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Re: Help for a complete novice: Graro or Velobuild Aero Gravel (or just let it go) In my experience (3 frames from velobuild) the Aero Gravel frame has been great, and wouldn't worry too much about its durability. I think they have chosen to make the frame overbuilt, so it is sufficiently durable at the cost of not being very compliant. This is to say it rides more like an aluminum frame instead of a well tuned high end carbon frame, but it is still much lighter than an aluminum frame. I think its a good deal for the money, but if you are able to bump your budget up 2-300 dollars you can get a substantially nicer frame in terms of ride quality.

The elite wheels are great, the ent-gravel have a 25mm inner width which should be fine for 40-50mm tires, just won't be as aero a profile compared to some of the newer geometry's, but function will be totally fine.
November 15, 2025, 01:12:05 PM 		1
Re: Help for a complete novice: Graro or Velobuild Aero Gravel (or just let it go) Whichever one you end up choosing, Ican have a Graro build video on their youtube channel which I really recommend. Building the VB should be very similar.

Yes, wireless groupsets are generally easier to install. That's a big plus for SRAM but the newer Shimano 1x GRX is also wireless, as is Wheeltop.

For wheels it's a bit hard to recommend anything. Get something you think looks cool.
November 15, 2025, 05:10:51 PM 		1
Re: Help for a complete novice: Graro or Velobuild Aero Gravel (or just let it go)
The velobuild is cheaper, weighs more or less the same and is superior in terms of clearance.
November 16, 2025, 07:48:26 AM 		1
Re: Help for a complete novice: Graro or Velobuild Aero Gravel (or just let it go) I think one needs to understand the use case for the tire clearance statement. In my case the gravel bike is used for 80% road and 20% compacted gravel trails, i don’t feel like in need anything above the 40c i am using now so 45 is plenty good. I have a SPcycle G056 and now I wish I had a lighter, more aero frame…
Isn’t the ican in same ballpark price wise as peter @XCMS gravel option?
November 16, 2025, 08:41:29 AM 		1
Re: Help for a complete novice: Graro or Velobuild Aero Gravel (or just let it go) I would agree with that, but i bought the Gravel before realizing that as soon as it’s a bit more than compacted trails, the MTB is the way to go for me.
November 16, 2025, 10:17:29 AM 		1
Re: Help for a complete novice: Graro or Velobuild Aero Gravel (or just let it go) Shimano hub choice only limit your choice of cassette but you can get any groupset you want.
November 16, 2025, 11:21:05 AM 		1
Re: Velobuild AERO GRAV Frame Adding additional spacers will help you diagnose what's going on with your headset (without the hassle of having to cut the fork again).

Loose expander -> carefully observe position of expander, then tighten top cap (with the additional spacers installed). Then disassemble everything again to see whether the expander moved.
Steerer tube too long -> if the issue with the headset play doesn't return with the additional spacers installed (and you have ruled out the expander), you know your steerer tube needs shortening.
Bearing play -> unlikely, I suspect you'd be able to feel that just by handling the bearings.

And yes, the clamped stem is what's meant to keep the headset compressed; the top cap is only intended for the initial bearing pre-load.

Regarding your question about the shim, you'll need shims if your bearing cover bottoms out against the frame; you want the cover to float just above the headtube. The shim(s) would sit between the compression ring and the cover.
March 16, 2026, 09:47:36 AM 		1