See likes

See likes given/taken


Posts you liked

Pages: [1] 2
Post info No. of Likes
Re: Lightcarbon: New LCR017-D (or Yishun R1058-D) Am I late, or did LC finally and officially offer up the LCR017-D on their website now?

https://www.lightcarbon.com/lightcarbon-super-light-disc-brake-road-carbon-frameset-with-integrated-handlebar_p240.html

This frame is still in my radar but I'd have to donor everything off my Yishun R086-D frameset. While I don't absolutely love the look of the R086-D, I can't imagine the riding dynamics are significantly different from the LCR017-D. Then again, super light version and custom paint are enticing. And obviously I already have compatible handlebars, stem, and headset bearings.

EDIT: Also comes with threaded T47 versus BB86 pressfit. Such a well proportioned looking frame.

February 27, 2024, 09:13:42 AM
1
Re: Lightcarbon: New LCR017-D (or Yishun R1058-D)
It just so happens that the Taipei Bike Show is happening this weekend, and I will go check it out.  I know Longteng has a booth, and likely other Chinese OEMs as well.  I'll report back on anything interesting.  (Let me know if anyone has any specific requests or questions in my DMs ... but I won't take requests for Hambini hairdresser pics, sorry....)

Just got back from the Taipei Bike Show – today was B2B and not open to the public, sh*t!.  I was dying to get in, so I ran down the street to the 7/11 and printed out a bogus business card and got in lol…

Of the Chinese open mold manufacturers, I only saw LightCarbon and Longteng.  Velobuild didn’t attend.  (And I didn’t see a presence from other Chinertown favorites like Elitewheels, Ltwoo, Winspace, Magene, etc.)  But I did get to see the LC017 and the LT266 in person, and got some intel on a new LT301 that will be released in a few months:

LC017: yes the downtube is quite boxy, but in person it looks/feels a bit more rounded than what’s on their website.  And the seat tube is rounded, not at all like the seat tube shown on their website.  Here is a video that I took: https://imgur.com/a/PNHdhI5.  It’s a niiiiice looking frame.

Interestingly, I saw several high-end bikes at the show with similarly boxy down tubes with sharp edges, including the Giant TCR, a Bianchi, a Bianchi Raparto Corse, and a Java Volata that won a gold award at the show: https://imgur.com/a/NEb8cpZ.  I talked to one of the bike designers and asked them about the design choice, and he said that they use less materials to keep the bike light weight, and squares are stronger than curved shapes.  In other words, for an all-arounder, they sacrificed certain aero gains in favor of weight savings.  I’m not engineer so I have no idea if this is true, I’m just relaying what one of the bike designers at the show said to me.

LT266: from my amateur eyes, this looks like a really well-made frame.  Alisa from Longteng was at the show, and she told me that it’s made from a one piece monocoque mold, so they can achieve a higher degree of uniformity and quality control.  The tubes are more rounded than the LC017.  Interestingly, she told me that they are testing an unannounced frame, the LT301, I’m posting the geometry and a short video here: https://imgur.com/a/XvH327j.  It looks to have a more aero profile than the LT266 and LC017 but still weighs under 1000g.  Alisa said they just finished testing the 54cm frame, and are going through tests for the other sizes – it will be a few months before they start selling it, although if anyone wants a 54, it’s available if you contact Alisa directly.  (OT: I asked which brands Longteng acts as OEM for, the only thing I could get out of Alisa was that they make a few frames for Argon.)

Does this help with my bike choice?  I probably will go with one of these and not the Velobuild frames, since I’ve seen and touched them in person.  Between the LC017 and LT266?  I have no idea….

That’s all I have, cheers.

March 07, 2024, 01:25:48 AM
1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame Size 56
Silver Chameleon Paint
Frame (no FD hanger): 1079g - I'm going 1x. FD delete saves 15g
Fork (uncut): 406g
Seatpost (with saddle clamp): 228g
TOTAL: 1713g

I'm going to assume the 950g advertised weight for a size M was unpainted, and the 180g seatpost didn't include the actual saddle clamp. The 410g fork weight however is accurate. No complaints to be honest. Both paint and facing surfaces look good too.

