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Cyclocross Frames, Wheels & Components / My build
« on: June 30, 2026, 02:22:35 PM »
So here is my experience building my velobuild aero gravel bike. It is my second bike build this year, the firs one was a LightCarbon lcr017. My satisfaction is in reference to the LightCarbon build.
The order went well with Chris. I build the bike with wheeltop gex groupset. Serenade wheels (28 internal with matte marble finish). Cassette, pedals, rotors, and crankset with power meter all from AliExpress.
I love the paintjob! It came without stem spacers which was not a problem because I chose a size with the stack I needed without any spacers but could be problematic for others.
As other experienced, I struggled a lot with the headset. The one piece expander plug sucks ass. I wasn't able to compress the bearing enough and get rid of the fork slack. I got back to Chris and he wasn't much of an help. So I ordered a two piece deda style expander plug. I was able to compress the bearing but now the dust cap was touching the frame. Again Chris wasn't too bothered. I ordered micro spacers to put between the compression ring and the dust cap. It solved my issue. Thanks to this forum and you guys! It solved my problem for a moment at least... I just come back from a gnarly gavel ride and the fork created a slack again. A bolt on the stem was a little loose. I hope it's only that. I put some carbon paste on the steerer tube and tighten everything up again. I hope everything will stay tight. If not I'll put locktite on the stem bolts. This issue created a chip on the paint on top of the headtube.
The build was significantly more conplicated than with my LightCarbon build. Only by the headset, I can see that Lightcarbon is a big step ahead in quality control and attention to details. The compression ring can move independently from the dust cap and micro shim. The facing of the caliper mount is not as well done as in my LightCarbon also.
I Was also disappointed that the handlebar had no flare at all. A little strange for a gravel bike.
I was able to fit thunder burt 2.1 without any issue. I pushed over 1000 watt and no rubbing. There is about 2mm clearance on each side at the rear.
Overall if the fork can stay tight and without slack I'll be happy. The price is right.
The order went well with Chris. I build the bike with wheeltop gex groupset. Serenade wheels (28 internal with matte marble finish). Cassette, pedals, rotors, and crankset with power meter all from AliExpress.
I love the paintjob! It came without stem spacers which was not a problem because I chose a size with the stack I needed without any spacers but could be problematic for others.
As other experienced, I struggled a lot with the headset. The one piece expander plug sucks ass. I wasn't able to compress the bearing enough and get rid of the fork slack. I got back to Chris and he wasn't much of an help. So I ordered a two piece deda style expander plug. I was able to compress the bearing but now the dust cap was touching the frame. Again Chris wasn't too bothered. I ordered micro spacers to put between the compression ring and the dust cap. It solved my issue. Thanks to this forum and you guys! It solved my problem for a moment at least... I just come back from a gnarly gavel ride and the fork created a slack again. A bolt on the stem was a little loose. I hope it's only that. I put some carbon paste on the steerer tube and tighten everything up again. I hope everything will stay tight. If not I'll put locktite on the stem bolts. This issue created a chip on the paint on top of the headtube.
The build was significantly more conplicated than with my LightCarbon build. Only by the headset, I can see that Lightcarbon is a big step ahead in quality control and attention to details. The compression ring can move independently from the dust cap and micro shim. The facing of the caliper mount is not as well done as in my LightCarbon also.
I Was also disappointed that the handlebar had no flare at all. A little strange for a gravel bike.
I was able to fit thunder burt 2.1 without any issue. I pushed over 1000 watt and no rubbing. There is about 2mm clearance on each side at the rear.
Overall if the fork can stay tight and without slack I'll be happy. The price is right.