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Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame Here’s my build of the gravel frame. Took longer and cost more to build due to the headset play - fix below! - and a good few mistakes I made along the way. My first build so lots of learning on the job I transferd the groupset from a Boardman road bike and got the kids/wife to doodle on it with some acrylic paint markers so looks a little different… Headset play was a right pain in the hole - I’d thought it was fixed but it loosened on first ride so all taken apart again. Then new brake lines needed as I’d no slack in the cables left. I ditched the expansion plug that came supplied - If your going to build this frame I would suggest spending some extra money on a better compression ring and expansion plug. Supplied parts just didn’t workout for me. Build: Rival D1 AXS with single side power meter Force E1 10-36 cassette Ultrabite 45mm rear & 50mm front Wheels - Alexrim aluminium (19mm internal. Tires as measuring 43mm and 48mm) Hope headset bearings (supplied probably fine but I couldn’t take any more hassle so just replaced everything headset related) Ali express for Saddle/BB/discs/bar tape/TPU tubes/computer mount) Heat set play fix: FSA Compressor headset for 1-1/8" carbon fork steerer & Deda Elementi Alanera RS Spare Part, Headset Compression Ring, Black, 45°x45° (For DCR Headset) I used the supplied header spacers and headset cover The deda headset compressing ring will need sanded down by around 4mm off the top. important - you want around 1-1.5mm gap from the headset cover to the frame when checking fit before installing the compression plug. Once you tighten everything up this gap will close up for a perfect fit. It’s tight as a duck arse now and no play. It was a 10 minute install with the higher quality parts. I did email Chris about headset play and got a reply about adding a shim. I knew what I was getting into from reading reviews on the frame and others so hey ho. It is what it is. Overall the paint quality on my frame was brilliant. I couldn’t find a single flaw. The bolt holes/bottom bracket/headset all needed a light sanding to get smooth. There was a little overspray in the groove for the headset bearing so check for that. For anyone interested in the doodleing. Light sanding to give it a key and the clear coat used was Spray Max 2k - this stuff is amazing if your ever looking lacquer. Tyre clearance is fine - the rear (measuring 43mm) is pretty close to the AXS battery so I’m not sure a 50mm would fit. Expect you could move the front derailleur out a few mm by not sure. Bike rides well, taken it down some small drops and rough rocky paths. It’s sturdy and responsive. Ultrabite tyres give decent grip too Thank you to everyone who posted thier builds. Really helped me a lot. January 17, 2026, 08:07:02 AM	1
Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame Well, I’ve finally finished my VELOBUILD build. I haven't been able to take it out for its first ride yet due to an issue I'll explain below. Overall, I'm happy with it, but there are a few things to keep in mind. In some cases, it was my fault for not looking into the details more closely: My Mistakes: - Matte Paint: I wouldn't recommend it. It shows every mark, and even the slightest rub leaves a visible scratch. - Sizing: I went with a size S based on the Stack and "effective top tube" measurements. I don't think it actually measures 55cm; I’d say it’s closer to 53cm. - 2x12 Setup (Sram Rival): Because of the battery size, the clearance with the rear wheel is very tight. Luckily, I’m running 40mm tires and it’s fine, but I don't think a 45mm would fit. If you're planning an all-road project with a double chainring, you should consider a Shimano group or Sram Wide. Frame Flaws: - I chose the non-aero handlebar, and honestly, the finish had some defects. It’s also a bit of a struggle to get it into the steerer tube. Plus, the included spacers are plastic, look very low-quality, and aren't very aesthetic. - Brake Caliper Mounts: During the build, I found that the rear caliper isn't level, causing it to rub against the disc. The wheel is almost locked up. I’ll have to take it to another shop that has the right tool (a Park Tool facing tool), and that little "joke" is going to cost me over $50. "Disappointments" (Component Weights): - Frame (including all bolts): 1,215g (Size S) - Fork (uncut): 480g - Zero-offset Seatpost: 212g - Integrated Handlebar (90x400): 395g" January 17, 2026, 12:40:48 PM	1

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Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame Here’s my build of the gravel frame. Took longer and cost more to build due to the headset play - fix below! - and a good few mistakes I made along the way. My first build so lots of learning on the job

I transferd the groupset from a Boardman road bike and got the kids/wife to doodle on it with some acrylic paint markers so looks a little different…

Headset play was a right pain in the hole - I’d thought it was fixed but it loosened on first ride so all taken apart again. Then new brake lines needed as I’d no slack in the cables left. I ditched the expansion plug that came supplied - If your going to build this frame I would suggest spending some extra money on a better compression ring and expansion plug. Supplied parts just didn’t workout for me.

