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Chinese Carbon Road Bikes => Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components => Topic started by: Cape_Kirk on May 13, 2025, 01:59:39 AM

Title: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: Cape_Kirk on May 13, 2025, 01:59:39 AM
Hey folks,

Since the threat about this frame is imho in the wrong subforum:

https://www.velobuild.com/products/2025-velobuild-carbon-fiber-racing-gravel-bike-frame

I want to pull the trigger on the velobuild aero grav frame, but I'm not sure about the size. I've got a Scott rc foil (2024) in size 54 with a 100mm stem and no spacers. It fits very good. I'm 1,79m with 87cm inseam.
The aero grav in S/52 has a similar stack and reach. In size M/54 stack (+23mm) and reach (+17mm) are longer/higher. So I would run the size M with a 80 or 70mm stem and would have a higher stack - therefore more control? What are your thoughts?
Thanks for your input
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: jfcb on May 13, 2025, 03:23:20 AM
The features of the bike looks great.
Concerning the geometry, I'm not a big fan of the longer reach on gravel bikes, making it less twitchy in the corners.  Anyway, best is to compare your current position with the new one. In general you sit a bit higher (1cm) on a gravel bike. 
you can use a stem length comparison tool like this one. http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/stem.php (http://yojimg.net/bike/web_tools/stem.php)
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: Reddie on May 13, 2025, 06:02:47 AM
I have similar measurements and ordered a size S frame, based on a recommendation from Chris at Velobuild. My current road bike, a 2018 Stevens Aspin Disc in size 54, is also closer in geometry to a size S than to an M. I intend to use the new frame as an all-road bike rather than a trail-oriented bikepacking setup. I would also advise you to contact chris.


Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: Cape_Kirk on May 13, 2025, 08:16:10 AM
Thanks for your input. What do you think about a 70/80mm stem. to twitchy?
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: Asco on May 13, 2025, 08:55:59 AM
Yeah this bike checks a lot of boxes for a race bike. Aero frame with T47, UDH, 50mm clearance, 46T chainring clearance (53T in 2x), long and low geo.

I can't recall any other frame on here that checks all of those. The zero-setback seatpost option is also a nice feature.

Personally, I would pick a size where I could run it without too many spacers, and just run a shorter stem. But I don't really care too much about handling.
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: bfish713 on May 13, 2025, 12:31:53 PM
The frame seems to be inspired by the Ridley ASTR RS.  The geometry is nearly identical
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: Asco on May 13, 2025, 03:13:58 PM
The frame seems to be inspired by the Ridley ASTR RS.  The geometry is nearly identical

Good spot, 100% identical (if you match tire sizes between them): https://bikeinsights.com/compare?geometries=66fdf03829b6f6001af781d6,67d47baf9020ab001b69d32c,
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: Cape_Kirk on May 14, 2025, 06:00:36 AM
so you think 70-80mm stem length would be ok for handling?
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: Serge_K on May 14, 2025, 09:02:57 AM
The frame seems to be inspired by the Ridley ASTR RS.  The geometry is nearly identical

What an uninspiring bike!

so you think 70-80mm stem length would be ok for handling?

It's common for gravel bikes to have shorter stems such as 70/80mm. Basically road bikes = long stems, MTB = short stems, and so gravel = in between.
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: Cape_Kirk on May 14, 2025, 12:40:14 PM
I pulled the trigger. The waiting begins :)
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: voidptr on May 14, 2025, 01:07:15 PM
Both seatpost and steerer tube sizes are proprietary, right?
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: RasmusWH on May 14, 2025, 01:58:07 PM
My only gripe is the proprietary seat post with one bolt seat clamp. Just did a gravel race on the Velobuild 268 which also have a one bolt seat clamp and despite the use of fiber grip and very very high torque it still slipped.
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: Cape_Kirk on May 14, 2025, 11:37:01 PM
the 0mm offset seat post has a one bolt clamp, the 20mm offset seat post has a regular clamp design. I ordered both.
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: Edopizzo on May 15, 2025, 07:13:41 AM
the 0mm offset seat post has a one bolt clamp, the 20mm offset seat post has a regular clamp design. I ordered both.

How much more did you spend for the second seatpost?
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: Cape_Kirk on May 15, 2025, 07:21:39 AM
35 USD
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: RasmusWH on May 15, 2025, 08:39:26 AM
the 0mm offset seat post has a one bolt clamp, the 20mm offset seat post has a regular clamp design. I ordered both.

OK, that's great! Wasn't an option when I bought the 268
Title: Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame
Post by: wintermute on May 15, 2025, 10:17:31 AM
If only they'd brought it out to enable 2.2 RK's to fit (so 54mmish clearance).