Velobuild VB-R-218

[joegal]

Quick question about the saddle bolts, how do you tighten a saddle without a cutout in the middle?  I realized that one of the bolt faces upwards, and if there's no cut out in the saddle, I have no idea how to tighten it.

You could also check if there is enough space so you could use a trimmed down/shortened allen key.

[Sebastian]

I think even the real pinarello is a pretty weighty bike.

They all were until the Dogma F, I think. Which is why Team Sky bikes were usually heavier than 7kg despite being rim brake bikes with tubs. And that’s also why Pinarello had to build an extralight version of the F8 and F10 frame for Froomey. The Dogma F then got considerably lighter and the real thing should easily have a frame weight of around 800g compared to this VB frame at 1200g. But I mean it better be lightweight at 6k for a frameset.

So yeah. If you care about weight, this VB frame is probably not for you.

[Sebastian]

I replaced the bottom headset bearing. To my pleasant surprise it wasn't actually worn out. It was just the dirt and grime that got in there that produced noise when turning the bars. I could have just cleaned it. Since I had the new Cane Creek bearing and crown race lying around I figured I might as well put that in and keep the original bearing as a spare. I took the opportunity to cut down the steerer a bit more and take off the single spacer I still had on top of the stem.

[kenderu]

The no spacer look is nice, now I want to do it too...

[Benbenben]

Alright, I am building the frame that I have received under warranty because the first one was showing cracks between to he 2 holes on the seat stay.

Now I have just tightened the same bolt (making sure not to go above 3.5 nm). See picture. I see similar hairline "cracks" around the hole.

Do you guys have the same thing? It's really small, but still I don't believe I should have those "cracks". Unless the paint (basic black matte) is really bad quality.

For now, the indications don't seem to transfer into the carbon layup. But if you guys tell me that some of you have the same thing, I would know it really is the paint ain't no risk for those indications to become cracks in carbon.

[Sebastian]

Loosen the bolts and tighten them back up and see if you can make out any movement in the cracks. I don’t see any of these on my frame.

[Deo]

I am 188 cm and 97 kg, is XXL frame to small for me?

[JonMS]

I am 188 cm and 97 kg, is XXL frame to small for me?

185CM and it fits me great with a 100mm stem. Just size the stem/bar for what you need.

[Sebastian]

I am 190cm with long arms and I like the fit with a 120mm stem and the cockpit slammed onto the 20mm headset cover. The reach is on the shorter side for me but it rides nicely. There’s a lot of toe overlap on this frame for me because of the short wheelbase. Not a problem when you’re riding but you need to be aware of it when manoeuvring at low speeds.

Fit is very personal and your height alone really isn’t enough information to help you. Am XXL frame should get you in the ballpark. What stem length you need. If the seatpost setback works for you. If the geometry is for you or not. That’s impossible to tell without any further reference.

[Deo]

thanks, i gone need more help when i start ordering things for bike, maybe i go with sensah 1x12 groupset

[neobiker]

Just pulled the trigger on this one

[RDY]

Alright, I am building the frame that I have received under warranty because the first one was showing cracks between to he 2 holes on the seat stay.

Now I have just tightened the same bolt (making sure not to go above 3.5 nm). See picture. I see similar hairline "cracks" around the hole.

Do you guys have the same thing? It's really small, but still I don't believe I should have those "cracks". Unless the paint (basic black matte) is really bad quality.

For now, the indications don't seem to transfer into the carbon layup. But if you guys tell me that some of you have the same thing, I would know it really is the paint ain't no risk for those indications to become cracks in carbon.

Looks like warranty number 2 to me.

It staggers me that people are still buying these (or really anything from Velobuild) given the number of cracked 218s in the last year.  But then I suppose people are buying Dogmas still for 10x the price when they've had a plague of similar cracks.

[Sebastian]

I'm not saying this frame is without issues. But if every little problem with brand name frames would be as public and as much discussed in detail as the Chiner frames are on this forum, you'd probably say the same thing about those.
Also, it is worth noting that from what I can tell, VB has respected the warranty for this frame in every single case that has been discussed here.

[neobiker]

By the way, they are stopping the sell of this model.

[joegal]

By the way, they are stopping the sell of this model.

Due to legal reasons or warranty/quality reasons?