VB TT-023: Here comes a new build

[boulette]

Hey there!

This might not be a game-changer post, but I’m still really excited and wanted to share it with you.

I’ve ordered almost all the parts needed for the build, and I’m gathering them in my workshop while I wait to start the actual build process.

So far, I’ve received:

The crankset (though I’m a bit worried — it looks like the 50T chainring might not be removable, so upgrades could be tricky 😟)

• The two SRAM batteries + charger
• The Blips extensions/holders
• The Leap grip for S900 HRD
• The two SRAM S900 HRD brake levers
  
• The SRAM DUB BB T47 bottom bracket

Still waiting on a few key components: the frame (obviously), the cassette, the saddle, the Blips, the SRAM Red rear derailleur, the chainring, and a few other bits and pieces.

I'll keep you posted

[boulette]

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

Yes i have been through your build and posts about the base bar customization. GG mate, it's a very appealing bike now ! 😍

[Vansenzo]

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

Do you have the reference for the BLIPS supports to put at the end of the extensions or is it a 3D homemade construction?

[moalani]

Do you have the reference for the BLIPS supports to put at the end of the extensions or is it a 3D homemade construction?

Hi, yes:
https://leapcomponents.com/product/sram-s900-grip-shifter/
https://leapcomponents.com/product/sram-wireless-blips-tt-shift/ (newer version)
https://leapcomponents.com/product/sram-wireless-blips-45-degree-tt-mounts/ (older version, which is what I use)

[Mokora]

Seems like no one considers LTWOO ER9 TT Version? Interested on why so many are confident on cheaper china frames, but stick with well established and more expensive groupsets? Has Chinertown made bad experiences with the new LTWOO Version? Or is there simply too little data on it?

[moalani]

Seems like no one considers LTWOO ER9 TT Version? Interested on why so many are confident on cheaper china frames, but stick with well established and more expensive groupsets? Has Chinertown made bad experiences with the new LTWOO Version? Or is there simply too little data on it?

I actually considered them, but couldn't find them anywhere online (I believe that when I looked, they were exclusively available to the Chinese home market only). Also, they still have an internally routed battery and I didn't want that.

Further, they don't sell them as 1x afaik. So you buy a front derailleur you don't end up using.

And: their groupset is not necessarily that much cheaper or potentially even more expensive, especially if you look 2nd hand (which I did) or mix&match with Rival or even Apex components. For TT bikes, weight doesn't really matter, so my TT bike actually uses an Apex crank set (with power meter, which Ltwoo doesn't have) and a Rival rear derailleur. You don't really need Force or even Red on a TT bike, unless you are a pro.

The other reasons? I already had a spare SRAM cassette, spare SRAM wireless blips and a spare SRAM crankset, plus my other 4 bikes all use SRAM components (so I can mix chains, batteries, etc.).

It's not always as black and white as it seems.

[boulette]

Seems like no one considers LTWOO ER9 TT Version? Interested on why so many are confident on cheaper china frames, but stick with well established and more expensive groupsets? Has Chinertown made bad experiences with the new LTWOO Version? Or is there simply too little data on it?

I must admit i had no clue about chinese grousets.
Reading the above in any case that doesnt seem to suit my choice. I didnt want internal cabling, thats why i switched to SRAM.

I'll have a deeper look at it by curiosity tho'

Thanks

[moalani]

I must admit i had no clue about chinese grousets.
Reading the above in any case that doesnt seem to suit my choice. I didnt want internal cabling, thats why i switched to SRAM.

I'll have a deeper look at it by curiosity tho'

Thanks

There is also Wheeltop, which doesn't have internal batteries, but afaik they don't have a TT-specific group set yet. But very good options for road and gravel.

[raisinberry777]

Seems like no one considers LTWOO ER9 TT Version? Interested on why so many are confident on cheaper china frames, but stick with well established and more expensive groupsets? Has Chinertown made bad experiences with the new LTWOO Version? Or is there simply too little data on it?

Multiple reasons:
1. More TT bikes are used specifically for events, so reliability and urgent availability of spares is critical.
2. If you only want 1x, SRAM is very cheap as you need are blips, RD, battery and charger.
3. Not much availability of L-Twoo TT groupset yet.
4. Wiring of TT bikes can be a huge pain so fully wireless is a plus.

Wheeltop also an option if you use the MTB shifter and derailleur, but it's a similar price to a SRAM 1x setup.

[klindsey00]

Multiple reasons:
1. More TT bikes are used specifically for events, so reliability and urgent availability of spares is critical.
2. If you only want 1x, SRAM is very cheap as you need are blips, RD, battery and charger.
3. Not much availability of L-Twoo TT groupset yet.
4. Wiring of TT bikes can be a huge pain so fully wireless is a plus.

Wheeltop also an option if you use the MTB shifter and derailleur, but it's a similar price to a SRAM 1x setup.

Pretty much this. Sram is easy and super cheap for 1x. Ltwoo has barely been seen anywhere. I see 1 listing on ali for over 1000USD for the er9 version. It does look like di2 road where the shifters are wireless which is better than shimano di2 tt where they are not.

[kozak567]

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)

Can you share your toolbox project?

[mattgolt]

Can you share your toolbox project?

Hey there,

It's over in the other VB TT-023 thread. Here you go.

Be mindful: Just yesterday it has surfaced that this toolbox only fits the L frame. I'm now looking for Guinea pigs that have the S and M frame and can send me detailed photos so I can adapt the toolbox for these frames (possible some failed prints involved).

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!

[boulette]

Be mindful: Just yesterday it has surfaced that this toolbox only fits the L frame. I'm now looking for Guinea pigs that have the S and M frame and can send me detailed photos so I can adapt the toolbox for these frames (possible some failed prints involved).

My frame has been sent end of last week, i should receive it by one week or two. I'll let you know once received (Size M)

[rockerplates.de]

Seems like no one considers LTWOO ER9 TT Version? Interested on why so many are confident on cheaper china frames, but stick with well established and more expensive groupsets? Has Chinertown made bad experiences with the new LTWOO Version? Or is there simply too little data on it?

well, have you seen people dnf because of a faulty chinese frame?
Ltwoo is know for alot, surely not for their quality and reliability...
you simply cannot compare ltwoo with most of the chinese carbon makers...

[klindsey00]

I mean you can read the 100 pages of the ERX/ER9 thread. Many issues with charging and dying derailleurs. When it works it works great but it is a pain if it fails. I think the latest versions have had better reviews and the gravel group have had good reviews as well, but relying on it for a big race vs a day to day bike is a big difference. Also, the pricing just isn't all that great.