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Re: VeloBuild VB-TT-023
Hello guys, first time posting. I've been inspired by your builds and I'm thinking about ordering the frame and components. I have thought of the following build, please tell me what you think or ir there are better alternatives. well, i would rethink to install the ltwoo tt system..if you can live with a fail during a race, go for it..if you want reliable components and easy and fast swappable parts available around, i would go for sram or shimano....there is nothing more frustrating, than being somewhere on the world racing and missing it because a part breaks and cannot be swapped... We have sold ltwoo for quite a while, and not even one setup is still on a bike...customer service does not exist for dealers and only available via aliexpress.... being involved in 70.3 races myself and putting loads of energy and time in these projects and do not risk a dnf because of the gear. Just my thoughts... August 12, 2025, 05:25:12 AM |
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Re: VeloBuild VB-TT-023
Hi Matt, what's the point of having it on this pole instead of the stock one? Stock one is fine if you just want to carry a bottle. That position is probably "aero neutral". However, recent studies from ezgains (I think it was them), showed that for behind the saddle bottles: - elevating the bottle as high as possible - putting it horizontal - maybe adding a 2nd bottle Can give you a positive aero effect, similar to a BTA bottle. September 16, 2025, 02:31:50 AM |
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Bike Frame Index - My database on Chinese carbon frames
Bike Frame Index - My database on Chinese carbon frames I discovered this forum in July and have spent an intense few months reading threads and bookmarking information while researching my own (road) frame purchase. To make sense of it all, I compiled my notes and bookmarks into a database that might be useful to others, especially people new to buying bike frames from China, perhaps doing their first road frame build: bikeframeindex (dot) com What it is: A summary of my research comparing popular Chinese carbon road frames on here, Weight Weenies, YouTube and Reddit. Each entry synthesizes what I found across hundreds of forum posts about geometry, quality, reliability, and value. It's of course quite biased toward my own priorities, and i'll underline that I am quite risk averse, but I've tried to capture trending issues and recurring themes from community discussions. What's included:
Some emerging frames like the Lightcarbon LCR018-D aren't included - first deliveries are just hitting the market now, so there isn't enough feedback yet. I've mentioned the new Tideace frame, not more. The selection reflects frames with more history or community discussion at the time I was researching. Some models like the LTK 268-D is “bundled” within the VB thread and has fewer entries but some of the mentions suggest it could be a notch better in terms of build. To call this dataset statistically significant would be wrong, but the level of knowledge and dedication on here and other forums makes the feedback highly credible in my opinion. What's next: I plan to add more frames in quarterly batch updates as feedback accumulates. If there's interest, I'd welcome community suggestions for which frames to research and add next. I’ve not considered Gravel frames or TT frames, just because I don’t look for any. I own my dream build gravel bike so road frames was top of mind, but if the site seems to deliver on its purpose- helping others in my shoes, I won’t exclude adding other categories over time. No commercial interests: No affiliate links or monetization - this is just my research notes made public. I've added placeholders in the code for Google ads in case I bother with that later, but no plans currently. Check it out and let me know your thoughts. Constructive feedback welcome. This is an iterative process, meaning that I've published a MVP with the ambition to improve on it continuously. bikeframeindex (dot) com Edit/updates: Actions taken regarding feedback below, which is very helpful in improving the site. Focus was on the "ratings" page where I've scrapped the points leading to the ranking and instead created two tiers which are neutral amongst the frames. Some minor tweaks and typos corrected. October 12, 2025, 11:32:52 AM |
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Re: VeloBuild VB-TT-023
I will also print @mattgolt rear bottle holder and toolbox (if it fits size S frame). It doesn't fit size S, sorry. I haven't had time to design a parametric version yet 
October 21, 2025, 12:37:19 AM |
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Re: VeloBuild VB-TT-023
I read this whole thread as I was deciding on my new TT bike last winter, and it convinced me to order. My previous TT bike was a used 2011 Garneau Gennix T1 Large, and I was looking to be more comfortable for my first full Ironman in Ottawa this past summer - more adjustability in the front end and bigger tire clearance. I am 5’8” (173cm), 155-160lb (70-72kg), and went with a large frame for more reach/stack since that fits me best. I did get a bike fit on the Garneau, (and the Velobuild once it arrived), and the fitter agreed that a large frame is right for me. The order process was great, got them to add the 2 bolt holes on the top tube for a bento box (though I have not used them yet). Went for a black/white paint scheme and added my name in the paint at the seatpost. This was the 2nd frame I’d built from scratch (first one was a custom drop bar