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Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame First impression video is live.

My VeloBuild 268 Is FINISHED - First Ride Impressions
https://youtu.be/-we6CsAEaQY?si=f13auTeXKcUV-wwR

Also, I've had some problems with random creaking. Initially I thought it was the saddle rail clamp. Then the cables being routed into the headset. And finally the bottom bracket. Nope. It was the seatpost clamp. I torqued the clamp a little more than I usually do (7nm instead of 5nm) and it was still creaking. A lot. The solution was adding a bit of electrical tape around seat post clamp where the clamp seats into the frame, and adding another strip of tape along the area of the seatpost that contacts the clamp. Problem solved.
April 16, 2024, 09:44:20 AM 		1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Quote from: Serge_K on April 17, 2024, 02:00:09 AM
Using the same wheels, could you do a NorCal kind of video on a loop you know well, swapping 2 or 3 bikes? You have to use the same wheels for any credible kind of comparison. Your times would be interesting, but equally interesting would be your impression.
I take issue with the "because it's 500usd it can never compete with a 1500usd frame", given the 268 is t800&1000, EPS moulded, proven geometry & shape: it's latest best practice afaik. Now yoeleo or the likes are, afaik, just taking oem frames and branding them for a premium, just less of a premium than western brands. Having looked at their specs sheet, manufacturing methods, reputation for QC, the reason why I don't buy them is because I don't see that my money would go into the frame.
I'd like to be proven wrong, because I can afford to pay 1500 for a frame, or 5000 for that matter, but i care about relative value.
Last, i saw you have a colnago video, any chance you would test ride that with your own wheels for comparison?
Colnago Vs velobuild video would break the internet :D

Based on the hundreds of messages I received over the years, the typical viewer of my channel isn't looking for VeloBuild to be an equal alternative to one of the major brands. What they want is assurance their money won't be stolen, and that their collarbones won't be broken from a random catastrophic failure. Basically is the frame good enough all things considered. I try to keep my videos light-hearted and sensible. Save engineering and race opinions for the engineers and racers.

Confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance is human nature. Whether VeloBuild or Specialized, we all want to believe we've made the best purchase. No harm in that.
April 17, 2024, 10:31:40 AM 		1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Quote from: Benbenben on April 17, 2024, 08:57:06 PM
Test rode the bike today. Feels great so far. Only issue that came from the ride is the fork plug seems to have moved a bit. I had headset play during 2nd half of the ride.

 I did install a longer plug  (same design as VB supplied but 50mm) and tighten it down to 9 NM. I am surprised that it moved.

Do you guys also add carbon fiber grip paste? What torque do you put so that it does not move? I would like to know what you guys do to make sure it is secured in the fork.

Some people had similar problems with the 168 (se the post on the 168-thread from september 16, 2023) - but the solution was to add a microspacer (1 mm perhaps) between the frame and lowest spacer (the one that fits the frame and also comes painted as the frame), to get a better compression. I think the problem may be that the spacer touches the frame more than the bearing and elevating it 1 mm from the frame solves that. 
April 17, 2024, 11:14:32 PM 		1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Quote from: SillyMochi on April 24, 2024, 05:49:40 AM
Sounds fun, got any pics of those?

And yeah, I totally get you. I'm just a sucker for colors. Resale value is a good point as well but it isn't a high priority for me.

I don't know about resale value... I expect the resale value of my 500EUR china frames to be 0 in every color...
April 24, 2024, 06:08:23 AM 		1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Quote from: TidyDinosaur on April 24, 2024, 06:08:23 AM
I don't know about resale value... I expect the resale value of my 500EUR china frames to be 0 in every color...

Resale value of 500$ Chinese frame LMAO :)
April 29, 2024, 05:00:08 PM 		1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame I completed my build approximately one month and 1,000 km ago, and I thought I would share some impressions and experiences. Communication with Velobuild went well, as did the tax-included shipping to Europe, which took just under three weeks. The frame size is 49 cm, and I chose the color "glossy pearl white" after seeing some great pictures earlier in the thread. The color looks just as impressive in person, although there are some minor imperfections in the paint (a couple of matte spots and some "orange peel"). Nothing I can't live with for the price.

I ordered the frame without the handlebar but with the stem. I wouldn’t feel comfortable using the stem (nor did I really intend to) based on the quality of workmanship it exhibited. I tossed it in the bin. Instead, I modeled and 3D-printed a custom transition piece in CF-reinforced nylon, between the stock headset dust cap and a genuine SL7 stem with corresponding spacers. It turned out quite well.

I opted to use a DEDA 70 mm expander plug, and the installation almost ended in disaster. It was oversized for the fork steerer’s internal diameter, so I had to turn/sand down the diameter of the end pieces. However, I misjudged the flexibility of the middle piece, and it began to get stuck about three-quarters of the way down during installation. I had to resort to an almost uncomfortable level of force, hammering it down with a rubber mallet, but it got there in the end. On the plus side, I’m sure it will never slip. Be careful if you plan to use this expander—don't repeat my mistake!

