VeloBuild VB-TT-023

[moalani]

Such info without relative limb length is largely irrelevant and can be very confusing for people. If you have a long torso and long arms, and tiny legs, the frame you need will be totally different from the opposite. At least add your saddle height if you dont know the relative length of your limbs.

Valid point, though a bit on the aggressive side. My saddle height is 84.5 cm (inseam) * 0.885 + 0.5 = 753 mm.

[angry-runner]

I've been considering a triathlon bike for my first 70.3 which will be in the next year and this frame seemed like a good value.
I came up with 2 potential builds (one slightly cheaper using PASS QUEST chainring and ENLEE rotors instead of their SRAM's counterparts), but since I've never built a bike from scratch I'm not sure if I selected incompatible parts or something which simply won't work. Could you help me reviewing it, please?

One concern that I have is that this 1X setup might be hard for me on the climbs (although the course has only 450m of altitude difference over the 90km), since my FTP is a bit low still 150W. However, I have almost a full year of training ahead to improve, so maybe the 50T chainring won't be an issue.

I have placed some parts which I already have available from my road bike, such as the wheels, tires and saddle (will look for a triathlon focused one soon), so I'm considering using those in the beginning and replace them with best suited parts for triathlon in the following months. I'm thiking about getting 65/80 wheels from Peter (Carbon Speed), an ISM saddle (no idea about the model yet) and conti 5000s. If you have any suggestion, please, let me know!

Here's the link for the Google Sheet with the mentioned builds: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fES4X-LiPKhs_fiS6qy5EmR8PGFpCd6POgR4Y5Vlm0Y/edit?usp=sharing

[Hmpf]

Hi, which race are you planning to do?
I wouldn’t choose your drivetrain based on your expected fitness a year from now, but rather on what you can train with right now. Better to start with a smaller chainring and switch to a bigger one later as you get stronger.
Or you could install a front derailleur and a 2x crankset from the beginning, and then you won’t have this problem at all. Good luck with the build!

[Vansenzo]

I'm also currently building a 1X crankset with Sram and 165mm. I can't find a reliable site that has a crankset available with these specifications (Red, Force, whatever). Even used ones. They've become a rare commodity!
I had a question about road crank length vs. triathlon crank length. For road use, I'm using 170mm cranks, and I thought that to improve my drag coefficient and overall aerodynamics, it would be better to upgrade to 165mm cranks for my TT bike. What are your thoughts?

[Hmpf]

I'm also currently building a 1X crankset with Sram and 165mm. I can't find a reliable site that has a crankset available with these specifications (Red, Force, whatever). Even used ones. They've become a rare commodity!
I had a question about road crank length vs. triathlon crank length. For road use, I'm using 170mm cranks, and I thought that to improve my drag coefficient and overall aerodynamics, it would be better to upgrade to 165mm cranks for my TT bike. What are your thoughts?

It is important to have an open hip angle. This will help you when running after cycling.
This can be achieved with a shorter crank, for example.

[Juul]

Also be careful not to  overtightend. Otherwise it will "crack" and you will need a new stem.

Don't ask me how I know that .

Happened to me twice now with the Velobuild custom stem..
Saw a crack developing on the clam of the top stem cover. Reached out and immediatly and was send over a new top cover.
Happily switching the stem covers.. but cracked immediatly under low torque again (2nm or so..)

Reached out again and the response was: we changed the mould to increase strength (can only imagine it happens frequently), we'll send out the new version soon
Now waiting for the new version to arrive.


I am also looking now at alloy stems in case I don't get on with this system.. any suggestions? (needs to be very low stack because the steerer tube has already been cut very short)

[moalani]

I've been considering a triathlon bike for my first 70.3 which will be in the next year and this frame seemed like a good value.
I came up with 2 potential builds (one slightly cheaper using PASS QUEST chainring and ENLEE rotors instead of their SRAM's counterparts), but since I've never built a bike from scratch I'm not sure if I selected incompatible parts or something which simply won't work. Could you help me reviewing it, please?

One concern that I have is that this 1X setup might be hard for me on the climbs (although the course has only 450m of altitude difference over the 90km), since my FTP is a bit low still 150W. However, I have almost a full year of training ahead to improve, so maybe the 50T chainring won't be an issue.

