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VeloBuild VB-R-066 build
I've recently finished my VB-R-066 build, and I'm very pleased with the result. The total price for my build was right around $2500. Weight without pedals is right around 17.5 lbs. Here's the parts list: Frame: VB-R-066 Disc, medium, custom painted by VB Derailleurs and shifters: SRAM Rival AXS Crankset: SRAM Force (gen1 with the separate spider and rings) Chainrings: SRAM 48/35 Power Meter: SRAM Force Cassette: Rival XG-1250 10-36 Chain: SRAM Rival flattop Chaincatcher: Muqzi from AE Bottom Bracket: AliExpress T47-DUB (86.5MM) Seatpost: VB carbon 0 offset, came with frame Disc rotors: Enlee 160mm from AE Handlebars: RXL 42cm/44cm carbon (4 degree flare) Bartape: Cinelli cork Stem: Richey Switch 80mm Upper headset: Ritchey Switch IS52 with 5-pack of extra spacers Lower headset: VB bearing and crown race that came with frame Expansion plug: Necco large Saddle: Ryet 3D printed carbon Pedals: NOS SpeedPlay Zero with spindles swapped out with AE aftermarket Ti 50mm Wheelset: Yuan An YHG54-04D Ultralight with RD17 hub, XDR freehub, and Pillar 1423 spokes Tires: Conti GP 5000 S TR 700x32, set up tubeless Cages: random AE carbon cages Decals: homemade on Cricut vinyl cutter Some thoughts: Dealing with VB was good with all communication over WhatsApp. Dealing with the time difference was a bit of a challenge, but I'm a night owl, so that helped. Took a couple of rounds to settle on the paint scheme. Even though we agreed on Pantone codes, they couldn't match the light green we agreed on. The first try was so off (much darker and more golden) that they agreed to start over, which I appreciated. The second version was brighter than the Pantone shade, but I didn't mind, so that's what they shipped. The repaint caused about a month delay. If you skip the painting process, you can probably get an in-stock frame in about a week. For me, the wait for the paint was well worth it. I'm not an expert, but the frame and paint seem to be of very good quality. The fit and finish might not be up to Trek standards, but I'd have to be looking very closely to find any flaws. The ride quality is great IMO. Full disclosure, I have many bikes (Ti, Carbon, alu), and I can't really tell one frame from another performance-wise other than geometry. If you're looking for someone to comment on the nuances of frame flexibility and power transfer, I'm not your guy. I do think that the tubeless 32c tires that I run at 60 PSI on my road bikes provide so much suspension that vibration absorption from the frame is not super relevant. I'm about 5'10.5" and got a medium, which fits me great. I've configured it at the short reach/tall stack end of the envelope. There's plenty of room for more reach and less stack. The frame fits the 32c tires with 3mm to spare on either side of the tire. I've built lots of bikes over many years and this assembly was very easy. This is my first foray into running the hydraulic lines through the headset, and it was no big deal. I decided to go with the Ritchey Switch system instead of the VB upper, and it worked with no drama. The fit was perfect with no gaps or play in the fork. I like that the semi-integrated routing between the stem and the plastic guide (similar to Deda Superbox and FSA SMR) allows for a little more flexibility in running the lines and experimenting with different stem lengths. The most difficult part of the assembly was finding the right tool for the T47 86mm BB cups. It's large and I didn't have that tool on hand. I ended up finding a used Park Tool BBT-47-16 for cheap on Amazon. The flange is very thin, so it's hard to maintain tool engagement, but I've engineered a DIY retention tool that worked great (the PT version is too expensive for me). Love the Rival AXS drivetrain and find that it can be found for much cheaper than retail, making the price pretty competitive with the WheelTop and LTWoo options without the possible QA issues (though I am rooting for those guys). I'm a little surprised that the VB-R-066 with its endurance geometry doesn't get more play. Folks seem to gravitate toward the more aggressive aero frames such as the VB-R-268. I like those frames in theory but just don't have the flexibility for that stack/reach ratio. As it is, I still have a bunch of spacers on the 066, though I'll probably lose a few over the next few weeks (didn't want to overcut the steerer before dialing in the fit). I have a tri bike for when I want more speed. The further forward BB in the TT/tri geometry allows me to get much lower/further forward despite my limited flexibility, but sometimes I just want to ride a regular road bike . The wheelset from Yuan An is great. I started dealing with Leon but switched to Kelly when Leon left. The wheelsets take a while to produce, but no complaints. I asked Leon for the quietest freehub they offer, and he specified the RD17. Out of the box it was actually quite loud, but I lubricated the ratchet liberally with Dumonde Pro-X Freehub Grease, and that has tamed the sound without any engagement issues. It's now pretty quiet, roughly equivalent to the DT Swiss 16T 350 hubs on my other bikes (though I'm guessing if I packed those with the Pro-X they would be virtually silent). Happy to answer any questions! November 22, 2024, 01:37:38 PM |
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Zen Carbon Wheels Xiamen
