Chinertown
Chinese Carbon Road Bikes => Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components => Topic started by: hsaus on May 22, 2024, 08:12:25 AM
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I recently completed a new build based on the VeloBuild VB-R-066 2023 Disc endurance(ish) road bike frame and the L-TWOO eR9 electronic groupset.
I've only ridden it for 30km, and so far, so good, but this is no long term ride review, instead I'll focus on the build. In short, it met my expectations.
Let's start with the summary: Total weight of the built bike, including pedals, bottle cages, out-front mount for computer/light, seatpost mount for light/radar, and bike pump mount: 7.85 kg, or 17.3 lbs. Total cost for all components, including shipping, sales tax, etc was AUD 3347, which based on today's exchange rate is USD 2225 or EUR 2055.
The frame is size S in a matte black finish. I'm sure I'll regret choosing a matte finish, but for now it looks great. The frame weighed 885 g, with all bolts and attachments removed. The uncut fork was 359 g, and the seatpost was 203 g (400 mm). I didn't order a handlebar from VeloBuild.
The frame also came with thru axles, rear derailleur hanger, front derailleur mount (bolted on, not riveted), cable exit rubber gaskets for both electronic and mechanical shifting, expander plug, top cap, headset bearings, seatpost bung and cover, crank scuff plate, and a headset cover for using a non-integrated stem and handlebar. The headset ring and cover wasn't deep enough to reach the top bearing, which perhaps could be fixed with some headset spacers, but I used a Ritchey upper headset instead. The extra rear derailleur hanger I had ordered didn't come in the box, so I contacted Chris, and I got it in the mail a few weeks later.
Frame and fork quality was ok - fine - about what I expected from VeloBuild after following this forum for some time. The frame had some sharp edges around the headtube and bottom bracket shell, but otherwise it was quite smooth. I noticed some pitting inside the fork steerer and in the lower bearing seat in the headtube, but that was all the pitting I could see.
There was some paint overspray on both the brake caliper mounting holes, in particular on the fork - not a surprise. I faced these myself using an IceToolz "Shuriken" Disc Mount Facing Tool #E272 (https://www.icetoolz.eu/en/icetoolz-disc-mount-facing-tool-shuriken-e272/a9232) that I had ordered in advance. I didn't have a bolt with a nut that was long and thin enough for clamping the tool so I could face the rear caliper mounts, but I was able to solve it by using one of the long caliper mounting bolts and the L-TWOO adapter plate (see photo). I think the facing helped - aligning the calipers at the end to avoid brake rub was very straightforward.
The lower entry point for the hydraulic brake hose on the fork required a little filing with a round file before I could push the hose through. Again, not a surprise, but a quick fix.
I've never built a fully internally routed frame before, so I spent quite a bit of time pulling and pushing foam damper casing as far as I could into the downtube and chainstays. I even pulled the electronic power cables for the derailleurs through the foam damper casing in the chainstay and around the bottom bracket area. Enabling mechanics to use old gear cables to pull the hydraulic hoses through the frame and the foam damper casing is a great feature of the L-TWOO groupset.
For the T47 bottom bracket, I installed a cheap Lingmai branded one from AliExpress with internal bearings for a 24mm crank spindle ("t47-24i"). I also ordered a ZTTO branded one as a backup, it was identical in both looks and weight (except the logo), so they're probably from the same factory. It threaded into the shell without any issue.
I had an unused Elita One Carbon seatpost lying around, so I used that instead of the one supplied by VeloBuild. Both had a very snug fit in the seat tube, and I have had no slippage so far, using only carbon paste and torquing the bolt to 4 Nm.
Installing the L-TWOO eR9 groupset went well, by following their user manual (https://oss.ltwoo.com/download/en/eRX_User-Manual_V2.6_EN.pdf), with a couple of exceptions - see below.
The user manual refers to a "stability adjustment screw" at the back of the front derailleur, but my eR9 version didn't have this. Related to the front derailleur, I added a chain catcher for peace of mind, but so far I haven't had a dropped chain. I'm running the groupset as 2x11, with 50/34T chainrings and a 11-32T cassette.
For chain sizing, I followed the Park Tool instructions (https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help/chain-length-sizing), which resulted in a slightly shorter chain than by following L-TWOO's method. I figured since there's no clutch, and the rear derailleur cage spring is weak according to some reports, it was better to make the chain shorter rather than longer, for improved tension.
