Unless your old groupset has direct mount rim brakes, you would have to get new ones for this frame.
Is it straightforward? Well it depends on the skills of your mechanic. It is a fully internally routed frame. So installing a fully mechanical groupset on this and routing everything through the headset id obviously a bit of a nightmare job. Also, you will most likely have to drill the rear brake cable exit hole bigger on the top tube as it’s seemingly too small the way the frame is coming out of the mold. So no. it’s not straightforward. ;-)

There’s no issues that I know of with the compression ring on this frame. That would be the 168 and 177, I believe.

So I finished my build last week and I’ve been putting the frame thru its paces.  I’ve had few reservations at the start but it’s turning out to be an impressive machine.  I’ve had zero issues with the BB fitment and the only thing that needed real attention was making the rear brake housing exit bigger, 3D printing a more robust front deraillure cable exit and sanding/dremeling down the BB paint overspray and protruding rivet.

Major parts include: Sensah 12spd, look keo pedals, elite wheels and aliEx EEbrake replicas.   Without the added crap and accessories it came in exactly 7kg (including bottle cages).


One advice I can give to anyone looking to build the frame is keep small files and a dremel handy!

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.

Do you prefer the Dogma or the Venge?

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?

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

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.