Build:
Rival D1 AXS with single side power meter
Force E1 10-36 cassette
Ultrabite 45mm rear & 50mm front
Wheels - Alexrim aluminium (19mm internal. Tires as measuring 43mm and 48mm)
Hope headset bearings (supplied probably fine but I couldn’t take any more hassle so just replaced everything headset related)
Ali express for Saddle/BB/discs/bar tape/TPU tubes/computer mount)

Heat set play fix:
FSA Compressor headset for 1-1/8" carbon fork steerer
&
Deda Elementi Alanera RS Spare Part, Headset Compression Ring, Black, 45°x45° (For DCR Headset)
I used the supplied header spacers and headset cover

The deda headset compressing ring will need sanded down by around 4mm off the top. **important** - you want around 1-1.5mm gap from the headset cover to the frame when checking fit before installing the compression plug.
Once you tighten everything up this gap will close up for a perfect fit. It’s tight as a duck arse now and no play. It was a 10 minute install with the higher quality parts.

I did email Chris about headset play and got a reply about adding a shim. I knew what I was getting into from reading reviews on the frame and others so hey ho. It is what it is.

Overall the paint quality on my frame was brilliant. I couldn’t find a single flaw. The bolt holes/bottom bracket/headset all needed a light sanding to get smooth. There was a little overspray in the groove for the headset bearing so check for that.

For anyone interested in the doodleing. Light sanding to give it a key and the clear coat used was Spray Max 2k - this stuff is amazing if your ever looking lacquer.

Tyre clearance is fine - the rear (measuring 43mm) is pretty close to the AXS battery so I’m not sure a 50mm would fit. Expect you could move the front derailleur out a few mm by not sure.

Bike rides well, taken it down some small drops and rough rocky paths. It’s sturdy and responsive. Ultrabite tyres give decent grip too

Thank you to everyone who posted thier builds. Really helped me a lot.
January 17, 2026, 08:07:02 AM

Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame Well, I’ve finally finished my VELOBUILD build. I haven't been able to take it out for its first ride yet due to an issue I'll explain below.

Overall, I'm happy with it, but there are a few things to keep in mind. In some cases, it was my fault for not looking into the details more closely:

My Mistakes:

- Matte Paint: I wouldn't recommend it. It shows every mark, and even the slightest rub leaves a visible scratch.

- Sizing: I went with a size S based on the Stack and "effective top tube" measurements. I don't think it actually measures 55cm; I’d say it’s closer to 53cm.

- 2x12 Setup (Sram Rival): Because of the battery size, the clearance with the rear wheel is very tight. Luckily, I’m running 40mm tires and it’s fine, but I don't think a 45mm would fit. If you're planning an all-road project with a double chainring, you should consider a Shimano group or Sram Wide.

Frame Flaws:

- I chose the non-aero handlebar, and honestly, the finish had some defects. It’s also a bit of a struggle to get it into the steerer tube. Plus, the included spacers are plastic, look very low-quality, and aren't very aesthetic.

- Brake Caliper Mounts: During the build, I found that the rear caliper isn't level, causing it to rub against the disc. The wheel is almost locked up. I’ll have to take it to another shop that has the right tool (a Park Tool facing tool), and that little "joke" is going to cost me over $50.

"Disappointments" (Component Weights):

- Frame (including all bolts): 1,215g (Size S)

- Fork (uncut): 480g

- Zero-offset Seatpost: 212g

- Integrated Handlebar (90x400): 395g"
January 17, 2026, 12:40:48 PM

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