To reach the mounting bolt for the shifters, I folded both the front and the rear of the hoods, and inserted the ball-end of an Allen key from the front. Make sure you have a high quality Allen key for this!
For bleeding the brakes, I followed the method in the manual of pushing mineral oil from the caliper to a funnel on the levers. I didn't do the extra step of opening the vent hole. However, after the first shake-down ride on a bumpy road, I did another quick lever bleed (funnel on the lever, brake pads left in the calipers, pump the levers). I got some more air bubbles out then, and I now have great brake feel from the levers.
Components:
- Frame: VeloBuild VB-R-066 2023 Disc Road frame. Size S, matte black. https://www.velobuildmall.com/products/2023-vb-r-066-carbon-fiber-endurance-road-racing-bike-frame-disc-version
- Groupset: L-TWOO eR9. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005877073008.html
- Wheels: EliteWheels Edge Disc, 40mm, steel bearings, HG freehub. 1301 g without rim tape. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004767705476.html
- Crankset: Magene P505 Base power meter crankset, 170mm crank arms. 50/34T Magene chainrings. 783 g. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005506880823.html
- Pedals: Exustar E-PR4ST, Look Keo compatible. My favourite road pedals, better than anything from Look IMO. 273 g. https://www.tradeinn.com/bikeinn/en/exustar-e-pr4-cr-mo-pedals/139897505/p
- Tyres: Continental GP 5000 Cream 28mm (not tubeless)
- Inner tubes: Offbondage (!) TPU tubes, the new version with replaceable valve cores. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006301489896.html
- Cassette: Shimano Ultegra CS-R8000 11-speed 11-32T. 292 g.
- Chain: Shimano CN-HG701 11-speed, immersion waxed
- Brake rotors: Shimano SM-RT70, 160mm front & rear.
- Saddle: Mixed 7D. 109 g. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006324509623.html
- Handlebars: Prime Doyenne Lightweight, aluminium, 38cm. 218 g.
- Stem: Kalloy Uno aluminium, 7 degrees, 110 mm. 112 g.
- Headset: Ritchey Comp Cartridge 1.5" upper headset assembly. It came with the upper headset bearing, which I used in the build. For the lower headset bearing, I used one of the two that came with the frame. https://www.tradeinn.com/bikeinn/en/ritchey-upper-logic-e-comp-cartridge-drop-in-1.5-is52-28.6-steering-system/137710158/p
- Battery holder: PRO Di2 battery holder for 27.2mm seatpost
- Out front mount: XOSS Edge Mount. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006020402006.html
- Bar tape: PRO Sport Control, 2.5mm thick, but wrapped with loads of overlap for a cushy feeling.
Tools purchased for this build:
- Bleed kit: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006460147651.html
- T47 bottom bracket tool for internal bearings and an oh-so-thin edge to grab on to (bring back press-fit I say): https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006581207359.html
- IceToolz "Shuriken" Disc Mount Facing Tool #E272: https://www.icetoolz.eu/en/icetoolz-disc-mount-facing-tool-shuriken-e272/a9232
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Nice review! I thought of going to that frame but ended up risking on sth racier.
You've also managed to keep budget quite low which is good to see with an eletronic groupset. Mine with the LightCarbon LCR017 and a used 105 7020 went more or less to the same budget.
Looking forward for the updates.
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Great review. Wow that is one light frame. I really chewed on getting this frame for months. Ticks a lot of boxes but I ended up going in a different direction.
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Great review. Wow that is one light frame. I really chewed on getting this frame for months. Ticks a lot of boxes but I ended up going in a different direction.
Yeap! I agree this would be the perfect frame for most of us. Chris/VB would just need to improve a bit the quality of the final product even increasing it meant increasing 100US or so.
For the price it's a very good purchase. I just wished he had an option like the SL version but the QA++.
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Super nice, your budget control is impressive. That much bike for 2k eur is remarkable. how much does shipping cost for wheels and frames to Australia, typically? I wouldn't be surprised if you saved 200eur in shipping across all the stuff you ordered (i'm in europe).
Your airtag thing under the bottle cage is screaming airtag thing though ;)
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how much does shipping cost for wheels and frames to Australia, typically?
Frame shipping cost USD 106 (VeloBuild), while the wheels cost USD 53 (AliExpress).
Your airtag thing under the bottle cage is screaming airtag thing though ;)
Haha, yeah I agree, that was the first thing I noticed after taking the photo. The AirTag has now been relocated. ;)
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Great build - this is a great example of a value for money performance Chinese build. Glad to read that the build process was mostly smooth - hopefully the ER9 groupset holds up for you!
