Velobuild VB-R-368 Aeroframe

[BeR]

recently ordered one. The final price in Italy, painted and with a 5-year warranty, is around €2,000. I bought this aerodynamic bike to use only in circuit races, in a “super-aero” setup (aero bottles, 65 mm wheels, aero helmet, aero chainring, Koegel pulley wheels for time trials). I can send photos in January when it’s ready and fully assembled. 

In the meantime, a whole new world opened up for me: I pushed ChatGPT and Gemini hard to figure out where the frame actually comes from. I knew it was Chinese, but I didn’t know from where. That’s how I discovered Veloplus and this forum. 

Unfortunately, not great news for me. The seller claimed: “100% Toray 1100S” and 925 grams in size M. So I thought: hey, maybe it uses the same mold but is made in another factory with “higher-grade carbon.” But after further research, it seems that was just an illusion. Most likely he buys it from Veloplus, repaints it, and resells it.

Which is actually fine — custom paint, assembly, warranty, local support in Italy — all good. But lying so much about the carbon quality and the frame weight is not a good move. 

When I pick up the frame, I’ll talk to him calmly about it. Then I'll forget this unpleasant story and focus on pushing this "beast" as hard as possible   

At least, check if it the last generation with the modified rear end.
Maybe Velobuild keeps.the "Z3" frames for the italian shop (better finish like faced calipers, ...).

[Pistonbroke]

Giorgio
Well, the 975g may be optimistic, but the bike rides really nicely.
Look forward to seeing your build and colour choices!
What height are you/size frame and how are you speccing it? Remember if you're putting SRAM on to check there's no derailleur interference.

[giorgiobuccio]

Giorgio
Well, the 975g may be optimistic, but the bike rides really nicely.
Look forward to seeing your build and colour choices!
What height are you/size frame and how are you speccing it? Remember if you're putting SRAM on to check there's no derailleur interference.

I'm 183 cm tall and chose the L (550) frame, which has a very similar geometry to the frame I've been using for the last two years*. I'll be installing the Shimano Ultegra groupset with a Dura-Ace cassette to shave a few grams. I've already noted any potential defects for the mechanic who will assemble it, such as the saddle slipping. Luckily, the mechanic is very experienced, so I'm fine. I'll send you photos as soon as the frame arrives.

*I bought this frame imported from China from the same importer (I deleted the brand to avoid advertising) after my Wilier SLR Zero was stolen. I was surprised; I love this frame (better than the Wilier in terms of feel), it's comfortable, and the geometry is perfect for me. I hope to find the same sensations with this new bike. 

 

[pertual]

recently ordered one. The final price in Italy, painted and with a 5-year warranty, is around €2,000. I bought this aerodynamic bike to use only in circuit races, in a “super-aero” setup (aero bottles, 65 mm wheels, aero helmet, aero chainring, Koegel pulley wheels for time trials). I can send photos in January when it’s ready and fully assembled. 

In the meantime, a whole new world opened up for me: I pushed ChatGPT and Gemini hard to figure out where the frame actually comes from. I knew it was Chinese, but I didn’t know from where. That’s how I discovered Veloplus and this forum. 

Unfortunately, not great news for me. The seller claimed: “100% Toray 1100S” and 925 grams in size M. So I thought: hey, maybe it uses the same mold but is made in another factory with “higher-grade carbon.” But after further research, it seems that was just an illusion. Most likely he buys it from Veloplus, repaints it, and resells it.

Which is actually fine — custom paint, assembly, warranty, local support in Italy — all good. But lying so much about the carbon quality and the frame weight is not a good move. 

When I pick up the frame, I’ll talk to him calmly about it. Then I'll forget this unpleasant story and focus on pushing this "beast" as hard as possible   

2k for the full bike or for the frameset? that price with ultegra and carbon wheels is bonkers. Out of curiosity, is the "gara" frame UCI certified? i've seen some stickers in the past on frames that weren't really UCI compliant

[alfiomotrambo]

2k for the full bike or for the frameset? that price with ultegra and carbon wheels is bonkers. Out of curiosity, is the "gara" frame UCI certified? i've seen some stickers in the past on frames that weren't really UCI compliant

2k isn't much for a full bike with Ultegra, quite the opposite... But is it common practice to put 'fake' UCI stickers on frames sold by dealers? I came across a Northern Italian brand with a very strange UCI sticker that wasn't on the official list, so I'm wondering if that's normal...

[Motus]

2k for the full bike or for the frameset? that price with ultegra and carbon wheels is bonkers. Out of curiosity, is the "gara" frame UCI certified? i've seen some stickers in the past on frames that weren't really UCI compliant

I think it refers to the painted frameset with warranty, service, etc.

It's certainly not cheap, but obviously they're not a non-profit.

If it also has slightly better specs than Velobuild, it might even make sense.

[giorgiobuccio]

About €2,000 for the frame alone. About €5,000 for the finished bike with a power meter, wheels, pedals... ready to race.
Regarding the UCI sticker, this retailer doesn't apply them.
However, I’ve ridden several UCI Time Trials with a TT frame without the sticker and never had any issues.
The officials checked weight and geometry, specifically: saddle setback, distance from saddle tip to extension tips, and the distance from the pads to the end of the extensions.
A commissaire explained to me that the sticker simply certifies that the frame shape meets the regulations; without the sticker, they just have to manually verify the geometry to ensure it complies

[symon]

Funnily enough, when I messaged Chris @ VeloBuild regarding UCI legality, this was his response:

"Our customer is make UCI registeration now .should finish soon"

I don't know if this is really going to happen, but I guess one can keep their hopes up.

[Pistonbroke]

If you're feeling a bit unhappy about the weight you shouldn't be....
New Factor One forks are 730g and medium frame 1180.

[alfiomotrambo]

If you're feeling a bit unhappy about the weight you shouldn't be....
New Factor One forks are 730g and medium frame 1180.

That's a chunky for, 8kg bike at the end

[toxin]

Significantly faster bike though

[alfiomotrambo]

Significantly faster bike though

Wrong thread i know but Hambini is back on Factor, go check on YT

[patliean1]

Significantly faster bike though

In my head this makes me think of the difference between an AMG Mercedes versus a V8 pickup truck.

Both are heavy and can haul azz on an open highway. But that's pretty much where the similarities end.

[Pistonbroke]

Significantly faster bike though

How do you know?







I'm joking

Wrong thread i know but Hambini is back on Factor, go check on YT

I don't think he liked it  lol

[toxin]

Wrong thread i know but Hambini is back on Factor, go check on YT

Yeahhh I don't really care much for what that guy has to say on aero.