Velobuild VB-R-168 Frame

[hazzer19]

Has anyone been as cheeky as to ask Velobuild to replicate a paint scheme directly from Specialized?

I've been emailing with Chris and he's confident that they would be able to do a glossy-to-matte finish ala Red Tint - Black Satin (picture provided).

Have any of you ordered the 168 (or any VB) with a transition like that?

Cheers!

They seem to be able to do a decent job on transitions. Check out the paint job they did on my GF-002 http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3499.msg36962.html#msg36962


I didn't have any specific requirements and just asked that the color fade from one to another, so maybe if you wanted a longer transition they could do that as well.

[s3si1u]

Has anyone been as cheeky as to ask Velobuild to replicate a paint scheme directly from Specialized?

I've been emailing with Chris and he's confident that they would be able to do a glossy-to-matte finish ala Red Tint - Black Satin (picture provided).

Have any of you ordered the 168 (or any VB) with a transition like that?

Cheers!

Looks like this seller can do it:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804974579422.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_allProduct.8148356.11.59604e48QZ8Bm1&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21USD%21US%20%24681.72%21US%20%24681.72%21%21%21%21%21%402101f49b16759016924874247e13e3%2112000031925096734%21sh&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa&_randl_shipto=US

[Djengiskhanye]

They seem to be able to do a decent job on transitions. Check out the paint job they did on my GF-002 http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,3499.msg36962.html#msg36962


I didn't have any specific requirements and just asked that the color fade from one to another, so maybe if you wanted a longer transition they could do that as well.

Appreciate your input! From the looks of your pictures (nice unique scheme btw!), they certainly looks capable of doing smooth transitions. I'll probably let them have a go at it!

[jr223]

Hey what order should I be tightening the headset/stem? Got looser after a ride or two.

Should it be:

1) expander plug
2) fit stem and spacers
3) tightening top cap to compress spacers/stem
4) tightening stem

[jr223]

Heres what I found out:

1) My steerer tube is cut a tad too long likely.

2) The velobuild compression plug was slipping as I torqued the top cap down, causing the top cap to hit the top of the plug and the stack to not have enough compression.

My fix was to get a $19 FSA compression plug, these things are great since you can adjust how deep the plug sits and you should always be able to create room to compress the stack. Worked perfectly with a bit of carbon paste.

https://shop.fullspeedahead.com/en/star-nut-and-compression-device/road-mtb/compression-device-3819



For future builders the proper order to tightening everything is:

1) Tighten compression plug to 6-9nm.

2) Push down with your hands on the bars and make sure all headset alignment pins are fully engaged

3) Tighten top cap until headset is fully compressed and no play remains.

4) Tigten stem bolts

[Pigdog]

I know this was asked like a year ago, but thought I would follow up. Has anyone tried and found a direct mount derailleur hanger that works for the vbr168?
Stumbled on these on Ali and was tempted, but not sure about if any would work.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004545854616.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.3.5a3b571ahIjVub&algo_pvid=a151bde9-9936-474b-8420-aaf6402c1a0b&algo_exp_id=a151bde9-9936-474b-8420-aaf6402c1a0b-1&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000029559594136%22%7D&pdp_npi=3%40dis%21CAD%2118.46%216.19%21%21%21%21%21%40211bd8be16764112249635138d0763%2112000029559594136%21sea%21CA%210&curPageLogUid=VkTffr2goehC

[hazzer19]

I know this was asked like a year ago, but thought I would follow up. Has anyone tried and found a direct mount derailleur hanger that works for the vbr168?
Stumbled on these on Ali and was tempted, but not sure about if any would work.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004545854616.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.3.5a3b571ahIjVub&algo_pvid=a151bde9-9936-474b-8420-aaf6402c1a0b&algo_exp_id=a151bde9-9936-474b-8420-aaf6402c1a0b-1&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000029559594136%22%7D&pdp_npi=3%40dis%21CAD%2118.46%216.19%21%21%21%21%21%40211bd8be16764112249635138d0763%2112000029559594136%21sea%21CA%210&curPageLogUid=VkTffr2goehC

I've been after this for a while as well and no luck. I'm seeing more direct hangers come out that look like they would fit but it seems like the VB design is fairly unique, or doesn't match what is out there yet. Looking at the options in the ad, it would seem like a few could work but they don't quite fit from what I can see.

[Pigdog]

I've been after this for a while as well and no luck. I'm seeing more direct hangers come out that look like they would fit but it seems like the VB design is fairly unique, or doesn't match what is out there yet. Looking at the options in the ad, it would seem like a few could work but they don't quite fit from what I can see.

Yeah, I found more on AliExpress and quite a few look super close. But like you said, it might not quite match.
I feel like odds are it’s not a Velobuild exclusive. They are just buying it from someone. At least I assume haha.
If so, there has to be a source that we can track down and find the exact model it’s based on.
But maybe I am just dreaming haha

[Greenred]

May I ask why you don’t just buy another derailleur hanger from Velobuild?

[Yunglord]

a direct hanger has advantages over a regular one for Shimano rear derailleurs on top of being lighter.

[Pigdog]

a direct hanger has advantages over a regular one for Shimano rear derailleurs on top of being lighter.

Yes, exactly. Slightly better shifting, and lighter.
Plus longer term i wonder what if Velobuild didn’t stock them or whatever. Having another source to get parts is always helpful.

[Unsworn5836]

Built mine.
The paint quality was ok, especially the fork was not too good.
One nose close to the racecrown and had to machine some clear coat off the dropouts to fit the hub in. Fork also was repainted as I had some different color below.
The mounting points of the brakes also must be cleared from excessive paint.

But ride quality is good! More comfortable than my previous venge

[jr223]

Here’s mine.

Was able to put 100k on it before the weather got cold again. (this was seconds before I noticed my saddle slipped backwards lol).

Brakes took a shake down ride to bed in and then re-adjust to stop rubbing but the facing seems fine.


55mm elite wheels ent
sram force + rival crank
pirrelli pzero race 26mm tubeless
velobuild integrated bar/stem

[gruengelb]

Here’s mine.

Was able to put 100k on it before the weather got cold again. (this was seconds before I noticed my saddle slipped backwards lol).

Brakes took a shake down ride to bed in and then re-adjust to stop rubbing but the facing seems fine.


55mm elite wheels ent
sram force + rival crank
pirrelli pzero race 26mm tubeless
velobuild integrated bar/stem

Color looks dope! What color is it?

[jr223]

Color looks dope! What color is it?

Matte metallic blue.

I sent them a pic of someone else’s in the same colour.