VeloBuild VB-TT-023

[mattgolt]

Yo yo yo

3D printable box version 2 is out! Took some suggestions from the forum into consideration, so here you go if anyone wants it. Main improvments:
- Better fit to the frame, as I took some time to model the geometry of the frame
- Can be used with an aero bottleholder in the frame
- Lid is held on with a pin (because I lost the lid of the old box several times  )

Link to new box: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7073969

Happy to take input for version 3 from all of you!

[ngthanhphuc]

I’m planning to build the VB-023 bike with the following components. I’m not a bike mechanic, so please help me check if these parts are compatible:
   •   PASS QUEST X110 BCD (4-bolt AERO) AXS Round Narrow Wide Chainring
https://pq-bike.com/collections/110bcd-series/products/shimano-x110-bcd-4-bolt-aero-round-aero-narrow-wide-chainring-%E7%9A%84%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC
   •   Magene PES P515
   •   SRAM Force D2 AXS 12-Speed
   •   Force XG-1270 Cassette 10-36T
   •   SRAM Flattop chain

[emuinaus]

Yep that will all play together. When you buy your bottom bracket you'll need a T47 to suit the frame and 24mm to suit the crank spindle.
You'll need a SRAM specific freehub on your rear wheel to suit that cassette too.

[mattgolt]

   •   PASS QUEST X110 BCD (4-bolt AERO) AXS Round Narrow Wide Chainring

Careful with the passquest chainrings. They make specific ones for the SRAM flattop chains. I found out the hard way and had to buy a new one It's absolutely gorgeous though and works flawlessly.

[ngthanhphuc]

Careful with the passquest chainrings. They make specific ones for the SRAM flattop chains. I found out the hard way and had to buy a new one It's absolutely gorgeous though and works flawlessly.

I see on website "Chain compatibility: AXS12 speed  chain"

[chanoon]

Hi guys, anyone had a problem with the stem? I mean - I screwed the side screws of the stem to 5NM and it is just so wobbly, the wheel does not turn with the rest of the cockpit. Do you think it is safe to put more than 5NM or what else can I do to fix it?

I have nearly the same problem - I installed everything with the Nm that VB told me and it looks good until I put pressure on the stem and it gets loose.
Maybe anyone can check  if the order of the installation steps from VB is right:

- tighten stem screws  to 5Nm
- tighten expander to 8Nm
- attach top cap and tighten front stem screws with 5Nm
- tighten top cap screw with 5Nm

I already tried a longer expander but didn‘t help either.

Happy for any help and tips!

[Hmpf]

The order makes no sense. Why tighten the stem bolts first and then the expander?
The bolts must be loose in order to adjust the headset.

 1. tighten the four bolts at the front crosswise. Step by step in 0.2 Nm increments.
Install the expander (the steerer tube must be shortened correctly so that the top cap cannot touch it).

2. fit the top cap and adjust the bearing play.

3. tighten stem bolts (4.2 NM is enough for me)

Use a lot of carbon assembly paste on the basebar and be careful not to pinch the brake lines.

[chanoon]

Thank you all for the quick help!

I tried everything and took it apart again, and I have a really bad feeling: attached is a photo, and it looks to me like I may have cut the fork too short.

This way, the top bolt can’t catch. What’s your opinion? And if I’m right, is there any solution for this, or do I need a new fork?

Many thanks in advance!

[chanoon]

Yeah that looks bad, looks like half of the stem would clamp on nothing.
1. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005627177754.html. That might work. Never used one, so check the diameters, but in principle, it should work?
2. A ghetto version would be to epoxy back a piece of the steerer on top of the steerer, then use the longest expander plug you can fit / find, so as to spread forces as far down the steerer as possible. There's a decent chance the epoxy bond would snap when you hit a pothole, i really dont know how much force steerers absorb, and how much they deform. There's a reason most catastrophic failures tend to happen in this area. Specialized recalled an entire model because of a fuck up there.
3. The easy way out is indeed to get a new fork.

I think 1&2 are worth exploring, unless you plan to ride the bike a tremedous amount and on sketchy terrain. Most TT bikes never see much elevation change, or sprints, so the demands on them are lower than on road bikes.

Thank you so much for your help! What an idiot I am…
I ordered a new fork to be very safe 😄 let‘s hope I will get it right this time

[Hmpf]

Please send a photo of the other side. So that we can see how much is clamped there.
The stem is not straight.

[Vansenzo]

Hey triathletes,
I’m reaching out because I’m about to order my VB TT-023 frameset, but I’m hesitating between size S and M...
Chris recommended a size S, but I’m worried it might feel a bit tight.
For reference, I’m 1.72m tall with an inseam of 80 cm.
Do you have any recommendations or feedback based on your own experience?
Thanks in advance for your help!

[moalani]

Hi,

Also build a TT bike from that same frame set and couldn't be happier:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mE7LtKe21CTyAYtPoBpYAIpCF4da8K-i?usp=sharing

I did completely customize the TT base bar though, by cutting out my ow from a 4 mm thick carbon sheet, which brought the arm rests further forward and further apart. I also custom-printed two 12 cm high, one-piece spacers, as I prefer a much higher upper body position (and yes, I used extra long high-grade steel M6 bolts rather than the included, shorter M5 bolts). And I added a custom, 3D-printed aero-shaped 2-gel nutrition box underneath the base plate.

Best,
Martin

P.S. VeloBuild even shows it off on their product page now, albeit with an older version of the cockpit, using their base bar, not the one I eventually installed:
https://www.velobuildmall.com/products/vb-tt-023-new-t47-carbon-fiber-time-trial-frame-set-disc-integrated-cables

[Vansenzo]

As someone who's ridden bikes that were too large for years (turns out i have long legs, and a short torso), you can usually fit yourself on a frame that's too small, but the opposite isnt true.
Unless someone chips in on your specifics, i'd be wary of going against Chris' advice. If the frame ends up being too large, you will have a very, very bad experience.

Thanks for your feedback, I followed Chris's recommendation and opted for the S size. It's always easier to lengthen a position than to shorten it! Thanks

[moalani]

Hey triathletes,
I’m reaching out because I’m about to order my VB TT-023 frameset, but I’m hesitating between size S and M...
Chris recommended a size S, but I’m worried it might feel a bit tight.
For reference, I’m 1.72m tall with an inseam of 80 cm.
Do you have any recommendations or feedback based on your own experience?
Thanks in advance for your help!

Well, I'm 187 cm tall (6'2" for all the U.S.-Americans out there) and I ordered a size L, which was too small for me. But by putting my saddle all the way back and cutting a custom TT base plate from a 4 mm carbon sheet to put the arm rests 4 cm further forward, I made it work.

[Hmpf]

I am 173cm with 81cm inseam and size S fits very well.