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Frame shipping cost USD 106 (VeloBuild), while the wheels cost USD 53 (AliExpress).
Haha, yeah I agree, that was the first thing I noticed after taking the photo. The AirTag has now been relocated. ;)
Thanks. Yeah so for everything shipped, you're saving a non trivial amount vs Europe. Applied to all components, it's probably quite a lot.
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Nice build! It's bikes like this that always impress me the most. Priced reasonable and everything looks to be solid. Plus we ride the same size, I feel like I could just hop on that bike and start riding! Lol
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It didn't take long for the L-TWOO eR9 groupset to cause drama. I posted details on the issue and the fix in the eRX/eR9 thread: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4242.msg60363.html#msg60363
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Bike looks great, how did the fitment with t47 and p505 go? Magene says its not compatible with the t47 BB.
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IceToolz "Shuriken" Disc Mount Facing Tool #E272: https://www.icetoolz.eu/en/icetoolz-disc-mount-facing-tool-shuriken-e272/a9232
Where did you buy this? I see only b2b offers following that link? Would need sale to Germany.
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Bike looks great, how did the fitment with t47 and p505 go? Magene says its not compatible with the t47 BB.
In short, no issues at all. I purchased the crankset some time ago, and I don't recall seeing that warning at the time. So I set it up completely oblivious to the claimed incompatibility. ;D
Speculation: Magene may be concerned about the gap (or lack thereof) between the inside of the spider and the frame bottom bracket shell - and perhaps also the outside edge of the bottom bracket itself. My setup doesn't have much of a gap, but it's enough clearance to not have any problem (see the attached photo).
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Where did you buy this? I see only b2b offers following that link? Would need sale to Germany.
I ordered it from TradeINN/BikeINN (Spain): https://www.tradeinn.com/bikeinn/en/icetoolz-disc-brake-caliper-hole-cutter/139125461/p
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Thanks!
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Wow, majort thanks for sharing the build and the comprehensive report.
I recently completed a new build based on the VeloBuild VB-R-066 2023 Disc endurance(ish) road bike frame and the L-TWOO eR9 electronic groupset.
Why do you call the frame endurance(ish)? Is it going towards a "climbing" bike? The geometry seems rather endurance to me, but I dont have a lot experience.
Thanks again!
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I have another question: was there discount, since you didnt want their handlebar/stem?
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Why do you call the frame endurance(ish)? Is it going towards a "climbing" bike? The geometry seems rather endurance to me, but I dont have a lot experience.
The frame is somewhat short (reach) and tall (stack), which in my mind signals an endurance frame. However, the chainstays are quite short (405mm), resulting in a fairly short wheelbase, so handling is a little snappier/stability is a little worse than a typical endurance frame.
Here's a Bike Insights comparison of the VeloBuild 066 frame and the 2023 Canyon Endurace CF 7, both in size S: https://bikeinsights.com/compare?geometries=65d910dc257cb4001beb4fe2,649cf1dd62ee34001adb5027
The 12mm difference in stack can easily be made up with an extra spacer under the stem, but there's not much you can do about the wheelbase.
I have another question: was there discount, since you didnt want their handlebar/stem?
I initially ordered the 2020 version of the frame from the "Close Out" section of the VeloBuild website. Since I wasn't planning on fully integrated cables through the handlebars, I preferred hoses entering the frame in the down tube instead of through the headset. I don't care about hidden cables, and I'd much rather have a frame and build that affords easy headset servicing and stem replacement.
Prior to ordering, I emailed Chris@VB to verify that the 2020 size S was in stock, and he confirmed that it was. However, about a week or so after placing the order, I was told that the 2020 version was no longer available, and they asked if the 2023 version would be ok as a replacement, without the stem/handlebar. While I was mulling that over, VeloBuild sent the 2023 frame without waiting for my answer, and they included a headset dust cover with holes for routing cables - as they had said they would. That's the cover that didn't fit properly, but I used the Ritchey upper headset instead.
I see that the 2020 version is still available in the Close Out section on the VeloBuild website: https://www.velobuildmall.com/products/vb-r-066-ultra-light-road-racing-bike-frame-made-by-toray-t-800-carbon-fiber-120
So either they haven't updated their website, or they've come across a few more 2020 version frames somehow.
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Hi hsaus, great write up thanks! I’m planning a build with the same frameset and gotta couple questions.