I have placed some parts which I already have available from my road bike, such as the wheels, tires and saddle (will look for a triathlon focused one soon), so I'm considering using those in the beginning and replace them with best suited parts for triathlon in the following months. I'm thiking about getting 65/80 wheels from Peter (Carbon Speed), an ISM saddle (no idea about the model yet) and conti 5000s. If you have any suggestion, please, let me know!

Here's the link for the Google Sheet with the mentioned builds: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fES4X-LiPKhs_fiS6qy5EmR8PGFpCd6POgR4Y5Vlm0Y/edit?usp=sharing

Consider this one which is very hard to beat in terms of weight, performance, compatibility, flexibility and price. Have been using for a while and no complaints at all. Also very good online reviews:
https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005008667737305.html

[Hmpf]

Consider this one which is very hard to beat in terms of weight, performance, compatibility, flexibility and price. Have been using for a while and no complaints at all. Also very good online reviews:
https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005008667737305.html

Can´t open teh link. Can u post the title description or a picture?

[moalani]

Can´t open teh link. Can u post the title description or a picture?

Search for "RIRO Carbon Fiber Crankset 165/170/172.5mm Road Bike Crank Single/Double Chainrings for Shimano Direct Mount/105 4-Bolts R9100" on AliExpress.

[benchys]

My TT build is almost done, thanks to this discussion for all the tips and tricks!

Still left to finish:
- Extensions (larger extensions on their way from VB)
- Front Hydration (Universal BTA mount from Fast TT)
- 3D printed toolbox from @mattgolt

Build Details
SRAM Rival AXS D1
SRAM RED D2 Crank 175MM
Passquest 54T
SRAM DUB T47
RIDEREVER Triva
SRAM Wireless Blips (Pair)
76 Projects Blip holders
Elitewheels 50mm (disc to come)
Continental gp5000
SRAM Force 10-33

[benchys]

I used to run 175 on a giant propel bike i rigget as a TT bike. I'm now on 170, and considering 165. I probably wouldn't go shorter, i'm tall w long legs. My point: is the 175 a choice? You're probably going to have your knees come up to your chest in tuck, it's likely  going to cost you a F*** ton of watts. You'll still go watts, mind you, but chances are, your FTP in tuck vs your FTP upright on a bike is going to be massively different.

Very curious about the front end, because uncertainties there is the key reason why i still dont feel comfortable ordering a TT bike. Front end has to fit like a glove, or you're leaving a lot of speed & comfort on the table.

I've only ever had 175 cranks! So I might be changing them out in the future, depending on how I fit on the frame.

[Juul]

My TT build is almost done, thanks to this discussion for all the tips and tricks!

Still left to finish:
- Extensions (larger extensions on their way from VB)
- Front Hydration (Universal BTA mount from Fast TT)
- 3D printed toolbox from @mattgolt

Build Details
SRAM Rival AXS D1
SRAM RED D2 Crank 175MM
Passquest 54T
SRAM DUB T47
RIDEREVER Triva
SRAM Wireless Blips (Pair)
76 Projects Blip holders
Elitewheels 50mm (disc to come)
Continental gp5000
SRAM Force 10-33

That paintjob looks absolutely stunning.

[chanoon]

My TT build is almost done, thanks to this discussion for all the tips and tricks!

Still left to finish:
- Extensions (larger extensions on their way from VB)
- Front Hydration (Universal BTA mount from Fast TT)
- 3D printed toolbox from @mattgolt

Build Details
SRAM Rival AXS D1
SRAM RED D2 Crank 175MM
Passquest 54T
SRAM DUB T47
RIDEREVER Triva
SRAM Wireless Blips (Pair)
76 Projects Blip holders
Elitewheels 50mm (disc to come)
Continental gp5000
SRAM Force 10-33

The bike looks really cool!

How did you manage to stack the spacers that high? The included bolts aren’t that long, are they?

[ngthanhphuc]

This is my build

SRAM Rival eTap AXS RD
Magene P515
1x Passquest chainring 48T
TRP TT brake
Blips
SRAM Force 10-33T
SRAM Red chain
ISM saddles
elite wheels drive 65D (from my road bike)

[JutSu]

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

Thanks for sharing the pics, the bike looks amazing.
I am more and more tempted to buy this frame as I will be preparing for Ironman Nice next year and am quite satisfied with the VBR-168 I bought from VeloBuild.

mauwth would you mind sharing what option did you take for your crankset ? I can see you are using Sram Rival with powermeter and it looks like the cheapest option but the original chainring is too small (T46).
What is the box you put bellow the frame ?