM |
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Re: Best carbon wheelset under 800usd?
+1 on Peter wheelset. Unless where you ride is especially susceptible to crosswinds, I'd go 50mm. Frame, have you considered Peter frames? They are cheaper. I recently bought 3 and my friends are happy (doesn't mean much, but nobody complained about anything). Except the gran Turismo one which costs more. Have you considered the speeder 55? Did you read the 17D thread? Aren't you concerned with all the fuck ups people had to endure? Wavy wheels won't age well. Just looks bad. You don't want an ugly girlfriend, nor an ugly bike, because you want to want to ride both. Yes, I made myself laugh there. May 26, 2025, 11:39:49 PM |
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