Velobuild VB-R-218

[JonMS]

Still on my list to do:
- get a between the arms bottle
- print a rear box, similar to what the guys at 4-frames do. First protoype is done already (see 5th picture)
- ride more
- get a TT frame (project for next winter  )
Hi JonMS, these might actually fit - but I suppose you'll also need some kind of rubber adapters.

Good stuff! I'd be interested in the model of that back box when you're happy with it  .

[Sebastian]

A total noob question: What kind of software are you using to design stuff like this? Some sort of CAD-software? Is it free/open source? I’d be interested to design a storage box to mount inbetween the water bottles in the frame triangle on my TT-X38.

[Serge_K]

That's awesome! i did design and print a rear bento box for my propel a couple of years ago. it worked great until it disintegrated in a flat second. My advice: carbon fiber cloth or (cheaper) fiberglass cloth to reinforce everything (or pre preg to make your life easier, presumably). My box failed in the middle at some random layer line, which retrospectively, makes sense. It was more of an experiment than anything, i was phasing out the use of that bike already, so i didn't print a new one and didn't get around ordering cloth.

i like the ghetto TT front end rig a lot, well done!

[Chiyou]

A total noob question: What kind of software are you using to design stuff like this? Some sort of CAD-software? Is it free/open source? I’d be interested to design a storage box to mount inbetween the water bottles in the frame triangle on my TT-X38.

Yes, CAD / 3D-modeling software. Commercial products such as Fusion 360 are very slick and can do a lot of thinking for you; licenses for personal use may be available. On the opensource side, FreeCAD* has been around for a good long time but takes some getting used to, depending on how your brain works. Either way, expect a steep learning curve.

* Ondsel ES is built on top of FreeCAD and to an extent takes the sting out of FreeCAD's somewhat spartan approach.

[Queen of Skulls]

BTW what tire set up is everyone using?

[Jimin]

What have I missed? Have VB stopped selling these frames?

Feels like I have some reading to do

[Sebastian]

Yes. They're only selling off leftover stock. No explanation as to why.

[Serge_K]

Yes. They're only selling off leftover stock. No explanation as to why.

Feels like everyone on this forum on a 218 had a cracked frame at the seatpost area. Given VB margins, they can't be profitable selling models that are constantly creating warranty problems.
Plus the fact it's an obvious clone of Pinarello, which I assume has resulted in Pinarello contacting VB, one way or the other (and/or the factory they source from).

[Sebastian]

Aliexpress is still full of Dogma F and Grevil clones, though. It seems there’s a particularly high quantity of Pinarello clones from many different sources. I often wonder why? Is it just desirability and that they’re selling well? Or does Pinarello maybe not pay the necessary license fees for exclusivity or chooses to have that license expire at some point and the factory sells off the molds to third parties? Because it seems that everyone and their mother in China has a mold lying around for the Dogma F12 and the Dogma F. 

[Sebastian]

BTW what tire set up is everyone using?

Vittoria Corsa all the way. Except for my tubular wheels. I’m using Tufo tubs in 28mm. They can be used with sealant and plugged like tubeless tires. So they’re very convenient. And despite Tufo having a bad rep for slow and harsh tires, I found that that’s a myth of the past when people were riding 21mm tubs at 140psi (if it ever was true). If you use them at sensible pressures they’re actually quite supple and not really any slower than my Cotton Corsas. Plus Tufo’s gravel tubeless tires are hands down the best I’ve ever used. In a sensible price range at least.

[Serge_K]

Aliexpress is still full of Dogma F and Grevil clones, though. It seems there’s a particularly high quantity of Pinarello clones from many different sources. I often wonder why? Is it just desirability and that they’re selling well? Or does Pinarello maybe not pay the necessary license fees for exclusivity or chooses to have that license expire at some point and the factory sells off the molds to third parties? Because it seems that everyone and their mother in China has a mold lying around for the Dogma F12 and the Dogma F. 

I suspect the same reason why Rolex is the most copied watch brand. Pinarello shapes are both highly desirable and recognizable. The brand was bought by LVMH years ago. They know their branding/marketing, that's literally how they make their money. Vuitton bags the most copied, LVMH brand. Seems fitting that Pinarello would be the most copied bike brand too

[blackpyros]

Pinarello shapes are both highly desirable and recognizable.

Exactly this. It's one of the few known brands out there that doesn't look like everything else. Their curved shapes - you either love or hate, there is nothing between. But even the most dogged haters must admit - they are at least unique.

[Queen of Skulls]

Vittoria Corsa all the way. Except for my tubular wheels. I’m using Tufo tubs in 28mm. They can be used with sealant and plugged like tubeless tires. So they’re very convenient. And despite Tufo having a bad rep for slow and harsh tires, I found that that’s a myth of the past when people were riding 21mm tubs at 140psi (if it ever was true). If you use them at sensible pressures they’re actually quite supple and not really any slower than my Cotton Corsas. Plus Tufo’s gravel tubeless tires are hands down the best I’ve ever used. In a sensible price range at least.

 Ya, I been looking at all the bike pics seems everyone is doing either the corsa or the Continental Grand Prix 5000

[Queen of Skulls]

Exactly this. It's one of the few known brands out there that doesn't look like everything else. Their curved shapes - you either love or hate, there is nothing between. But even the most dogged haters must admit - they are at least unique.

The UCI can go to hell for a lot of reasons. but the biggest is the standards/guidelines for race bikes. These extremely limit creativity of road bikes. its like the cafe standards in the US for cars/trucks... its the reason we have these huge trucks that are a ton more dangerous.. And so these limited styles get past down to all the other levels of bikes. pinerellos like to push design boundaries. look at a lot of the mtb designs. they get interesting. If the UCI doesnt change standards. I fear we are going to see a significate drop off of interest in road bike as a sport. I already see a drop in the number of road riders in my area.

[Sebastian]

 Ya, I been looking at all the bike pics seems everyone is doing either the corsa or the Continental Grand Prix 5000

And for good reason, I might add. If you're looking for max bang for the buck, I found that Schwalbe's Ones (a tad more durable) and Pro Ones (super fast but fragile) are often cheaper than Conti and Vittoria and are still on par with the best. Pricing might depend on your country and distributor, though. Same goes for the Tufo Calibra Plus. That's one hell of a fast and light tire, but a bit fragile. I'm based in Germany, so German tire brands are cheap here and so is Tufo, being a Czech brand (which is actually made in Czech Republic in contrast to all the others who are actually producing in the Far East).