titanium mountain bike from Waltly Ti), but I’ve been doing my own maintenance on my bikes for a while. The build was very straightforward, with the usual difficulties of fully internal cable routing. I did crack the stem as I was tightening to the recommended torque (5Nm), and Chris from Velobuild sent out a new one – though I don’t trust it anymore, so I’m looking for other options now that I’m done racing for the year. Parts List: Frame: Velobuild TT-023 Large TT Bars: Included with frame, but I added a custom 3D printed extension off the back that replaces the (too) soft yellow foam over the screws and makes a closed back for the elbow. Also adds a bit more length to the extensions which I found I needed. Custom 3D printed SRAM wireless blip holders. Textured heat-shrink for the grips, as I’ve seen in a few posts in this thread Stack Angle: Custom machined aluminum block for additional 9 degree angle Base Plate/Bridge: Custom machined aluminum bridge for a bit more reach and a BTA bottle mount Arm pads: CeeGees 10mm TriRig Scoops Ultimate SL for full padding along the forearms Garmin Mount: Custom 3D Printed mount that fits just between the bars at the front. Very large platform zip-tied to the bars, covering most of the area between them. Brakes: RideRever Triva Rotors: Shimano Ultegra Shifters: SRAM Wireless Blips Bottom Bracket: Token Steel Bearing T47 Threaded BB 47mm for 24mm cranks Crankset: 160mm XCadey 24mm spindle Power Meter Spider: XCadey XPower-S Gen 2 110BCD-4S Pedals: Shimano 105 Chainring: 1x 54T Pass Quest Chain: SRAM Force with Silca wax Cassette: SRAM Apex XPLR 12 speed 11-44T Derailleur: SRAM Force D2 12 speed XPLR Wheelset: Yoeleo SAT C88 DB PRO NxT SL2 Tires: Continental Aero 111 29mm on front, and GP5000 30mm on rear Disc Cover: ABS Sheet with electrical tape and zip ties Aero Bottle: Canyon 650mL Fuel bottle, Fidlock magnetic mount Toolbox: Custom 3D Printed box fitting the aero bottle and the frame. Inside I fit my pump, tupe, plugs, extra tubeless valve parts, multi-tool, hex keys, tire levers. Take the top cover off, and pull out an insert with slots for all the individual tools. Saddle: Ergon SR Tri Front (not settled on this yet, might tri that ONIRII 3D printed TT saddle) BTS Bottle Holder: For me, the 2nd seatpost bottle mount hole is hidden inside the frame, so I spent some time to come up with a much better solution. Custom design – yes, it fits within the 30x30cm box rule, but it is a little heavy (~700g, but I’m working on improving that). 2x1L Bottles face forwards so there is much less risk of ejecting. They are also quicker to remove since you don’t need elastics on them to keep them in, and they are much easier to reach. I haven’t done aero testing, but it definitely looks fast – the goal was to have then follow the curve of my back. The pictures don’t show it, but the bottle also angle outwards for easier access since you reach around the side of your body, not directly over your back (and maybe helps with aero as well) Ride Review: I haven’t seen anyone else put an XLPR groupset on a 1x TT bike – this forum seems to be the place for unconventional builds though - I think it works great! I am not too picky about cadence, generally average about 95rpm in races. This bike is quick, it just wants to go fast (2nd fastest bike split at IM Ottawa this year). Liquid nutrition for my races, carrying up to 3.65L on the bike and grabbing water from aid stations (possibly more with a different front hydration setup). Much more comfortable than my previous TT bike as well, but there are many factors that go into that (tires, fit, saddle, etc.). On windy days, the deep front wheel gets blown around a bit, but that’s entirely expected. The headset bearings seem to have rusted after my IM – sitting in T2 all day with sticky carb drink maybe did it. I’ll be replacing with higher quality stainless steel bearings when I replace the stem. If anyone is interested in the custom parts I’ve made, let me know – I’ve seen a few people in other posts asking about angled spacers (I have been considering starting an online store)! I’m happy to share the files for the 3D printed parts, but they are in constant revision, so I’d have to lock down a design. November 08, 2025, 02:18:51 PM |
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Re: VeloBuild VB-TT-023
Doneeee. Took longer than expected as I fiddled a lot with the cockpit. Very happy overall but the list of wanted/unnecessary updates is long 1 year Update! 1 year later and same location, with this bike and couldn't be happier. I did some upgrades around the chainring, toolbox and cockpit. Managed to do a 70.3 and actually win a smaller olympic triathlon last year. This year I'll go through a full distance triathlon with the bike. Only issue I had with the frame over the past year was, that water accumulated in it after a wet ride and there is no drain hole at the bottom bracket - I drilled one now hoping it will not crack  March 05, 2026, 01:22:54 AM |
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Re: VeloBuild VB-TT-023
The attachment was from DFS and is the same on their website. https://dfscarbonwheels.myshopify.com/products/dfs-tt-disc-wheels-ud-raw-weave-920g-weight-45t-ratchet-competition-grade-carbon-fiber-disc-wheels The first attachment was from Tangoola. In the end I went for the Rear discs UXL from DFS and a UXL 60mm deep front wheel. I'm in the UK, so I expect rubbish weather and the handling difference, means I can remain longer in aero position on 60mm, then I potentially could do for 80mm. May 22, 2026, 07:13:55 PM |
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