VeloBuild VB-TT-023

[jpj]

After shortening the fork, I discovered the first problem.
The included expander plug was too long, or was it simply a dirty fork?
The solution: I installed a shorter expander, 26mm instead of 45mm.

I encountered the exact same issue, I think the problem is only present with S sized frames, as the headtube is shorter. My steerer tube has a carbon "bridge" inside, so the expander can't be inserted any deeper.

What expander did you buy afterwards? I'll have to get one as well, which is slightly annoying.

[Mokora]

I still have the old carbon stem. The tolerance between the headset and stem is perfect, about 0.5-1mm.
But because the stem and handlebars flex so much, I feel the stem rubbing down on the head tube when steering in the base bars. This makes the handling really unpredictable and unsafe.

Anybody else encountered this problem?

[Mokora]

also, I may have an even bigger issue...

After assembling and sitting on the bike for the first test, the seatpost (tightened to spec with Torque Wrench, applied carbon paste) slipped all the way to the seatstays and became fully stuck. No pulling/tapping + oil etc helped. I am afraid it is wedged into the frame composite.
I am going to message Velobuild for a warranty claim before moving to more destructive removal options. Any ideas on removal? What are the odds the frame is toast?

Cheers!

[teichs42]

Is anyone using the new updated stem? Has it fixed some of the issues people have had?

Also, has anyone imported into the US recently? Were you hit with a lot of extra costs?

[Jackwcsmith]

After being sold on time trial riding for a while, I wanted to switch from rim brakes to disc brakes.
After reading a lot on this forum, I decided to go for the Velobuild.
I ordered through the Velobuild website after Chris checked the sizing.
I chose a size S.
I'm 176cm tall with an inseam of 80cm.
My saddle height is 70.9mm from the center of the crankset (165mm).
I have quite short legs, and that became apparent when I unpacked it and tried to assemble it.
The seatpost definitely needs to be shortened.

The frame was delivered super fast within 14 days of ordering, and the box was completely intact and undamaged.
After unpacking, I encountered my first setback:
the top tube bolts
I hadn't asked for this, and it wasn't visible in the photos on the website.
I ask Chris about my problem he would change the pictures on the website.
Everything else was very well packed,
and all the parts were complete.

Parts list :
Frame: Velobuild TT size S
Shifters: Sram s900 with leap components
Sram Force E1 Derailleur
Sram blips with leap components
Evosid cranks 165mm with 58t
Sram Force e1 flattop chain
Sram Force e1 10/30
Cema Bottombracket t47
Aerocoach ascalon cockpit extensions
Front Wheel Aerocoach Titan 100mm with Conti TT
Disc Wheel Still looking for it some tips?

I'll mainly use the TT for fast time trials.
The setup will therefore be 1x12.

I started building.
I started by spraying all the bolts black.
This should actually be standard.

After shortening the fork, I discovered the first problem.
The included expander plug was too long, or was it simply a dirty fork?
The solution: I installed a shorter expander, 26mm instead of 45mm.

When I had the carbon stem in my hands, I already had my doubts about its strength.
After reading on the forum, I knew this was a common problem.
After receiving the frame, I immediately emailed Chris to ask why I hadn't received the alloy stem, even though it was listed on the website.
Unfortunately, because of the holidays, this took three weeks to send. Its on my way atm.
I couldnt wait to build this monster ,So I tried the carbon stem.
I did it like this: I applied a thin layer of carbon paste to the base bar.
I tightened the expander bolt 2nm and the top bolts to 5NM, so I could then tighten the bottom bolts according to Chris's advice 5nm
Unfortunately, the stem failed at 2NM and split in two at the front.
I'm glad the aluminum stem is on its way to me.
Fortunately, Chris is easily accessible and acts quickly, which I'm happy about.
I'm waiting for the alloy stem this week so I can continue with this monster.
I can't wait to ride it.

Annyone Else had problems with the carbon stem?

Will be continue..

Hi, what Leap Aero Grip Shifter size did you order? Thanks!

https://leapcomponents.com/product/sram-aero-disc-brake-grip-shifter/

[Kel-vin]

I encountered the exact same issue, I think the problem is only present with S sized frames, as the headtube is shorter. My steerer tube has a carbon "bridge" inside, so the expander can't be inserted any deeper.

What expander did you buy afterwards? I'll have to get one as well, which is slightly annoying.

I bought a 25mm expander instead of the 45mm

Is anyone using the new updated stem? Has it fixed some of the issues people have had?

Also, has anyone imported into the US recently? Were you hit with a lot of extra costs?

Im using the alloy updated stem its looks better then the carbon stem.
All my problems with the handle bar is solved

 

Hi, what Leap Aero Grip Shifter size did you order? Thanks!

https://leapcomponents.com/product/sram-aero-disc-brake-grip-shifter/

I measeured the basebar 23.7mm
So I ordered the size 23,7mm it fits perfect.

[Santiago]

Hey guys, I just finished building my BTA system but now I cannot mount my Garmin. I machined the base plate shared by @ottawabikeparts, a 3d printed 70mm riser and a bottle extender rail from AliExpress.

And here are some files. I got the bridge and the angle piece made from 6061-T6 aluminum with a black hard-anodized finish.

