See likes

See likes given/taken


Posts you liked

Pages: [1] 2 3
Post info No. of Likes
Re: 2023 VeloBuild CX-002 Cyclocross Frame Well, we are getting a week long heat wave in the mid west USA, so it’s time to paint!  I’m going to do this in 3 stages: matte clear over carbon (below); base, mid, gloss clear; then stripes and clear.  Here you can see the rough black and white theme though.  More to come. 
The Pathfinder Pro 38’s are finally back in stock in some places, so I was able to snag a set.
April 10, 2023, 06:49:52 PM 		1
Re: Lightcarbon LCG071-D Build I also decided to pick this frame after seeing posts here and videos on Youtube.

I just finished painting it yesterday and hopefully get it built up tomorrow after the clearcoat cures some more. Excited to ride it! First time buying and building with a Chinese frame.


May 26, 2023, 02:01:28 PM 		1
Re: 2023 VeloBuild CX-002 Cyclocross Frame Quick update on my CX-002. Full disclosure I have not ridden it that much, but enough to offer a marginal update. I probably should make a video on this topic since my last video on the channel was 3 months ago. Yikes. These days sadly I pretty much only have time to train or make videos. But not both. At the moment, maintaining a high level of fitness is priority.

Yes the frameset was sent to me by VeloBuild to review. While it's probably impossible to be completely unbiased, it's also a bit undermining to believe a $500-600 frame is going to substantially impact my feelings toward it. Especially when I still had to purchase the eTap Rival groupset, those wildly expensive ENVE G23 wheels, and every other component. I've criticized both in videos and in this forum how the VB-168 is not the best modern road frame VeloBuild offers (the VB-177 is superior for the price) and I received push back from 168 loyalists. Bottom line is you can't please everyone, so take both forum users and YouTubers' opinions with a grain of salt. End of the day these are disposable frames.

1. So far zero quirks. No BB creaks, no rattles, no lose bolts. Nothing. The disc calipers where the easiest to setup of all my sub-$1000 Chinese frames. Either the caliper mounts were faced or I just got really lucky.

2. The standover height is tall because the BB height is also tall. It's a cyclocross frame after all. This really isn't an issue if you aren't constantly mounting/dismounting outside of the realm of cyclocross.

3. Not the lightest frame ever, however this for sure provides more road compliance.

4. Road feel. This is completely subjective. Could be the tubeless tires or the ENVE wheels but it's a very comfortable frame. If it had fender/bag mounts you could certainly use it for bike packing. I think the overall added weight of the frame and bigger tires allow the bike to handle rough pavement very well. I suppose this should be obvious. The bike as a complete build just feels bullet proof.

5. The Rinasclta/Air Wolf Granite All-Road is a better road/rough road/touring frame. The VB-002 is a better gravel/CX bike. I cant see myself ever putting standard road tires on the CX-002. However, I also would never use the Rina Granite for CX. Both frames would be brilliant with 38c Pathfinder Pro gravel tires, but the CX-002 going to be both funnier and more gravel compliant than the Rina Granite.

6. Minus the tall standover height and lack of frame mounts, I reckon the CX-002 could replace my Yoeleo G21 gravel frame. The difference between the two is the CX-002 feels like you're "on top" of the bike, whereas the G21 feels more like you're "inside" the bike. This probably is only important for stability when you're descending at 45mph/70km. Something I've down several times with the G21.

If you only could have a single bike for literally everything, I'd take the Rinasclta. But if you had room for two super affordable bikes (road and gravel/CX), I'd take the VB-177 and the CX-002.
May 30, 2023, 10:43:16 AM 		1
Re: 2023 VeloBuild CX-002 Cyclocross Frame Thank you forum members for motivating me to make an update video. Most of what is discussed in the video is mentioned above.

YouTube search: VeloBuild CX-002 Update - Gravel Approved
June 02, 2023, 10:13:22 AM 		1
Chasing Wind CW-G-001 Gravel Finally built this up and took for test ride.  Few things to figure out but its done and nice and super light (disregard the eufy vac in the background)

Size XL - 58
Blue and Silver
Spank Oozy Vibrocore 440 Bar
Fizik Blue Terra Bondcush 3mm tacky tape
Fizik Terra Argo X5 Saddle 150 mm,  this is the bomb
FSA Gossamer crankset , 175 mm, 42T chainring
Shimano 105 5800 Shifters for mechanical brakes
Shimano GRX RD812 Rear Derailleur
Sunshine 11-42 Cassette
Chiner Oil slick 11 speed Chain
Chiner Oil Slick 160 mm rotors
TRP HY/RD Flat Mount cable actuated Hydraulic brakes
Chiner KO Shimano XT SPD Pedals
 Toseek Carbon Bike Stem +/- 10 degrees 100mm
Elitewheels ENT 29 mm wide 40mm depth 700C 6 bolt Carbon 12K Carbon Wheels 12X142 12X100
Vittoria Adventure Trail Tires 700X38C tubeless
West Biking Black Plastic Cages
Onlynana Bike Computer mount with light undermount
Rockbros Bike light d3-1000 lumens
120 lumen WT06 Smart Rear Light
RockBros Rainproof c35 Bag



June 05, 2023, 11:40:32 PM 		1
Seraph Tan Tan FM639 - my build Hi there,

as you may have seen in my previous post, at the end of March I decided to order a Seraph FM639 in a custom color.

