Quote from: Ludo on October 19, 2026, 06:53:48 AMI can't find any info on them. And comfort might be a challenge with that clamping system.

The only information I'm aware of is Trace Velo's video from Eurobike 2025:

(starts at 12:54)

It was priced at $149.99 for a long time, but the price recently dropped to $89.99.

Also worth mentioning that SRAM recently released Rival, Force, and RED TT brake calipers based on the new E1 road brake standard. With these new calipers, braking performance is now on par with that of modern road brakes, which have been highly praised for their performance. Prices are also more competitive, especially compared to the older S-900 aero calipers, which were really expensive.

I know you mentioned options outside SRAM and TRP, but at least the Rival calipers are priced similarly to, or even cheaper than, the Riderever Triva calipers for a pair.

https://www.amazon.com/IIIPRO-Hydraulic-2-Piston-Bearings-Compatible/dp/B0GN3HG43K?th=1

III Pro TT Levers, as far as I know, the cheapest option $89.99

Quote from: martocom on October 12, 2026, 11:19:51 AM
Is there any aftermarket integrated stem/basebar combo?

There have been discussions about aftermarket integrated cockpits.

I remember someone using the TriRig Alpha One (now called the Alpha Prime, but it's basically the same concept). Have a look around page 2 or 3 of this thread. The stem doesn't sit flush against the frame on the sides, so it doesn't look as "professional" as the stock stem. Other than that, the cockpit alone costs more than the frame itself, so I'm not sure it's worth the money...

I think Profile Design has an aftermarket solution too, but I'm not sure anyone here has tried it. Again, the price makes it hard to justify experimenting with these aftermarket options...

I'm not sure whether the ICAN TT017 or the Avenger TM07 would work either. Those are integrated front-end designs from other Chinese manufacturers that I'm familiar with.

Quote from: Tobi on October 09, 2026, 02:14:18 AM
Hi,

here's a photo of my current position.

I'm 27 and really like the saddle-to-bar drop and the compact feel of the bike. It works for me, though I wouldn't be able to ride the bike without the spacers. I'm still figuring out my ideal position, of course, but I can still put out plenty of watts in the current setup. I don't think the frame is for everyone, but if you're looking for a nice, aero position, it can work well.

I asked Chris to include the maximum spacer height. It's 10.5 cm, to be exact. I think I'll get a different cockpit with narrower arm cups so my forearms have more support.

Hi Tobi!

Looking at the pictures, you definitely have a compact position. Glad the frame works for you that way!

From your bike pics, it looks like the armrests (or extensions?) are positioned facing the back side of the the bridge. Mine were already 2 cm further forward (half of the rectangular armrest bases were unsupported), and at one point I managed to move them even further forward, with the two bolts securing them in the frontmost position — and that's when the basebar slipped.

As you can see, I prefer a more extended position. And again, different bodies and fit preferences are perfectly normal...

Looking at your pictures again, there's not much room to move further forward, as the tips of your armrests are almost in line with the front edge of the front wheel (which is a hard limit for Ironman events, at least). Mine are the same, very close to the limit...
_____

Speaking as an avid reader rather than an expert, there's a general consensus that you usually ride a smaller frame on a TT bike. I got plenty of recommendations for Medium frames when I first got into triathlon.

Recent bike-fitting trends have been moving towards more extended positions, often combined with shorter crank arms, a rotated pelvis, and all the aero bla bla bla you'll see discussed online.

You can see this trend reflected in the sheer number of aftermarket extenders available — TriRig has some crazy ones. That said, I definitely don't think it's a good idea to push the extensions that far forward without considering the overall fit.

Anyway, frame designs haven't really caught up with these fitting trends, and there's a clear need for more forward adjustment and reach on modern TT bikes.

All in all, it's a complicated business trying to commit to a frame based solely on recommendations from Chinese bike forums. My advice to anyone considering a purchase is to figure out their fit requirements first.

If this is going to be your first TT bike, be aware that you might get it wrong.

Starting with a used frame and figuring out your preferred position on the bike is usually a much smarter move than jumping the gun and buying a frame that may or may not fit you. This is especially important for riders at either end of the height spectrum — shorter and taller guys and gals.

For the Velobuild TT-023, Trek's sizing recommendations are a good starting point, as the two frames are very similar in dimensions.

_____

I really hope Chris moves to an integrated stem and basebar design, like the ICAN TT017 or the Avenger TM07. I understand the advantages of the current stem + basebar setup, but given the number of issues VB has had with its carbon stem, I'd love to see them switch to a one-piece carbon design.

That's about the only negative thing I can say about this frame. Other than that, it really shines!

