VB TT-023: Here comes a new build

[boulette]

Hi everyone,

I’m Samir, 45 years old, based in the Paris area, and I’ve been into triathlon for about 4 years now. I’m signed up for my first full IronMan (XL) in May 2026, so I decided it was time to step things up and get myself a proper time trial bike. Until now, I’ve been racing on a Tarmac SL7 with clip-ons – great bike, but clearly not ideal for long-distance tri.

So I’m opening this thread to share the full build process of my new TT bike, starting from the VB-TT-023 frame. My goal is to document the build, get some feedback if you're willing to share, and maybe help others thinking about a similar setup.

Here’s the spec I’m going with:

• Frame/Fork/Cockpit/Seatpost: stock VB-TT-023, raw carbon with matte clear coat, size M (based on Chris from Velobuild’s recommendation)
• Brake levers: SRAM S900 Aero HDR
• Shifters: SRAM Blips (wireless), both on the brake levers and extensions
• Rear derailleur: SRAM Red E1 eTap AXS
• Crankset: SRAM Force E1 AXS 1x12 aero (50T, DUB)
• Cassette & Chain: SRAM Force 10-33T + 12-speed Force chain
• Saddle: Fizik Transiro LD R3
• Wheels: 50mm carbon rims, DT Swiss 240s hubs, Sapim CX-Ray spokes
• Power pedals: Assioma Duo

Everything has been ordered and I should start the build in the second half of August, once I’m back from vacation.

In the meantime, I printed the great toolbox that was kindly shared by @mattgolt – photo below! Everything fits perfectly, really amazing work.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nLkm2uxxM2ONMxD2atdvutgn9W6LupYc


Looking forward to sharing updates and hearing your thoughts!

Samir

[BeR]

Bonjour Samir,

Why did you choose this frame and not another one ?

[serenadebikes]

A unique frame.  You can compare rims higher than 50mm

[blakeyt93]

Looking forward to seeing this!

Who did you contact at Velobuild? Have made a number of enquiries but not gotten a response

Thanks!

[boulette]

Bonjour Samir,
Why did you choose this frame and not another one ?

Hi BeR
I’ve read here and there that this is a solid frame in terms of value and that the brand is quite reliable. I had shortlisted a few others (like Tantan, etc.), but I prefer the design of this one—it’s more conventional, which suits my taste better.

Some threads on this forum also helped confirm that it’s a good choice, and honestly, I didn’t want to spend too much more time hunting for an affordable frame.

Now it’s my turn to ask a question! 😄
Do you have any other TT frames in mind that you’d recommend?

[boulette]

A unique frame.  You can compare rims higher than 50mm

Hi Serenadebikes,
what do you mean by comparing rims ? You mean i should consider upgrading for higher wheels?

[boulette]

Looking forward to the build.
Why did you pick this frame?
Assuming a typical weight and a zone 2 watts of 180-220W, 50T is too small, unless you really enjoy high cadences. I wouldn't run less than 54 in the front unless the course is very hilly. Likewise, if it's flat-ish that cassette will have jumps that are unnecessarily big, in the sense you'll probably find yourself missing in between cogs. You should "never" be in the smallest cog (last 2, really).

Hi Serge,

Thanks for your insights!

I chose this frame mainly because I liked the design, and the feedback from other builds convinced me that it offers great value for money. There might be better options out there, but honestly, I was looking for something reliable with solid vendor support—which seems to be the case with Chris, both from my own experience and from what I’ve read here and there.

As for the chainring, I saw your suggestion about going for a larger one, and I’ll probably consider it if I feel like I’m spinning out too quickly. Right now, I’m using a 50T with a Shimano drivetrain on my Tarmac (so 11T on the cassette), and at high speeds, I don’t really feel like I’m over-spinning. That’s what led me to this setup.
That said, I’ll be testing it around 230W, which is my targeted power for the upcoming 70.3 in September, and I’ll reassess if needed.

I'm also curious—why do you advise against riding on the smallest cog? Is it due to increased friction or something else?

Thanks again for all your valuable contributions across the forum—I’ve learned a lot from the many threads you’ve been active in!

[boulette]

Looking forward to seeing this!

Who did you contact at Velobuild? Have made a number of enquiries but not gotten a response

Thanks!

Hi Blakeyt93
i got in touch w/ Chris by email and he's been very responsive. I'm surprised to read you had a bad experience with them. Was it pre or post sale?

[Ludo]

Hi Serge,

Thanks for your insights!

I chose this frame mainly because I liked the design, and the feedback from other builds convinced me that it offers great value for money. There might be better options out there, but honestly, I was looking for something reliable with solid vendor support—which seems to be the case with Chris, both from my own experience and from what I’ve read here and there.

As for the chainring, I saw your suggestion about going for a larger one, and I’ll probably consider it if I feel like I’m spinning out too quickly. Right now, I’m using a 50T with a Shimano drivetrain on my Tarmac (so 11T on the cassette), and at high speeds, I don’t really feel like I’m over-spinning. That’s what led me to this setup.
That said, I’ll be testing it around 230W, which is my targeted power for the upcoming 70.3 in September, and I’ll reassess if needed.

I'm also curious—why do you advise against riding on the smallest cog? Is it due to increased friction or something else?

Thanks again for all your valuable contributions across the forum—I’ve learned a lot from the many threads you’ve been active in!

Drivetrain efficiency is best when everything is aligned so 4-5-6-7-8is where you want to live most of the time.

[boulette]

Crystal clear. Thank you very much Serge

[mattgolt]

Enjoy the build and I hope everything goes well, as it seems you only have one month from frame delivery to the first race with it.

And let me know how the box fits!

Hint: I'm just designing a 3d printable behind-the-seatpost bottlheholder (similar to the huge canyon fin on the speedmax). Coming soon (if the tests go well)

[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!

[boulette]

Enjoy the build and I hope everything goes well, as it seems you only have one month from frame delivery to the first race with it.

And let me know how the box fits!

Hint: I'm just designing a 3d printable behind-the-seatpost bottlheholder (similar to the huge canyon fin on the speedmax). Coming soon (if the tests go well)

Thank you so much — the box looks amazing and is already printed! I'm really impressed by the precision of the modeling. I can’t wait to see it mounted on the bike.

Admittedly, the timing will be tight before the race, but my real goal is the full XL triathlon in May 2026. The 70.3 in September is more of a final tune-up for the season before I start prepping for a marathon in December. So I have fewer expectations for that one compared to the big race next May.

I’m also looking forward to testing the seatpost bottle holder STL file once it’s ready. I’m happy to be your beta tester! 😉

[boulette]

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!

Unfortunately, i have no experience w/ this frame yet and I have also asked Chris for recommandations.
I'm 182cm and 85cm inseam and Chris advised me to Pick the M up. Thats what i did.

W&S now, i hope i won't regret it

[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