For Reference...

Giant Propel Size ML
Frame: 1071g (both hangers)
Fork: 361g
Seatpost: 198g
Total: 1630g

Tavelo Attack size L
Frame: 1041g
Fork: 443g
Seatpost: 156g
Total: 1640g

March 28, 2024, 06:14:39 PM
1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
1. You plan to route 4 housings through the bars & stem using this https://jagwire.com/products/diy-cable-kits/2017road-elite-link-brake-kit? Having routed 4 VB bikes with keb-sl housing (full internal), i really dont think it's possible, so very curious to see how you manage that.

2. If i had extra spacers like that under my stem, i'd probably run an extra long plug expander to spread the forces over the widest possible area. Leverage is a thing, so if you hit a bad pothole, you're at a materially higher chance of cracking the steerer if you run tall chimneys like that. That's also going to add another sharp bend to the routing.

3. so the frame is 1060g and they advertise 950g. Did you ask if the 950 is a raw carbon weight? Primer & paint done by VB is going to add weight, idk if it adds 100g, sounds like a lot, but I'd say >50g. At which point a 50g variance is 5% of the advertised weight, i guess it's within spec? When you order rims, if it weights 460g, the seller typically says +/- 15g, and a rim is a lot less intricate than a frame.

My built is finally finished. At the end I opted for only twoo of largest spcers, one from my extra spacer kit (I know, its the same hight, but less hassle).
When I tried to assemble the handlebar with the 4 cables I quickly gave up the idea of using my used link cables. The thight space in the handlebar lead to gaps between the links, so I ripped it out and used the jagwire road kits instead.
I don't like how velobuild routed the cables underneath the stem. They dont run internally, inside the stem, but underneath of it in a canal. So there is a even tighter bend between the fork and the handlebar. I even had dificulties running the inner cables through the housing when reaching the bend. They got stuck, and I had to loosen the handlebar again.
It would have been better if the cables run inside the stem. They would have more space for the a bend with a biger radius.
It was a big hassle, but at the end everything is working well.
7,8 kg with Sensah Empire pro, onirii/iiipro cable/hydro disc brakes and elite edge wheels.

March 30, 2024, 03:04:56 PM
1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame My first look video is live on the channel.

YouTube Search: Velobuild 268 First Look - My excitement for budget frames has returned
https:// youtu.be/SKZo17VVuEk?si=lfH6xQdDkYU3oMDy

https://youtu.be/SKZo17VVuEk?si=lfH6xQdDkYU3oMDy

April 01, 2024, 02:38:47 PM
1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame Size 56
-Nepest Maui 45 (1282g/54t)
-SRAM Force eTap 1x
-Pass Quest 50t Chainring
-Quarq/SRAM Spider PM
-Nova Ride OSPW
-Cybrei Ceramic BB86 DUB
-Continental GP5000 28c
-Ride Now TPU Tubes (36g)
-Carbon Saddle (102g)
-Look Keo Blade Ceramic Pedals
-Arundel Gecko Bar Tape
-Cyclowax PreWaxed Chain

7.2kg / 7.6kg with everything

Only ridden around the block for photos. Rear caliper mount wasn't faced properly, but everything else was easy to build.

April 13, 2024, 07:45:30 AM
1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Correct. First impression video and then long-term video per usual. Even if I were to conduct standardized test, I would get called out for doing "bro science" as other YouTuber's have. Thankfully the support of this very forum over the years is what allows me to continue and make content. I'm very grateful.