How long did the shipping take to aus?
How tall are you for a size S? I’m 174cm and unsure whether S or M is the way to go
Many thanks!
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How long did the shipping take to aus?
I think it took a little over one month? I'm hazy on the details because I was overseas when it arrived. It took some time partly because I ordered just days before the Lunar New Year holidays, and also because of the back-and-forth emails with VeloBuild on the 2020 vs 2023 version.
How tall are you for a size S? I’m 174cm and unsure whether S or M is the way to go
I'm 175cm and not particularly flexible - though I've started working on that! I'd order size S again - I like being able to use a slightly long 110mm stem.
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Thank you for the help, i'm going to get in contact with Chris and figure out whether 2020 S model still exists or not.
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My 066 frame unfortunately had an incident in the garage (no people or pets harmed fortunately), and I'm now in the market for a new frame.
I was very happy with the frame, and would happily recommend it to others. However, before I order the same again from VeloBuild, are there any new options in the endurance road frame category that I should take a look at?
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I would check Light carbon LCG 072 D. Short reach and high stack, long wheelbase.
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Elves Eglath has "tall" reach and "short" stack with some amazing paint options. Worth a look
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My 066 frame unfortunately had an incident in the garage (no people or pets harmed fortunately), and I'm now in the market for a new frame.
I was very happy with the frame, and would happily recommend it to others. However, before I order the same again from VeloBuild, are there any new options in the endurance road frame category that I should take a look at?
Winspace C5
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However, before I order the same again from VeloBuild, are there any new options in the endurance road frame category that I should take a look at?
https://www.yishunbike.com/product/r1018-dendurance-road/
I'd get that one if i were to buy an endurance frame tomorrow. Ticks a lot of boxes. Great reputation, monocoque molding (probably just a flex, but it should imply it's well made), super light, 32C, round seatpost....
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https://www.yishunbike.com/product/r1018-dendurance-road/
I'd get that one if i were to buy an endurance frame tomorrow. Ticks a lot of boxes. Great reputation, monocoque molding (probably just a flex, but it should imply it's well made), super light, 32C, round seatpost....
Nice frame I was interested too. Last July I asked yishun for a quote for this frame, they replied that it was not available for b2c sale.
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Nice frame I was interested too. Last July I asked yishun for a quote for this frame, they replied that it was not available for b2c sale.
Pretty sure there's a thread on that frame on the forum so some people got their hands on them. Weird. Maybe ask again to buy 2 frames and build one for a friend. Sharing's caring.
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I honestly don't find the r1018 that much endurance and attractive: looking at the stack and reach figure, the stack is barely 10mm bigger than the r068-D or 20mm bigger than the r1058 or the r1088. I would much prefer the r068 in terms of design [I mounting one currently actually]. These difference are quite smaller compared to the Canyon Endurance (10mm to 20mm more stack and 10 shorter reach) or the Pinarello X family.
I am still looking for a proper endurance areoish bike.
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- Tyres: Continental GP 5000 Cream 28mm (not tubeless)
Hey hsaus, I was wondering what the tyre clearnce looks like. Is there some extra space in you rim/type combo for wider tyres?
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The tyres measured 29.5mm wide. Going with tyres that measure 32mm wide would leave about 4mm either side, both at the fork and the chainstays.
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Hello!
I put 34mm tires in this frame and have no problems with gaps to the chainstay.
It's a great frame.
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Hello!
I put 34mm tires in this frame and have no problems with gaps to the chainstay.
It's a great frame.
Hi Dave, do you have a picture with 34 mm tires on?
Chris confirmed max 30c but I think he's keeping on the safe side
I'd like the chance to put on some 35mm gravel tires that I have laying around. Though they're Continental Terra Trail, I'm afraid they might get a bit too wide.
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Hi Dave, do you have a picture with 34 mm tires on?
Chris confirmed max 30c but I think he's keeping on the safe side
I'd like the chance to put on some 35mm gravel tires that I have laying around. Though they're Continental Terra Trail, I'm afraid they might get a bit too wide.
Hi!
HNY!
GP5000 32mm + wheelset 25mm inner width = 34mm tire width.
the minimum clearance on the sides of the tire is 3-4 mm.
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Hi!
HNY!
GP5000 32mm + wheelset 25mm inner width = 34mm tire width.
the minimum clearance on the sides of the tire is 3-4 mm.
Thank you very much!
Happy new year to you too!