Velobuild VB-R-168 Frame

[Icyseanfitz]

On most bikes you can easily insert the bearings. But if you can easily move it back and forth, sideways, you can't.

Had an issue with a Chinese xc frame I built up recently that the top bearing was a bit loose and causing play. Did three runs of electrical tape around the bearing and now it's perfect

[kr78]

...

Photo #5 - The blue headset bearing from VB. As you can see the bearing is recessed.
Photo #6 - The black headset bearing is from FSA. Ever so slightly more recessed.

Question: The black headset bearing is slightly more recessed. This preferred in order to better close the headset "gap" when using the FSA C-ring/clip. However, this bearing is very slightly loose in the headtube cup despite being a standard bearing size. Will this be an issue in overall headset play? The included VB headset bearing seats very snug in the headtube.

Be aware that you will find these bearings with different hight, e.g.

• 7mm 
• 8mm

I finally went for the stainless steel 7mm version to avoid immediate rust and to extend the maintanence period of a fully integrated headset. These bearings are sitting snug but less recessed compared to yours.

[eucalyptus]

Be aware that you will find these bearings with different hight, e.g.

• 7mm 
• 8mm

I finally went for the stainless steel 7mm version to avoid immediate rust and to extend the maintanence period of a fully integrated headset. These bearings are sitting snug but less recessed compared to yours.

Mine (almost the same frame) came with a 7 upper and 8mm lower bearing.

I replaced both with lightweight FSA MR128R (same as Cane creek AER) 7mm bearings. I do not see any reason to have an 8mm bottom, only increases the gap between frame and fork.

Also, saved like a total of 15 grams with premium lightweight bearings

[cramy]

My size 56 VB-168 has arrived safely. Unpainted raw carbon. The matte color looks identical to the unpainted Dengfu R12 I built up last winter.

I opted out of handlebars since I'll be using an FSA headset along with my own stem and handlebar (Prime alloy aero bars).

Photo #1 - Everything included
Photo #2 - Frame (incl derailleur hangers and plastic grommets, without water bottle bolts) - 1005g
Photo #3 - Uncut Fork - 412g
Photo #4 - Seatpost w/ Saddle Clamp - 245g
Photo #5 - The blue headset bearing from VB. As you can see the bearing is recessed.
Photo #6 - The black headset bearing is from FSA. Ever so slightly more recessed.

Question: The black headset bearing is slightly more recessed. This preferred in order to better close the headset "gap" when using the FSA C-ring/clip. However, this bearing is very slightly loose in the headtube cup despite being a standard bearing size. Will this be an issue in overall headset play? The included VB headset bearing seats very snug in the headtube.

How much did you pay without the handlebar?

[patliean1]

There's a $69 discount via refund after the frame order is placed, when skipping out on ordering a handlebar set

[RDY]

Photo #5 - The blue headset bearing from VB. As you can see the bearing is recessed.
Photo #6 - The black headset bearing is from FSA. Ever so slightly more recessed.

Question: The black headset bearing is slightly more recessed. This preferred in order to better close the headset "gap" when using the FSA C-ring/clip. However, this bearing is very slightly loose in the headtube cup despite being a standard bearing size. Will this be an issue in overall headset play? The included VB headset bearing seats very snug in the headtube.

I had the same problem with my VB-099.

Unless we both ordered the wrong FSA headset, then the bottom bearing / bearing seat is slightly oversized for VB 099 / 168.  The FSA bottom bearing won't work.  Way too loose.  Top is fine.  Also the FSA c-clip is too thin ... there's play on my 099.  Going to have to re-do with the fatter new VB one. 

[eucalyptus]

I had the same problem with my VB-099.

Unless we both ordered the wrong FSA headset, then the bottom bearing / bearing seat is slightly oversized for VB 099 / 168.  The FSA bottom bearing won't work.  Way too loose.  Top is fine.  Also the FSA c-clip is too thin ... there's play on my 099.  Going to have to re-do with the fatter new VB one.

Loose, play, you mean between bearing and frame? That could be sorted with tinfoil or something.

I would believe the VB bottom bearing is 8mm and 52mm diameter. The FSA is most likely 7mm and 51.8mm which is very common. Those 0.2mm actually makes a difference but could be fixed with something thin between frame and bearing.

[patliean1]

I’m constantly amazed how much I learn in this forum.

52 vs 51.8mm diameter. Crazy. Wonder if it’s because the metric/imperial dimension conversion.

[renrew]

I don't think everyone cooks their own soup

[patliean1]

In the spirit of maximizing a recessed top headset bearing to close the gap from the FSA top cap...do you reckon a 6.5mm thick bearing would be "too" thin or too recessed?

https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/products/cane-creek-zn40-bearing-52mm-zinc-plated-each

[renrew]

you then have to work with discs to get the distance

[Zoc]

As already mentioned i don't like the handlebar and ordered a new shorter straight one

new on has arrived, like the packaging
hope i have time on the weekend for mounting and testing

keep you posted

[cramy]

As already mentioned i don't like the handlebar and ordered a new shorter straight one

new on has arrived, like the packaging
hope i have time on the weekend for mounting and testing

keep you posted

which one did you ordered?

[Zoc]

I ordered this one
https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005003979283641.html?spm=a2g0o.order_detail.0.0.2f106368sUIBsJ&gatewayAdapt=glo2deu

440x100mm
old one was
440x110mm but with the curved shape the new one is 4cm shorter and the postition of the Brakes does me fit much better

[gilj]

Hi all, I'm planning to build this up with an sram dub crank. I've read that this isn't recommended, why?

Also, is it a BB86 or BB86.5? Does anyone have a link to a threaded pressfit bb86.5?