Using the same wheels, could you do a NorCal kind of video on a loop you know well, swapping 2 or 3 bikes? You have to use the same wheels for any credible kind of comparison. Your times would be interesting, but equally interesting would be your impression.
I take issue with the "because it's 500usd it can never compete with a 1500usd frame", given the 268 is t800&1000, EPS moulded, proven geometry & shape: it's latest best practice afaik. Now yoeleo or the likes are, afaik, just taking oem frames and branding them for a premium, just less of a premium than western brands. Having looked at their specs sheet, manufacturing methods, reputation for QC, the reason why I don't buy them is because I don't see that my money would go into the frame.
I'd like to be proven wrong, because I can afford to pay 1500 for a frame, or 5000 for that matter, but i care about relative value.
Last, i saw you have a colnago video, any chance you would test ride that with your own wheels for comparison?
Colnago Vs velobuild video would break the internet :D

April 17, 2024, 02:00:09 AM
1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Based on the hundreds of messages I received over the years, the typical viewer of my channel isn't looking for VeloBuild to be an equal alternative to one of the major brands. What they want is assurance their money won't be stolen, and that their collarbones won't be broken from a random catastrophic failure. Basically is the frame good enough all things considered. I try to keep my videos light-hearted and sensible. Save engineering and race opinions for the engineers and racers.

Confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance is human nature. Whether VeloBuild or Specialized, we all want to believe we've made the best purchase. No harm in that.

9:10 in the video - "If you are expecting a $500 frame to compete with a 1000-1500 dollar frameset" Why not? As serge points out Latex moulding, t800/t1000 build up. Evolution of a frame that was well regarded to be punching above its price point anyway.

"If you're looking for a frameset to compete with a winspace or Yoleo, this is not it." Why not? In what regard and how do you know on your first ride?

Section at 9.46: " How does it feel in relation to 168 and 177?" Your builds are completely different, with too many non-standardized parts to differentiate between the frames. Esp on the 68, which is essentially the same geometry

"It's def stiffer than 168." Maybe so with the layup and tube size changes but again different bars, wheels, etc

"More refined" Again, different wheels, bars, tyres

On constructive note, I like the sections with how the build goes, the ordering process, the finishing quality, the service etc that's all really useful and as you say useful in letting people know that these companies are producing very good products.

The non-committal reviewer speak "caveatinging" dubious statements is a huge minus in the vids though.

I don't know what the solution is, honestly; many many people are seeing through all these BS cycle reviews at this point, they are sick and tired of it. These channels are kind of at a crossroads (GCN even seems to be completely swerving reviewing bikes at this point). Your going to get smashed for being to positive or negative or being to safe especially with the current statements and methodology but I and I doubt anyone else is accusing you of shilling like some of the others.  For me I'd be happy to just watch you showcase of these builds, let us know the ordering process, the issues, the finishing, comfort (position geometry) and build etc The builds look beautiful in your vids and the filming and sound is also great.

Frames are the trickiest but don't stop featuring them, i don't think anyone expects you to set up the frames with exact same components and A/B test them, your not a science based tester or someone who pretends to be so and its def not practical for a small channel to build bikes that ways (sucks the fun right out of builds). For frames hold off on the unquantifiable statements I highlighted above and more on that showcase of the product or comment on "this build" and caveat it with stiffness, aero etc is an amalgamation of the parts. For wheels, tyres, bars, tape, seats etc they can be popped on and off one designated test bike to provide a more standardised testing platform with more objective observations which I would enjoy hearing.




April 17, 2024, 01:07:14 PM
1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame
Has anyone else experienced any issues with the seat clamp? Mine isn't securely holding the seat rail at all. I've torqued it down to 9Nm, but I still feel a pinching force on the carbon rails, which doesn't seem right.
In the picture you can see the outside of the clamp only touches the rail on the top.

people have had success fixing slipping seat posts with fiberglass cloth (in roll format). I think I'd try a bit of duct tape on that rail, the kind that has some cloth waved through. 9nm sounds right, idk if i'd want to go much higher.

April 19, 2024, 04:41:39 AM
1
Re: VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame I've reached VB for torque specs.
That's what I get:

Seatpost mount  5.5Nm
Saddle rails clamp  8.0Nm
Handlebar/stem bolts 5.0Nm
Expander plug 8.0Nm
Computer mount 3.0Nm
Brake caliper mounts 5.0Nm front and 8.0Nm Rear


I can see that I am not the only one having issues with rear caliper mount. How do you guys manage it? Do you have any clever tips to align it? Usual methods i.e. tightening mounting bolts with a brake engaged with or without metal shim doesn't work.

April 19, 2024, 05:31:52 AM
1