Quote from: klindsey00 on October 07, 2026, 01:20:34 PM
It's crazy how variable peoples fits are... Tobi is 194cm and says the fit is great, muringuets is 12cm shorter and feels like the reach is too short??? Interested to hear some elaboration on this.

If you go by Trek's recommended sizing, the L version is suited for riders from 175 to 186 cm, while the XL frame is recommended for 186 to 198 cm.

Velobuild doesn't offer an XL size on their website.

I can't speak for Tobi, but personally, I wouldn't go for an L frame at that height. I'm not sure exactly what his fit looks like or how he managed to feel comfortable on that frame. Bike fitting is a complex discipline — different bodies can have very different proportions even at the same height.

In my case, there's the added concern about the basebar slipping at the stem clamp. When I found a good forward position, the basebar rotated, so I got scared and moved the extensions back a bit.

In that sense, I'd like to have more freedom to move forward without worrying about it, but you work with what you've got. It works for me as it is now.

Quote from: Juul on October 07, 2026, 08:46:17 AM
Do you think that this would also fit for normal round bottles? the previous design posted here was specifically for the aero-bottles..
This one seems to also fit normal bottles.

And by the way.. I can confirm the bar slipping fear will never go away... I have now more than 3500km on the bike but it never happened again (the new alloy stem is definely better btw)

Regarding the box, it was designed for the Trek RSL-style aero bottles (found on AliExpress under the Ahyka brand). This is my first attempt, so it still needs some tweaks.

But I could make a specific version for regular round bottles. The question is: should the box remain constrained by the frame width, or should it follow the shape of the bottle? The second option would mean a wider, rounder box body, and I'm not sure it would look very cool.

I'm the king of imagining cool designs that supposedly attach airflow to various parts of the frame. Then I print them, and they all end up looking ridiculous. 😂

The most obvious example, in my opinion, is the aero cover people are putting in front of regular round bottles. Those things look like Super Mario's evil bullets (I did a version of this a couple years ago - never used).

Quote from: teichs42 on October 07, 2026, 10:15:55 AM
Top down pic of the cockpit? Looks like you lined your aerobards fully with padding?

It's a cutout from an Ultracool.tech towel, the kind that keeps you cool when it's wet. It's my version of Sam Laidlow's 2024 Kona setup, although his version had a copper lining underneath, some sewing, and a much more professional look.

I did a decent job cutting the second armrest (the one on the right in the picture), but it all fell apart when I realized I had to remove the padding to install it on the bike. The double-sided tape tore the thing apart in multiple places, and all I managed to do was save some dignity. 😂 It's horrific.

It really works! When it's dry, it's stiff and doesn't look like it will work at all, but all you need to do is pour some water over it and voilà — soft again, and the cooling effect is back.

I found it a little too hard on my arms, though. Maybe a two-layer version in the future...

Well, it seems it's raw carbon week around here, so here's mine 

Gotta say, the matte finish goes way better with UD raw carbon compared to the glossy finish I originally ordered...

Only one problem so far:

The basebar rotated down at the stem clamp — dangerously so, while riding. I disassembled everything, cleaned it, and mounted it again with plenty of carbon paste and 6 Nm of torque. It's holding up so far, but the fear never really goes away 

I think I might have had the extensions too far out, creating more leverage and possibly causing the problem. I moved the armrests a little further back for a safer position.

I'm 1.82 m tall, and the frame is a Large. The fit is OK, but I'd rather have more room to extend my arms. I feel like I'm right at the limit with this frame...

I switched the armrests because the original ones were too small for my liking. I'm not a fan of the traditional hand grips with the Blip adapter on top.

I ordered these Balugoe ones from AliExpress. The general size is better, hand grips are better too, but I'm still not happy with them. I'll probably have to design custom ones that actually fit my hands (these are very small). Having the 3-bolt interface for the hand grips does make everything easier, though.

The frame box is my custom design. The other box available for this frame won't fit these types of aero bottles. There's also a custom 3D-printed part at the transition between the brakes and the basebar, smoothing out the height difference between the hydraulic brake caliper and the basebar, so you can get a better grip in that area.

Happy with the build. It weighs 9.9 kg as pictured.

Quote from: teichs42 on August 07, 2026, 09:38:53 AM
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256812160592046.html

Wondering how this might look on the TT023

What is exactly your curiosity regarding this cockpit?

Curved basebar may be a little faster, but not everyone will enjoy the lowered position when braking (you yourself asked here for a raised basebar once if I'm not mistaken)

Monopost won't render a great advantage either (as opposed to the traditional dual post), marginal gains if any...