Hi everyone, Wanted to share a bit about a new wheelset I’m having custom built through a lesser-known OEM in Xiamen called Zen Carbon. Thought it might be of interest to anyone exploring beyond the usual big players like XM Carbon Speed or Elite. Background I’ve been working with a few OEMs this year. Back in April, I ordered a 60/65mm carbon spoke set from DFS Carbon, which came in at 1230g and has performed really well so far. I’ve also got a set of 50/60mm carbon spoke wheels on order from XM Carbon Speed — very popular on here and on Weight Weenies. The rims are still in manufacture, but I’ve been told they should be completed this week. This new set is coming from Zen Carbon, which doesn’t really have any online presence. It’s a small company based in Xiamen, run by Zara and her father. Why Zen Carbon? I’ve known Zara for a few years — she was my contact back when I was buying Winspace products (frames, parts, etc.) around the time when Jo Whittingham (of Panda Podium / China Cycling YouTube) was still there. I’ve had access to dealer pricing from Winspace, and Zara was always super helpful. She moved on to Zen Carbon a couple of years ago, and while I hadn’t ordered anything from her since then, I thought I’d give them a try for this build. Wheelset Specs • Rim depth: 40mm front / 45mm rear • Rim width: 31mm external / 25mm internal • Rim weights: • Spokes: Carbon, 2.1g per spoke • Hub: Zen SL 20H front & rear – 226g total Pricing • Total: $866 USD / ~£670 GBP to the UK Would love to hear if anyone else has experience with Zen Carbon or the H-Works hubs — or thoughts on using mixed-weight rims like. 25mm rims sizes pictures obviously they offer more rim types June 11, 2025, 10:39:44 AM |
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XMCS - 2026 VRT
For transparancy: I am an official partner of XMCS for the Netherlands. We are in daily contact with Peter on new products and developments. In that sense we have q bit more insights - which we can share here (after checking with Peter whether it is confidential or not 😉). There are two new XMCS road frames coming. No final names yet, although we have designed branding and naming. Still tbc how this will play out. 1 frame is more aero focused, whilst retaining a relatively light weight (930g, size M, unpainted). The other frame is a bit more allround, although the geometry is quite similar. Bit more exposed seat post for compliance, slightly lighter weight (haven’t heard the exact weight yet). I’ll keep posting updates here when I can. Size M aero frame testing is pretty much completed. Due to CNY finalizing for shipping will take a bit longer. I’m hearing availability starting end of April / May. Attached some photo’s that we can share already. February 05, 2026, 03:52:18 AM |
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Re: New all round wheelset advice
Its ok - im not going for these wheels - I was just showing as an example, that yes, 55mm deep wheels are easily achievable under 1200g these days. We all know you can get a 50mm wheel with questionable durability under 1200 with steel spokes. LB's Superlight Arias will get you there if you're light enough and ride good tarmac. The point wasn't about those wheels, it was about a wheel genuinely compatible with 32c tyres (which will require a 35 external at the minimum). If you use a 29 internal wheel, that external will might even need to be 36-37. None of that is going to come under 1200g. You will have to sacrifice one of the following - run a 30 not a 32 (at least on the front), go over 1200g, or use carbon spokes. None of these are practical issues and you'd still get a good wheel. May 06, 2026, 08:54:41 AM |
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Re: BladeX: 15 Years of Carbon Wheel Manufacturing, Now Building Wheels for Riders
What I learned though the years of using and purchasing wheels/rims from china (for me and my friends): 1) If you offer complete wheelsets, don't ignore the full system. Make sure you use the right spokes and hubs for your aimed product. A deep wheel aimed for high speed and sprinting with only 18 spokes and lightweight hubs will not be liked by the high wattage user due to the lack of stiffness, even if you have the best rims in the world. 2) Spoke tension and build quality: nobody likes to touch their new wheels for maintenance and true them within the first 1000km. 3) Follow or even pioneer in technology and trends: I'm amazed that some brands up to today still have their 29mm external width road rims as flagship product. It takes time to gain credibility on your product. The reviews need to build up. So if you join a certain trend too late, you might lost the right momentum. 4) Offer a complete range of products (road, gravel, potentially mtb). Though you don't need to have each possible dimension in your range, make sure you have a popular rim profile for each discipline/target audience. It's very annoying as a consumer who is satisfied with your products, to need to find a different supplier simply because you don't have the right range. Good luck with your business! June 13, 2026, 05:04:39 AM |
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Re: BladeX: 15 Years of Carbon Wheel Manufacturing, Now Building Wheels for Riders
Hi there, Newbie here I would like to see factory images and video to see how these wheel are made, and get another understanding. Great resource for information here 
June 22, 2026, 05:33:32 AM |
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