The decision was taken mainly for 3 reasons:
1) Geometry
2) I don't like aero nor dropped seatpost
3) and last but not least I have the Seraph GR029 since end of 2020 and I am very happy with it.

The communication with the seller was excellent and replies very prompt via Aliexpress messaging tool.
The color definition / translation is a bit different in chinese. I wanted a "Metallic" sparkling color finish, I realised they call it glossy finish. At the end the best is to go through their instagram or homepage pictures and send them a screenshoot of what you want.
The painting took a bit longer than expected but the seller was always quick in answering my questions about the status.

Finally last week the frame arrived and I started the buildup.
I ordered from them as well the integrated cockpit, seatpost with 0° setback that where included in the post, plus through axles, a garmin mount and a spare hanger.

I decided to go with a Shimano 105 di2 (12s - 50/34 - 11.34) groupset. The idea is to get a 11-36 when available, possibly a light version.

- Elite SLT Disc wheels 40mm deep and 29mm wide
- Schwalbe One tubeless tires 30mm wide
- Mixed 6D saddle (might be changed...)
- SPD mountain bike double sided pedals

The build went very smooth even for a "beginner" like me thanks to the help of my boyfriend. Only 1 point where I had to be a bit patient. First of all I ordered some Internal Housing Damper 6mm foam sleeve which I put on the rear hydraulic cable to avoid rattling at a later stage. The hydraulic cables are very sturdy and the most difficult part is the routing through the cockpit.
One point in favour is that the frame has some nice metal spacers where there is space at the front for the cables. The most important point is to pass the cable through the handlebar in the same end position. I did not in the first time and the cables tension would rotate the handlebar. Once rerouted the problem was gone.

The bike weighs 8.3kg with garmin mount, pedals and bottle cages in a size 56 frame. As from specification the frame has space for a 28mm tyre. As you can see from one of the pictures 30mm fit as well in this case, but not much space left.
It really rides well and feels quick  8) . The only things I will have to change are the saddle (the position is different compared to the old bike and does not work).
June 06, 2023, 05:45:10 AM 		1
Re: 2023 VeloBuild CX-002 Cyclocross Frame Ok the bike is finally finished! 

Goal:
What started as a want for a road bike in 2021, and wanting to build a bike from the frame up, led to a livery design in search of a frame… then buying a used road bike… and then determining that I would be better on something dirt-road capable of riding longer distances safely.  So the goal was to get a reasonably fast dual-purpose road+gravel bike that could also withstand 1-2 CX races if I felt like it; IE: surviving bunny hops. Ideally, something like the Airwolf 066 (Rinescalte Granite) would have been more ideal, but I was not a fan of how it looks (subjective!).

DIY Spray-paint job:
The Livery (paint job) is a throw-back to late 70’s - mid 80’s race cars and sport bikes.  I did all of the striping by hand with 1/16” tape and spray paint.  I think I’ll document my paint process for anyone who wants to read how it can be done – lots of lessons learned from over the years applied here that I want to write down for DIY’ing a spray paint job.  That may require it’s own post if anyone’s interested.  I initially asked if VB could paint it, but they didn’t want to do the rounded corners of the stripes, which was critical to the design, so that’s why they sent it in primer.  It’s no fault of theirs since this was a complicated paint job.
1.  To start, the inside of the (exterior) frame was sanded down to the carbon and sprayed in Spraymax 2K Matte clear (posted above). 
2.  Then taped for the outer parts.  The white is Honda/Acura’s Platinum White Pearl (NH-883P), which has a red and blue flake in it. I wanted a metallic white that wasn’t too creamy/pearly in color.  I applied a light coat of Spraymax 2K clear. 
3.  After letting that cure, I sanded it very lightly with 1000 grit just to give the paint something to stick to.  Then I did the hand striping … which took a while to get straight and then symmetric.  The blue’s are from Montana Gold, then finished with 2K spraymax.  Unfortunately, the Montana Gold is a bit dusty, so some paint dust got in the final clear coat :(.. But it’s only noticeable at 3 feet away. 
4.  After that stage cured, I applied an Invisiframe’s Generic CX/Gravel kit to protect the sensitive area’s.  I think the sizing matched the frame pretty well, with some clever ingenuity needed at the top of the seat stay and the back of the seat tube for the wheel indent.  Maybe an SL7 kit may fit better?