Bars are a copy of the ones sold with the bike. Difference being the hand grip, which can be switched to adapt to your needs. Again not sure it will be a lot faster, but more confort on your position will end up faster (you can stay aero for longer periods of time and save energy). Balugoe sell these for a decent price if you look for something  hassle free (won't need to switch the whole front end of the bike)

Focusing only at "looks", certainly will be a distinct front end...

Quote from: WD96 on August 07, 2026, 02:05:25 AM
Hey folks! I finally built my TT-023, thanks in large part to this amazing thread.

Nice build, you just commited a crime posting the build on the wrong side next time, gears up front

Anyone tried these Rujixu carbon wheels with the "dragon scale" texture?
Came across this set on AliExpress — looks like an attempt to mimic Scope's textured wheel finish, though the execution seems pretty rough compared to the original
Wheels are 23mm internal and 30mm external, not bad for the new wider wheels standard. Also, not cheap wheels as far as Aliexpress goes
Has anyone here actually ordered a set? Curious about build quality, weight, and whether the texture holds up (or just looks bad up close).

Link: https://aliexpress.com/item/1005012411686611.html

Quote from: Phaseout on June 29, 2026, 11:28:18 AM
Does anybody have any recommendations for BTA setup on the stock basebar and risers? Trying to brainstorm how to mount in that single hole in the middle of the plate.

I added this aluminum extension from aliexpress, it fit one bottle and my garmin, one bolt means it may rotate, but after a lot of torque on the bolt, nothing is moving...

aliexpress.com/item/1005010081386112.html

Quote from: Bikeer on June 01, 2026, 03:57:12 AM
Hello, I would like to install a one piece carbon base bar (and stem combo) instead of the two piece design that comes standard with the frame. I have contacted Chris about compatibility with the frame but he is not sure what base bars are compatible. Does someone have experience with this?

My main concern regarding of the desire for this change is the flexibility the setup now has with the aluminium stem in combination with the carbon base bar. Previously, I had the carbon stem and base bar combo where the base bar slipped and cut of my brake lines almost causing a crash during a race. I was happy knowing there was a aluminium stem comming. (The alu stem feels sturdy yet too flexible for me).

Hopefully someone can help me!

In the start of this thread there are a few comments about compatibility with the Tririg Alpha One integrated front end, it is compatbile, but the stem won't be flush with the frame (stem is slimmer). Tririg now sells the Alpha Prime and I assume it will be compatible too.

Don't expect to find any other information on compatibity besides what is already available, very few people will dare to try a different front end. Meaning, it's up to you to risk and find out...

Quote from: Bernhard-29 on May 26, 2026, 04:13:26 AM
3D printing alone is insufficient for these weights and mounting requirements..

Not entirely true. There are several materials that can significantly increase strength, multiple ways to print the parts, and you can always redesign them to be much more rigid and durable — this is especially important.

I've tested at least five different BTA solutions in PETG, and they worked decently. However, when I switched to Tritan HT, the performance improved considerably.
That said, exposing the parts to direct sunlight (for example, during a transition) will definitely hurt their longevity.

For an extra level of safety, you can coat the 3D printed part with resin — much like a carbon fiber + resin composite, but without the carbon. This usually turns the part into something extremely sturdy.

Quote from: greymagno on May 25, 2026, 10:15:19 AM
I have 13sp sram e1 xplr on this frame. It's not worth it. The frame is not actually udh compatible whether due to tolerances or design. Just get 12sp.

Interesting comment. You have a 13 speed UDH XPLR derailleur installed, yet it is not compatible?

Can you explain?

When ordering the frame, I specifically requested 1.0 thread pitch thru-axles (which are normally sold with a 1.5 pitch). Chris asked whether I planned to use the SRAM E1 XPLR, and I confirmed that I did. He made no mention of any incompatibility.

At first I did not consider this frame because it was not UDH, but when it was upgraded to UDH (also confirmed by Chris) it became my first option. If not compatible with SRAM UDH derailleurs, then it defeats the purpose of being UDH at first (I'm having a hard time figuring this incompatibility thing)

Quote from: Bernhard-29 on May 25, 2026, 04:48:35 AM
My Velobuild TT in size M is finished and rides incredibly well – it's lightning fast!

The color is exposed carbon with a glossy clear coat and custom decals (which Velobuild produced for an additional fee and applied under the clear coat).

TRP brakes (with SRAM Blips)
SRAM XPLR rear derailleur (54/10-36)
SRAM Rival E1 Powermeter
ELITE EDGE 2.0 (65mm)
12cm of Spacers

Custom-designed toolbox
AeroCovers on the spacers
BTA for the Velobuild handlebars
All parts are 3D printed.

Do you have the STL for those aerocovers for the spacers?