While the included headset bearings seemed fine, I installed stainless bearings from the start, hoping they’ll be "set and forget." The brake caliper mount faces were not properly masked during painting, so I had to carefully file/sand them down. To my relief, I haven’t encountered any alignment or rubbing issues so far.

Apart from the issues mentioned above, the build went smoothly without any major concerns. I used 105 Di2 except for the front derailleur and cassette (Ultegra), and rotors and chain (Dura-Ace). Routing the Di2 cables and brake hoses went smoothly after drilling/Dremeling out the hole in the front derailleur port. I bought the 3D-printed battery seatpost wedge that was linked earlier in the thread. The wheels are AR56 from LB, and the handlebar is PRO Vibe aero carbon. The included mounting hardware has worked fine with the PRO Turnix carbon rail saddle.

I had concerns about the speed-release axles, but they’ve worked flawlessly so far, and I would even say they're convenient. The small hex screw holding the derailleur hanger in place needs to be quite loose, though—otherwise, the thru-axle binds in the threads as it misaligns the hanger. I secured it with Loctite, and it hasn’t caused any issues since.

Would I buy again? Yes!
September 24, 2024, 12:20:44 PM 		1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame Mines coming together finally, took inspiration from the naked clear coated one from sites earlier, but went without logo.



Still waiting for the flat mount spacer up front end weight will be likely 7.8ish kg.
October 28, 2024, 07:31:26 AM 		1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Quote from: volan on October 28, 2024, 03:38:01 PM
For all of you brave and handy mechanics who went with mechanical group on this frame... Please tell me, is it THAT painful? I've routed countless of cables through mtb frames, but still virgin with regards to integrated handlebars.

I was keen on getting di2 105, but damn, not sure I wanna cash out thousand+ € on it. I found really cheap 105 2x12 mechanical on Ali for 350€ (shifters, f+rd and hydro brake callipers), and that leaves me with only cranks, chain and 2 rotors to buy.

It's not the money that's the issue, it's the bang for buck issue. If so many road bikes now come with mechanical groups, I don't see why couldn't I go with it, except if the shifting perf will suck. I get it, internal routing will be pita, but once I do that, what's left to be sorry about? Couple ms faster shifting? Dont give a damn about that. RD/FD indexing? Not a problem, and from my mtb experience with shimano 12sp, they are so damn rock solid and once you set them up, they can go really forever without a issue.

Advise me please, my roadie elders.

I built 4 VB w sensah mechanical. And 5 with ltwoo electronic. if you take your time, you will manage, plenty of videos online on how to proceed. Things to keep in mind:
Not all frames are mechanical compatible (this one is)
route the right hoses around the steerer, there's little room for error (dont route them all on one side, don't kink them...).
Be mindful of assembly sequence (spacers are usually 2 part, but headset bits will not be, so make sure you have the right bits in the right order in the right orientation before you route the hoses through the bars.
Bends in the bar mean the hoses will not freely slide unless you're very lucky / have a forgiving cockpit, so route the frame 1st, then the bars, and that will be the worst bit.
Obviously, you can't do it without a bike stand, and even then, you'll probably need tools like a routing kit (5 bucks), fine picks and files (ditto).
Dont forget to grease bearings area, as you really wont want to service that nightmare often.
Push extra hose into the frame as much as you can, because if you put the bike in a box for travel, you may have to disconnect things, and re-bleed brakes, cutting down hose, putting new olives...
I prefer plastic C rings & plastic spacers because it's easier to compress and is more forgiving. You might have issues with headset bits rubbing on the frame, so you might think you're done only to realize you have to undo everything to add something somewhere so it doesnt rub.
Anticipate and make sure you have good / strong lighting where you work.

Over the summer i swapped my cockpit on my er9 bike. It still took me 2 days...

None of this is fun. Good luck.
October 29, 2024, 04:46:07 AM 		1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame I ordered on 27.10. Yesterday Chris sent me a picture when I asked. Said it will be shipped tomorrow or saturday. Could've been a bit sooner (he said it would), but it's ok I guess. When I ordered from Carbonda my xc frame, they shipped it really fast (but it was without painting).

Wheels should be shipped today, Peter said. Got a picture. They sit at 1420grams (D50CU-33 T800, cx-ray, inhouse hubs, brass nipples). Would've been under 1400 if I went alu nipples, but I detest them.

Everything else arrived. I went with 105di2, but ordered lighter rotors, riro carbon cranks and ztto 32t cassette (around 230g). So i hope build would land below 8kgs. Will go with xtr pedals atm. And another thing, Chris appologized for delays and sent me par of bottle cages and spare rd hanger. I was just about to buy the cages on ali, good thing I didn't :)
November 14, 2024, 09:22:13 AM 		1