Based on the hundreds of messages I received over the years, the typical viewer of my channel isn't looking for VeloBuild to be an equal alternative to one of the major brands. What they want is assurance their money won't be stolen, and that their collarbones won't be broken from a random catastrophic failure. Basically is the frame good enough all things considered. I try to keep my videos light-hearted and sensible. Save engineering and race opinions for the engineers and racers.

Confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance is human nature. Whether VeloBuild or Specialized, we all want to believe we've made the best purchase. No harm in that.

9:10 in the video - "If you are expecting a $500 frame to compete with a 1000-1500 dollar frameset" Why not? As serge points out Latex moulding, t800/t1000 build up. Evolution of a frame that was well regarded to be punching above its price point anyway.

"If you're looking for a frameset to compete with a winspace or Yoleo, this is not it." Why not? In what regard and how do you know on your first ride?

Section at 9.46: " How does it feel in relation to 168 and 177?" Your builds are completely different, with too many non-standardized parts to differentiate between the frames. Esp on the 68, which is essentially the same geometry

"It's def stiffer than 168." Maybe so with the layup and tube size changes but again different bars, wheels, etc

"More refined" Again, different wheels, bars, tyres

On constructive note, I like the sections with how the build goes, the ordering process, the finishing quality, the service etc that's all really useful and as you say useful in letting people know that these companies are producing very good products.

The non-committal reviewer speak "caveatinging" dubious statements is a huge minus in the vids though.

I don't know what the solution is, honestly; many many people are seeing through all these BS cycle reviews at this point, they are sick and tired of it. These channels are kind of at a crossroads (GCN even seems to be completely swerving reviewing bikes at this point). Your going to get smashed for being to positive or negative or being to safe especially with the current statements and methodology but I and I doubt anyone else is accusing you of shilling like some of the others.  For me I'd be happy to just watch you showcase of these builds, let us know the ordering process, the issues, the finishing, comfort (position geometry) and build etc The builds look beautiful in your vids and the filming and sound is also great.

Frames are the trickiest but don't stop featuring them, i don't think anyone expects you to set up the frames with exact same components and A/B test them, your not a science based tester or someone who pretends to be so and its def not practical for a small channel to build bikes that ways (sucks the fun right out of builds). For frames hold off on the unquantifiable statements I highlighted above and more on that showcase of the product or comment on "this build" and caveat it with stiffness, aero etc is an amalgamation of the parts. For wheels, tyres, bars, tape, seats etc they can be popped on and off one designated test bike to provide a more standardised testing platform with more objective observations which I would enjoy hearing.

Build done, except for missing bar tape. Er9, Magene p505, edge 45mm. Size 58 comes at 8.05 kg as you see it on the picture. Test ride is next.

What a beauty, really gorgeous looking bike.

How was mounting the calipers? Well faced? Also gone er9 on mine, you use the included adapters or did you need to buy a separate set?

The VB 268 clearly says it takes 32C. The only new frame i can think of that doesn't take 32C is the SP cycle 25 SL something, only takes 30C, and i'm unhappy about that.

If road, then 20 spokes should be fine. If gravel, maybe ask Yuanan, but if steel spokes, then maybe go more conservative and take 24? Yuanan does 20/20 on carbon spokes.

Cheers Serge, have contacted Yaunan and Peter just waiting on the final proposals. Liking the look of the Yuanan.... everything else has been ordered was going to build it all myself but will just spend the little extra for a builder to get it all dialed in asap when everything gets here

Sounds like a nice build! Just ordered two frames. Have bought EliteWheels Edge Ultralight 50 mm (21 mm internal, 28 mm external) from AliExpress for one of the frames and actually bought their Edge Gravel 45 mm wheel set (462 USD with discount code when I ordered) for the other frame as their dimensions regarding internal (24 mm) and external width (31 mm) rim width is more progressive and comparable to ENVE SES 4.5 (25/32 mm) and Reserve 40/44 (25/33-31 mm). Will pair both with GP 5000 28 mm. They will probably measure up around 30 mm on the gravel wheel set. Expecting to set both bikes up with 105 Di2 as the compared prices of the ERX/ER9 is not that much lower when shipped to my country (Denmark) with taxes - when you add the cost of crankset, chain, cassette and rotors.

Good lord, i got the Ltwoo ER9 for $385 last night UK 105 di2 would have done me for almost a grand. if it was closer here I would also have gone the 105 . Will take a look at those wheels too didn't know about the edge that price is excellent on the Gravel.

I've got the FarSports Gravel wheels that seem to fit your requirements, 24mm internal width, 30mm external width, 50mm deep, built with Sapim CX-Ray spokes on Bitex hubs, final weight around 1450g and cost around 700 USD. I got them without any internal holes so no need to rim tape to run them tubeless with UD matte, stickerless finish, however you can also get them in gloss and other fininshes. 7,000 km's put on them so far and they've been great!

I had farsports in the past and nothing but good things to say about them, didn't realise the gravel rims would work on the road frames but this is interesting I think id go the same setup just with gloss finish. Thanks for the rec.

i've built a VB168 with Sensah (4 hoses), the 268 is the same infrastructure, so yes you can run mechanical. It's a major, major pain though, and the FD shifting will probably suck.
I've installed 5 er9 groups, they're wonderful. The app is awesome, adjustments are much easier than mechanical (especially FD, i hate mechanical FD adjustments). Together, we've only put 3-3.5k km on them though, so they might turn to shit, although i dont see why they would.
I really liked the 168, the 268 should only be better. I would do er9 on 268 with nice wheels (not less than 500-650$ range before shipping), gp5000 tyres, and you will have a wonderful bike.
On the lcr0x-d, it's a bit old now; i wouldnt buy a bike that maxes out at 28C, and T700 is on the ghetto side now.

Thanks Serge, you answered everything I had and probably every follow up question i had to boot also Will go with the ER9 and the 268.

Build is something like this:

Frame 268 (Racing Green) Order process is really easy and Chis's communication is great so far.
Group ER9
Magene PES cranks/power
Pass Quest rings
Ryet Saddle
Gp5000 (probably 30 but 32 if it fits)

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.

Order this week but wont be building till first week of June so ill try to share some photos