VB-R-177 in 2026 – still a good buy? Headset issues solved + long-term feedback?

[Joe Grifo]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently thinking about starting a new build and I keep coming back to the VB-R-177. Even now in 2026 it still seems like one of the best value frames around, but before going ahead I wanted to get some updated feedback from people who have more recent experience with it.

I’ve gone through a lot of older threads from around 2021–2022 and noticed that quite a few people were having issues with headset play and compression, often related to the compression ring/C-clip design and how the top cap interacts with the system. From what I’ve read, Velobuild later introduced an updated C-ring that was supposed to fix the problem, but I’m not sure how effective that has actually been in practice. So I’d be really interested to know whether those headset issues have been fully resolved in newer batches (say 2024–2026), or if people are still running into the same problems and having to rely on DIY fixes or workarounds.

I’m also trying to decide between running a one-piece integrated cockpit or going with a separate bar and stem. From older discussions, it sounded like the bar + stem setup was more prone to headset issues, although the integrated option didn’t seem completely immune either. For those who have built one more recently, I’d love to hear what you’d recommend today and whether one setup is clearly more reliable than the other, or if it just comes down to preference now.(I’m planning to use a 4 cable mechanical groupset)

Another thing that really matters to me is long-term durability. If anyone here has owned the VB-R-177 for a longer period—ideally one or two years or more—and has put a decent amount of mileage on it, I’d really appreciate hearing how it has held up over time. I’m especially interested in any structural issues, how the headset and bearings have aged, and whether there are any recurring annoyances that only show up after extended use.

More generally, I’ve seen quite mixed opinions about Velobuild’s overall build quality. On one hand, a lot of people seem very happy with how the bike rides, but on the other hand I’ve come across reports of things like minor alignment issues, headset quirks, water ingress, and in some cases even cracked forks after some use. I’m trying to understand what the situation is like today—whether quality control has improved in recent years or if it’s still somewhat inconsistent.

So overall, would you still consider the VB-R-177 a solid choice in 2026, or are there better alternatives in the same price range now? Any recent experiences, especially from long-term owners, would be really helpful.

[tjebakka]

I've been in possession of a VB-R-177 since the end of 2021. Although I've never had any major issues with it, and I have done some serious riding with it, I wouldn't recommend it.

I build it up with some Fasports Feder 45mm wheels and a Shimano R8070 groupset. I've done a multi day cycling tour (8 days) including the Mt Ventoux, Glandon, Alpe d'Huez totalling 1300km's and over 22.000 hm's with it. Although the structural integrity was never compromised it was clear from day one that it's not a qualitatively outstanding frame. Bottom bracket creaking from day one. Tried everything but the tolerance is just too bad. Iopted for a HB017 integrated headset and the fitting was off as the headset cap was scraping against the top tube.(that's not for sale anymore so that's not an issue anymore). Finishing is ok but not outstanding.

Since a few months my seatpost started delaminating. Ordered a new one and that one was DOA as I couldn't get the rear adjustment bolt to sit properly on the reinforced seating surface. At one point I could push the bolt through the seatpost. I must add that Chris send me a new one right away. But it does tell that their QA is bad.

The pro's:

- looks great
- fast
- stiff (sometimes a bit harsh to ride though)
- agressive geo

Cons:

- pressfit tolerance bad
- overall quality is medium to low
- max tyre clearance 30mm
- water ingress and no hole in the bb
- front derailleur hanger placement causes you to use spacers for bottle cage which is a design flaw imo

I had some fun with it but I never loved it.

[Serge_K]

Value is excellent, and specs are still great indeed. I think people had issues fitting 32C tyres though, from memory?
For the price, if the specs are right for you, i doubt you'll be disappointed. Obviously, don't expect an S-Works at this price. 
Also, consider long teng, maybe that one https://www.ltbikes.com/index/products/view/id/421.html. Better specs, more modern, might not cost much more, it may be worth emailing Alisa.

[hsaus]

I have one, and I'm satisfied overall - especially when considering the price.

Echoing most of tjebakka's comments, here is how I solved some of the issues:

- Paint overspray: I got my LBS to face the brake caliper mounts.
- Water ingress: Asked my LBS to drill a small drain hole under the bottom bracket. (I was too chicken to do it myself!)
- Bottom bracket: I use a thread-together bottom bracket, and that's been great. It's a cheap ZTTO one, so the end caps don't provide a great seal, but I add some grease behind them to protect the bearings. And when I will need to replace the bearings, I can just knock the old ones out and press in some new ones, while leaving the thread-together shell in the frame.
- FD hanger interfering with bottle cage: My hand pump frame mount sits behind the seat tube bottle cage, so that provides the offset required to clear the FD hanger.
- FD hanger design: This took me the longest time to figure out - I was struggling to get the FD cage inboard enough to avoid chain rub when in the small chainring and the largest rear cog. Turns out that the shape of the FD hanger didn't match the contours of the painted seat tube, making the FD hanger stick out from the frame where the FD bolts on. I solved it by bending some small washers in half and placing them where the hanger bolts on to the frame. This angled the hanger sufficiently so that the part where the FD bolts on was flush with the frame.

The geometry is the most aggressive among my bikes - great fun for a fast ride, but it wouldn't be my first choice for an all-day epic endurance event.

[tjebakka]

Maybe I was a bit too hard in my opinion. I had a great couple of days in the Ardennes last weekend. Bottom bracket was silent but my seat post (delamination) needs to be replaced.

Price cannot be beaten indeed.

[s3si1u]

I used to ride one. Rode it for a couple years, sold it to a family member 2-3 years ago and he's still riding it.
I really liked it, but I was ready for something new at the time. I thought the back end was very soft, if that makes sense. It was definitely a more comfortable ride than my Winspace.
I did have some headset play for a short time with the Velobuild one piece bar, but eventually got it sorted. Switched to "The One Pro" one piece bar shortly before selling it and had zero issues with this setup (afaik it's been free of any issues since). This bar can now be found on Aliexpress for cheap under a handful of different brands/names. If you go through with the purchase, I would definitely recommend ordering your frame without a handlebar and sourcing a better aftermarket option.
Also note that the largest tire I was able to fit in front was a 30mm Panaracer Agilest, but ymmv depending on your wheel setup. I eventually settled on 28mm Panaracers and 29mm Enves. I believe the current owner is using 30mm Panaracers (might be 28, not entirely sure).

I think it's a good purchase for the price. I might be buying back the frame soon as the current owner is looking to sell and build something new.