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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: VBR 218 or VBR 099?

« on: August 02, 2022, 07:55:00 AM »

Quote from: Velovelo on August 01, 2022, 03:32:11 PM

I mean I prefer an open mold that does not look 100% copied. My personal preference.
By the way, given the nature of the cycling community, it is normal for people to comment on people riding a 100% copied frame. It is up to the rider to care or not to care about the good or bad comments. Ride whatever you want. It is your money. It is your life. You asked for opinions so I shared my thoughts and preference on both frames. In the end it is your choice that matters.

099 frame does not look 100% like the venge even if the geometry chart may be similar. In fact the 099 open mold frame is being rebranded and used by cycling teams.
Example frame with different fork and seatpost here: https://www.dolan-bikes.com/ares/
Teams: https://www.dolan-bikes.com/teams/
I saw online the 099 is also sold as a brand called Lokka Ranger.

You cannot rebrand the 218 like the above examples because it is a 100% copied frame. The 099 seems to be more of an "Open Mold" that is why I prefer it.

Another analogy is; you can outrightly pirate a Windows Operating system which is not cool but is commonly done. But Linux Operating system is Open Source Software so you can adapt it as you wish?

Oh now I understand what you mean! I thought that the 099 was a copy of the venge. Matter of fact that every frame was a copy of something.
What does it exactly mean by open mold?

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: VBR 218 or VBR 099?

« on: August 01, 2022, 04:41:17 AM »

Quote from: Sebastian on August 01, 2022, 02:10:19 AM

The 218 has a bolt on cover below the bottom bracket as well. It includes a Di2 battery holder there. So draining water is not a problem.

Besides, either frame is a copy after all. Yes the 99 might be more inspired rather than outright copied. But let’s face it: Velobuild‘s 168 and 99 are pretty close to being Specialized counterfeits. So if you’re concerned about what people might say about that, you’re probably better off not buying any of them.

I for one would never put decals on it to make it look like the real thing nor do I expect these frames to perform like the real thing. And for me it’s also about the dilemma that literally no one sells reasonably priced „modern“ carbon rim brake frames anymore, so I’m kinda forced to source them straight from China.

That is good news then!

To be honest, I dont care what people might say actually

Yeah I have somehow difficult to put decals in order to fake it real. Im asian so kind of know one or another when it comes to counterfeit products. The major reason why I wanted to get those frames was that I really like the design of both of them however cant afford the real deal.

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: VBR 218 or VBR 099?

« on: August 01, 2022, 01:48:40 AM »

Quote from: Velovelo on July 31, 2022, 08:21:02 PM

In the open mold world I'd go for the bike with looks that score lower on the "copied frame" spectrum especially when the highly copied frame is not the only option.
Also vbr099 seems to be a lighter build between the two frames hence closer to an all-rounder bike.

Random point from this weekend issues; vb099 has a hole under the BB area that helps to drain water out after a rainy ride or major bike wash. My 177 for example does not have this hole making lots of water to be caught up at the BB area. Not sure if vbr218 has this water drainage hole underneath the BB area. Little stuff like this saves your BB for longer.

Perhaps my brain is a little slow this morning but what do you mean by looks that score lower on the copied frame? So there will be less comments from other people you mean?

Yeah the 099 is a bit lighter so that's why I am leaning towards it besides the looks of it.

Ah! Wow I have to ask Chris! This was a good thing to know!
What about we water that goes upwards? Meaning rainwater

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: VBR 218 or VBR 099?

« on: July 31, 2022, 04:12:34 PM »

Quote from: memebike on July 31, 2022, 01:24:37 AM

Do you prefer the Dogma or the Venge?

I am not quiet sure yet but somehow I like the looks of 218 but something tells me that I should get an 099 haha!

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / VBR 218 or VBR 099?

« on: July 30, 2022, 04:19:14 PM »

I am on the fence of ordering a new frame and this will be my first bike that I build.
Was going to order the 218 but then saw 099 and now I am confused on which one I should get. I like the look of both of them, however I do not know which one is easier to build. Also I dont have any experience with building a bike(but I guess google and asking pros will do the job)

Which frame do you like most and why?

edit: emailed Chris regarding the 099. Its still available at this moment if we order through email/whatsapp.

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Velobuild VB-R-218

« on: July 30, 2022, 04:13:14 PM »

Quote from: Rohee on July 30, 2022, 12:26:13 PM

I've been looking to build a new bike, but not exactly sure what size I should get that fits me. I am 171cm and the recommended size using SL7 as a reference is size 52. Should I get a Size S(50) in this case?

I am 174 and my bike geo fits me with an S at least. So Im gonna go with this on. An M/510 is to big for me

Also, its easier to enlarge a smaller bike than making a big bike smaller.

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Velobuild VB-R-218

« on: July 30, 2022, 07:35:21 AM »

Quote from: Irideslowly on July 30, 2022, 07:27:16 AM

Because it's literally a copy of a different bike. Not inspired, pure copy

you mean that VBR218 is a copy of Dogma F? Or that Dogma F is a copy of another bike?

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Velobuild VB-R-218

« on: July 30, 2022, 03:04:10 AM »

Quote from: noodleshop on July 30, 2022, 01:40:48 AM

Really nice builds! I mean no offence, but I was just curious if you get any unwanted attention/comments from other riders for riding a Pinarello-inspired frame. Personally I think the bikes look fantastic, and I'd be glad to have one. Just wanted to know if you received any negative comments because of this. Thanks

It's now that I have seen negative comments regarding the appearance of the bike. The hate is a bit to much Imo. Wonders why? I mean, I really like the design of the bike.

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Velobuild VB-R-218

« on: July 28, 2022, 05:01:01 PM »

Quote from: jth15656 on July 28, 2022, 04:01:59 PM

A bar end mirror. I have one on each side, but really only use the left. I guess I want to see the guys who's going to hit me.

I have like seen those big round mirrors like on MC but never those clean as yours. Where did you get it?

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Velobuild VB-R-218

« on: July 28, 2022, 08:44:55 AM »

Quote from: jth15656 on June 19, 2022, 08:10:41 PM

Yep. That's mine.

First off thanks to all the regular posters on this forum for all the knowledge they share!

I was considering a 177 back in April, but when they introduced the 218, I decided to give that a shot instead.

I ordered the XL frame on 4-18-22, they shipped on 5/6 and I got the frame on 5/12. I was pretty pleased with that speed.
I went with matte black, which maybe helped getting it a little quicker.

Wheels are elite SLT 50mm deep 29mm wide and the groupset is Sensa Empire.
No issues with the frame, other than the challenges of getting the cables through the integrated bars. Being my first build, I didn't think it was too bad.

I've only had time to get about 30 miles in so far, but no problem to report yet. I did put a little tape on my seat post, so I can check to make sure it's not slipping over time, as that's been an issue on other velobuild frames.

My other bike is an aluminum endurance frame, so this should be a lot lighter and quicker. The bathroom scale has the 218at just under 19.5 lbs, my endurance bike is 25 lbs.

What is the thing at the end of your right dropbar?

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