Assembly:
This is the first road bike I’ve assembled, and the integrated bars with the full hydro/mech drivetrain was a bit of a chore, but after a lot of wrestling, I figured it out.

Bike Specs:
- VB-CX-002, Size 56, with top tube mounts.  Final weights without pedals or accessories:
-- Gravel: 8.655kg/19.08lbs
-- Road: 8.475kg/18.68lbs
-- Weight with accessories and pedals: ~22lbs
- Integrated bars, 110x440, 10mm spacer
- Rider: 6’1”, 185cm, 34” inseam - perfect fit and standover.  Kind of like an older style frame with a nearly horizontal top tube.
- (Used) GRX-810 2x drivetrain.  48/31 Chainrings, 11-34T, 11S, 172.5 crank arms
- Token Ninja Bottom Bracket - thread together style
- Elite ENT Wheels 50 deep x 27ow 17iw, upgraded spokes, 25mm GP5K TLS, tubeless
- Elite ENT Wheels 30deep x 28ow x 18iw, Pathfinder Pro 38mm, tubeless
- 160mm SRAM rotors
- Jagwire LEX-SL cable housing (min bend radius: 25mm)
- Lyne Components bottle cages and Holy Rail tool bag kit
- Fiziks 3.0 Bondcore cush tape

Road and Gravel ride impressions coming mid-week, but so far I am really happy with it :)
June 11, 2023, 01:50:35 PM 		1
Re: 2023 VeloBuild CX-002 Cyclocross Frame Initial Ride impressions:
Disclaimer: I come from a mountain biking background, and I am getting more into road biking, so, my opinion of the CX-002 may be less refined than others about road bike differences.  Also, a road bike is a road bike to me since they’re all way more efficient than a mtn bike.  I have an XC hard tail with 2.35/60mm tires, so I didn’t want to build a bike that would overstep its intended use; the XC bike can do gravel, but not as quickly.

Road manners:
I took it out for a road ride to put it through its paces at the local riding “spot” and it handled itself wonderfully!  The Modern CX geo is really a nice hybrid between a road bike and a gravel bike. 
Compared to my 2013 Trek Madone which has “compact geometry” (which I feel is too extreme for me, but it is a rocket ship on road), this bike feels a little more “lazy” in steering and agility, but this was expected.  The CX’s BB height is only 2mm taller which isn’t really noticeable, but I’m still getting used to the bike, so higher speed tighter turns will take some getting used to.
The WB is 40mm longer, which makes it more stable.  This is especially noticeable on high speed downhill sweepers. The CX is also about 2lbs heavier, so that was noticeable (esp with the added gear), but for my riding style and what I want out of this bike, I am OK with that.
 
Gravel manners:
This thing really is at home off road.  Like Pat said, it is really comfortable on rough roads, dirt roads, and on double track.  I have about 30 miles of off-pavement experience on these 38mm Pathfinder Pro’s, and they seem to be a good match for this bike.  The bike soaked up all the small bumps very well and was a nice place to be.  It was really stable on the dirt road downhill turns and I felt confident maintaining a decent amount of speed.  I feel it could do more once I learn the tires a little better.  I did slip the front end once on a loose over pavement turn-in, but I was able to catch it and keep going thanks to the Longer WB (compared to the road bike).

Again, overall, I’m really happy with the frame selection and what I’m getting out of it.  Is this a crit racer? no.  Is this a long adventure bike, not really.  Is it a gravel race bike?  Maybe, tho the BB offset could be lower.   Is its a nice quiver killer for a road/gravel/cx bike?  I think so.  I was inspired by the YT'er "outdoorbros" and his reviews of the Specialized Crux as a dual purpose gravel & road bike and "quiver-killer".  I think with CX bikes (as a subset) modern geo's, this is more possible than in years past when BB drops of 60-65, causing them to be pretty twitchy.

Over time I may upgrade the groupset and other components, but honestly the mech/hydro GRX810 2x11 setup is pretty nice.  The 48/31 chainring gearing is great for solo rides.  I'll have to an end of season review after a CX race or 2.


June 14, 2023, 08:27:46 PM 		1
Re: Yishunbike R1058-D @Goe @curvenut

Pic below. The build went smooth. I only struggled to get the Di2 cable through the chainstay, but that was because the guide tubes were removed before painting. Other than that, no issues whatsoever.

@neobiker For me, they usually reply after 1-2 days, expect during holidays. What exactly are you asking them about?
June 21, 2023, 05:48:25 AM 		1
Re: Airwolf YFR068 - 2023 Gravel Frame Build complete! 8.59kg as pictured.

In regards to saddle, a SMP Dynamic was the only spare saddle I have at the moment and I have the carbon railed version on another bike. Angle looks a bit off in photos so need to adjust it, but they work well for me.

Changes still to be made
- PD-M520 SPD pedals (currently have PD-EH500 installed)
- 11-36t 12 speed rear cassette (currently have 11-30t installed)
June 25, 2023, 09:52:13 PM 		1