However, as you can see the pictures, my computer mount is too short to be sandwiched by the cage screws. Does anyone have any recommendations on a longer computer mount or any other way to add my Garmin to the set up.

[rene2879]

How to fix the stem? Fixed them with 6Nm torque already, but still, a good impulse on the bar, is tilting it slightly the bar slightly

[Santiago]

How to fix the stem? Fixed them with 6Nm torque already, but still, a good impulse on the bar, is tilting it slightly the bar slightly

I contacted Chris with the same problem and told me to use 10-12mm screws for the front of the stem. I cut the screws, as mine were 15mm long, but I would recommend buying new ones.
This worked for me, as it allowed the stem to clamp with better grip the bars.

[ottawabikeparts]

Hey guys, I just finished building my BTA system but now I cannot mount my Garmin. I machined the base plate shared by @ottawabikeparts, a 3d printed 70mm riser and a bottle extender rail from AliExpress.

However, as you can see the pictures, my computer mount is too short to be sandwiched by the cage screws. Does anyone have any recommendations on a longer computer mount or any other way to add my Garmin to the set up.

That plate looks great! If you've got any feedback on it, I'd love to hear.

For a computer mount, I've had a few solutions.
The first one was a 3D printed plate that was zip-tied to the 2 extensions and had a Garmin insert bolted the middle. This got the computer right between my wrists.
Now, I made a much longer bottle rail and a 3D printed mount on the rail with the Garmin insert to attach the computer to.
Note that the rail you have pictured is meant to be supported by a frame underneath (it is used to move bottle mounts up/down a frame), and may move too much and break when hanging a fully loaded bottle off the end like that. The one I designed is much thicker to properly handle the loads and not have a bottle shake loose. I'd also recommend a 'saddle' cage for the upside-down cage where it has the hooks opposite the screws. I use a Topeak one since its the cheapest I found, but there are a few carbon cage options as well.

Happy to share the files if you're interested. I'm also setting up a site to sell some of my custom parts.

[rene2879]

I contacted Chris with the same problem and told me to use 10-12mm screws for the front of the stem. I cut the screws, as mine were 15mm long, but I would recommend buying new ones.
This worked for me, as it allowed the stem to clamp with better grip the bars.

Thanks. And the torque u were using was still 6Nm? Or did u increased it as a shorter screw is not applying a stronger clamping force or grip?
Any assembly paste in addition?

[Kel-vin]

Thanks. And the torque u were using was still 6Nm? Or did u increased it as a shorter screw is not applying a stronger clamping force or grip?
Any assembly paste in addition?

My carbon stem gave way at such tightening torques.
I received the Alloy stem from Chris super fast within a few days, and with carbon paste it is tightened to 4nm.
At 2nm, it was already impossible to get any movement out of it at full force, so the fit is perfect.

[Kel-vin]

Finally, I was able to properly test the bike outdoors during a long ride.
Using a borrowed disc rear wheel from a friend.
I am also still looking for a rear wheel.

During the outdoor ride, I tested the bike quite well with a short interval block of 10 minutes at 325 watts at 64kg with an average speed of 49.5 km/h.
The bike is truly amazing; I look forward to future time trials.

All in all, the bike is 10/10.
Service Velobuild ( Chris ) 10/10 big shout out to Chris for fast response !
Price-quality ratio 10/10

My next bike frame will definitely be a Velobuild again.

[Santiago]

That plate looks great! If you've got any feedback on it, I'd love to hear.

For a computer mount, I've had a few solutions.
The first one was a 3D printed plate that was zip-tied to the 2 extensions and had a Garmin insert bolted the middle. This got the computer right between my wrists.
Now, I made a much longer bottle rail and a 3D printed mount on the rail with the Garmin insert to attach the computer to.
Note that the rail you have pictured is meant to be supported by a frame underneath (it is used to move bottle mounts up/down a frame), and may move too much and break when hanging a fully loaded bottle off the end like that. The one I designed is much thicker to properly handle the loads and not have a bottle shake loose. I'd also recommend a 'saddle' cage for the upside-down cage where it has the hooks opposite the screws. I use a Topeak one since its the cheapest I found, but there are a few carbon cage options as well.

Happy to share the files if you're interested. I'm also setting up a site to sell some of my custom parts.

The base plate has worked wonderfully. It has allowed me to get in a more agresivo position since the amount of holes allow for much better adjustment of the bars. Also, being able to move forwards and backwards the BTA system helped me figure out the best setup for me.

As for the rails, yes, I’ve heard theses thin rails for moving ups and down bottles are not sturdy enough for holding a bottle as the amount of force can break them. I had seen the rail from Tririg but getting it to my country makes it almost double its original price.

Your rail looks amazing, and I think I could get it machined at the same place I got the baseplate made.

[Santiago]

Thanks. And the torque u were using was still 6Nm? Or did u increased it as a shorter screw is not applying a stronger clamping force or grip?
Any assembly paste in addition?

Yes, still 6NM and didn’t have a problem, and also lots of carbon paste just to make sure.
Honestly, Im thinking of asking Chris for the aluminum stem as I thinks that one solves every issue