I rode an aerogravel for around 1600km chosen to replace my actual ican gra02. Geometry is identical at the exception of the chainstays 425 vs 430 and i used the same components to make a fair comparison.
On static it's a very well done frame, clean internals, quality anodized aluminium headset parts, handlebar is pretty good too, easy routing, i didn't like the tightening system where you need 2 keys. I didn't have any problems with the parts provided.
One color painting had correct/good quality but seems fragile, easy to scratch.
Firstly i rode the VB with the tufos 40 i'm used to.
The frame itself felt a little bit more lively/light under pedaling but global comfort/stiffness is equal, on the stiff/harsh side.
The velobuild fork is beefier and thus really rigid, it was clearly less comfortable than the ican's one.
I have to say i was a bit disapointed, the difference with a nearly 10 years old ican gra02 is marginal and riding on tiny tires is not the best once you leave soft gravel.
Then i briefly rode with mtb tires. The bike is much more capable, smoother at the price of less lively and responsive feeling.
But it's far away from the ability of a real mtb.
I ended on the 50 specialized tracer, which were a good mix between the comfort of mtb tires and the liveliness of gravel tires.
My conclusion is that the aerograv is a responsive bike, it can be fun, but definitely not a refined frame, comfort relies almost only on the wheels/tires choice and to me you need minimum 45mm tires.
As many mentions it lacks of compliance, sometimes hitting hard stuff at speed makes you worrying about losing some theeths, fork really shakes you...
Despite the low price, for these reasons, i didn't fall in love with the aerograv, i probably just recommend it if you like really stiff bikes or ride soft gravel terrains.
