I may also be interested in a Zero-offset seatpost, especially if they manage to bring the weight down...

Hey guys, I finished my build last week. Wanted to share my experience with you and say thanks for all the insights!

I went with a 168 frameset, custom painted in size 54. The ordering process was fine, Chris was responsive and answered all/most of my questions. Settling on the color for the paintjob was not straightforward however, as I wanted a special color for which I had a pantone code (metallic color as per pantone code). He always said that they can do the color, but “not metallic” which was quite confusing since the color code was referring to a metallic color.
So after a bit of back and forth, we decided to try a candy-blue paintjob (transparent blue over metallic silver base). After a week, he sent pictures of the painted frame and said that they will paint another one as it wasn’t metallic enough (without even asking me if I was happy with the paintjob). So another week later, I had two “versions” of the paintjob to choose from, and I chose the second one.
The paintjob turned out way better than expected, they did a really good job!

I received the frame via DHL to my door (Germany), with XDB shipping and no additional duties within 10 days after it got shipped.

Frame quality was good. The inside of the fork had a few loose glassfiber-bits inside, maybe the reaming wasn’t perfectly done. I removed most of them, but the steerer tube was a bit to tight for the Deda 70 compression plug, so I sanded down the lower part of the compression plug a tiny bit.

As for the compression ring, I went with the SL8 one that I got from Specialized for 5€. As the SL8 uses a Headset Bearing with an ID that is 0.5mm larger than the VB, I had to modify the compression ring by sanding (no issue since its made from plastic).
To ensure enough clearance between the frame and the lowest headset spacer, I had to use 5 FSA microspacers that I cut to allow for internal cable routing. I also bent the lowest microspacer to prevent the sharp edges of the cut spacers from damaging the brake hoses. (as seen in the pictures)
Headset is free of any play.
I used the separate bar/stem combo, but 3D-printed a topcap that allows to run spacers above the stem to validate the position before cutting the steerer (too) short.
Routing the brake hoses (no shifter cables, as I run semi-wireless Di2) trough the bars was tough and required some sanding to remove the sharp edges on the exit holes in the handlebar. (I have tons of respect to you guys who manage to route 4 cables trough those handlebars, lol. Seems impossible from my perspective)

Building the bike was straightforward. BB was properly sized (a tiny bit undersized, but the Token Ninja BB pressed/threaded in fine).

As for the seatpost, I originally planned to replace the aluminium hardware with carbon parts from an old Elita One seatpost. However, they did not fit (and were only marginally lighter anyways). Has anyone found good replacement hardware to shave a few grams of that seatpost?
However, I had no issue with a slipping seatpost (used carbon paste) so far.

Regarding the weights:
•   Frame (without any hardware, Size 54, painted in “candy blue”): 1025g (photo shows frame with hardware and axle)
•   FD Hanger with screws: 15g
•   RD Hanger with screws: 17g
•   Uncut Fork incl. separate crown race: 428g (cut to about 402g, with a few cm left to be cut)
•   Stem 100mm (without Topcap): 193g
•   Handlebar 400mm: 270 g (quite a bit heavier than expected)
•   Headset spacers (all, without c-ring):77g
•   SL8 C-Ring: 5g
•   Seatpost: 240g
•   Seatpost grommet: 2,4g
•   Seatpost wedge: 24g
•   Front Axle: 37g
•   Rear Axle: 45g
•   Headset bearings: 62g

The whole build with complete Ultegra Di2 R8100 came out at 7,78 kg without pedals or 8,19kg with Pedals, Bottle cages, computer mount.
Once I dialed in my fit (coming from an endurance frame that was already slammed, I will slowly lower my position), I will probably shave a few hundred gramms by switching to a lighter cockpit, saddle… Also thinking about a lighter wheelset (currently at 1635g for the pair).

Complete price was also quite competitive I guess, as I paid less than 2800 euros for the whole setup with frameset, groupset, wheels, tires, small bits etc (without pedals & cages), including shipping and taxes. (all bought new, so no second hand prices).

Bike rides really well without any issues, but I have to get some more kilometers in! Definitely happy with my build so far!

Could you provide the URL? Embedded videos does not work on my browser.

https://youtu.be/pbsWtAW0q1I?si=nPYa08pD8ZtTXVsC&t=165

Just curious, what are the little things attached to the spokes?

Those are just stickers from the spoke manufacturer Pillar.
He will probably remove them soon. 

I've ran some 3d printed stem spacers on my bike for ~1000km after I built it up until the white color irked me enough to order some cheap carbon ones.

It was printed out of 100% PLA, didn't have any issues with creep in that time.
Since the load is compressive and fairly low, there will be hardly any creep especially if you print it 100% infill.

That being said, use PETG or something that won't deform in the heat

3D-printed spacers above the stem are a whole different story. They are not loaded and therefore not critical at all. They are only loaded while you tighten the headset. Theoretical (I ofc do not advise) you could remove the spacers after you tightened the stem bolts.

However, a lot of Allez Sprints use 3D printed spacer adapter for the SL7 stem, as a loaded part...

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.

here you can also find pictures.

austrian seller selling this frameset for boutique prices: https://www.1of1.at/rad/aero/

There is a section on here for gravel/cx. https://chinertown.com/index.php/board,21.0.html


Personally, I would not consider rimbrakes for any gravel build