Chinese Carbon MTB Forums
News:
Happy Holidays!
See likes
See likes given/taken
| Post info | No. of Likes |
|---|---|
|
Re: Velobuild VB-R-218
Compare the reach/stack on geometry geeks, they have the 218 frame there and should have the Madone.
September 08, 2022, 07:12:58 PM |
1 |
|
Re: Velobuild VB-R-218
I ordered my VB-R-218 in size XXL with the 110/42 cockpit on August 20, with a September 5 ship date and September 13 arrival in Texas. My intention was to use it as a frame for all of the spare parts I've been collecting in my garage to use as a fun project bike. I spent yesterday building it up, and it's now mostly complete. I was worried about the shifting quality with the full internal routing -- enough that I actually started researching buying a Rival eTap groupset before I built up the bike, negating the entire purpose of even beginning this project -- but I powered through and I'm pleased to say the shifting is superb. Running both hydraulic brakes and mechanical shifting through the headset was a royal pain, but now that it's done I'm happy with the results. Handlebars rotate just fine with everything bundled up in there, and the shifting is just as smooth as my bikes with more relaxed cable routing. It was a little tough to get the bottom bracket threaded in. There was a ton of paint in the threads that I had to carefully scrape out because it was preventing me from even getting the threads engaged, but after an hour I was able to finally get the bottom bracket installed. I haven't noticed any friction or problems rotating the cranks, so I'm hopeful everything turns out to be aligned well enough. The only problem I have so far is that after several hours of tinkering, I can't get the hydraulic brakes aligned at all using the normal tricks. The scraping is much more severe than I've experienced from any of the other bikes I've built, and I suspect the mounts need to be faced. I ordered the Hayes brake alignment tool to see if that will help, but if not I'll pop into my LBS to get them faced. I just want to fully exhaust all attempts to do it myself since they're an authorized Pinarello dealer. Maybe they won't care, or maybe they'll be totally offended and toss me out. We'll see. Component list: - R7000 105 mechanical groupset, including 172.5 mm crank with 4iiii power meter - Giant PR2 wheelset - Continental GP5000 tires, 700x25 - Bontrager tubes - Proxim W350 saddle - Jagwire shift cables - RS500 SPD SL pedals, sitting in the garage not installed yet Definitely not lightweight. In its current state without pedals, it's 8.76 kg. The RS500 pedals are about 320g, and when I install the water bottle cages that arrive tomorrow that will tip me well over the 9 kg mark. Definitely not concerned about weight since this is a spare parts build, but depending on how it rides I could see myself swapping the wheelset out with something a little more svelt sometime in the future. Once I can get the brakes to the point where the wheels turn without waking up the neighbors, I'll report back on ride quality. September 18, 2022, 04:37:50 PM |
1 |
Re: Velobuild VB-R-218
... it does look like a rim/campy would be easier for me to build as a first bike & maintain... The learning curve is steeper for disc brakes. But after sone misses and youtube vids, you'll know how it works. Never had any of the issues you listed on many frames. The most annoying though is misaligned brake mounts. So common that I finally bought the tool to face them. For the car metaphor. For road bikes, since I descend often at 80-90km/h when possible, I psychologically preferred to rely on branded frames. I did ride for few years a Canyon Ultimate CF-SLX, fine. When a tube cracked just before a big Alpine event, I converted my Carbonda CFR-505 to a road bike, it did ride as fine. Then got back the Canyon finally replaced, and didn't notice any significant difference. I moved to an Aethos S-Works now, and... it is fine too. Again not a revolution either, except maybe the number of people telling me how nice my bike is  Each time however they were equipped with hi-end electronic shifting and hydro disc brakes and very good wheels and tires. Most of us will be happy with the bike they build from a reputable seller here. And for me the equipment and wheels/tires is what makes the bike. I'm not convinced the frame is that important. September 26, 2022, 02:51:30 PM |
1 |
|
Re: What's your ERC(Every Ride Carry)? Show me what your ride kit looks like.
I use the bead jack on my carbon rims, can confirm no problem. I use one of the bottle cage storage bottle things and normally carry: Tube Co2 inflator with 1 cartridge Old quick link and a piece of brake cable Cash, $10-20 Multi-tool I even manage to fit my car keys and airpod case in there For multi tools I would suggest one with as many functions as possible. I use a Topeak (Hexus? I think) that includes allen keys up to 8mm, tire levers, valve core remover, chain breaker, chain hook thingy, torx, etc. They're actually quite small and has more functions than I'll ever need, and they make some with even more finctions. Strongly suggest not omitting tire levers, roadside repairs without them are no fun when you're tired, especially on super tight tires I sometimes bring a drawstring backpack and shove all that stuff in it plus more if I'm going for a long ride or plan on making stops. Honestly, I barely notice it on my back and I prefer that to shoving a bunch of things in my pockets September 29, 2022, 01:23:37 AM |
1 |
|
Re: Velobuild VB-R-218
I went from riding Canyon Endurace sl to riding this. My endurace is way more comfortable and i will use it for my 100 mile plus rides. The velobuild 218 is faster and takes less effort to hold speeds as it should since it is a aero bike. I had to change the wheels on the velobuild because the ride was way to harsh with hunt 48 limitless wheels. I don't really sprint much so I can't say much about it being sluggish. I am 5'6" and around 200 pounds riding this frame and I enjoy it will probably enjoy it more when i lose 30 more pounds.
September 30, 2022, 11:19:50 AM |
1 |
Re: Velobuild VB-R-218
The elite wheels on Amazon are $300-$500 Yeah same company, different product. Elite makes all sorts of wheels in all sorts of price ranges, most not available through their website. The website only shows the models they're really pushing/marketing with YouTubers and such. The Drive wheelset is their top of the line set. Anything not part of their "main" product line you can get from them on AliExpress, Alibaba, Whatsapp, Amazon, etc. What you find on Amazon is likely the lowest end of their lineup October 14, 2022, 11:47:39 AM |
1 |
|
Re: Velobuild VB-R-218
X-weave is for the wheelset from elite wheels. I also ended up going with x-weave ENT with pillar 1420 spokes. For the matte frame, I also picked this one. Chris said it was the same as in GC performance video. I am not sure why he told you it is being painted as we see the carbon through the clear. Maybe just the frame joints are being painted. I will build the bike with Di2 ultegra, senicx PR2 crank, onirii br 05 brakes November 08, 2022, 07:15:06 PM |
1 |
|
Re: Velobuild VB-R-218
The 218 is massive at the bottom bracket. Plenty of space there. I found it easier to route the cables above the crank spindle. You could route it below. But it’s tighter there. And particularly with the front rd I’d be worried that the cable moves and rubs at the crank spindle.
November 13, 2022, 01:43:59 AM |
1 |
Re: Finally trying clipless pedals....
I've been riding clipless since the 90s. Even now, I still fall over on occasion! 
November 22, 2022, 02:07:36 PM |
1 |
|
Re: Velobuild VB-R-218
Ordered mine in xl and working on the paint with chris.... going to have to do some stencil design. Yay so close. November 28, 2022, 02:03:05 AM |
1 |