Stand down, I worked it out. Managed to grab a still from Patrick's video which showed enough detail. I'm not sure how long the little rubber piece will stay on or what it's for, but the saddle is rammed forward as far as looks safe, and is rock solid.

Speaking of the clamp. I think this may be what is at the heart of the slipping seatpost issues.


On a few instances I've observed that the clamp is compressed and almost stuck together, requiring lots of torque to loosen, yet it's completely free in the frame and not applying pressure to the seat post to the point where it can move up and down freely. So the extra torque I've been applying to hold the seatpost in place seems to mainly be absorbed by the clamp and isn't getting to the point where it's pressing against the post and frame yet. I believe there is a new seatpost and wedge design in the works as well.

Any thoughts on the ride of it?

Felt stiff where it needed to be, yet comfortable. Absorbed road vibrations well. Did not feel slugish at all. Handlebars felt super solid, the stiffest VB bars I've ridden so far.

What color is this frame?

I'm not sure. I just sent a reference photo (link below) and they got it pretty bang on. Light purple metallic-ish is how I would describe it.

https://www.rvinyl.com/products/rwraps-gloss-metallic-light-purple-bicycle-wraps

Starting with the components announced makes sense. Could be a good entry point for their partnership with Astana and then build from there.


Seeing a power meter in use and or wheels would be super cool.

uffff she rips! Went out for a short shake out spin this afternoon and the AeroTrace felt reeeallly good. Some of it has to be the new shoes effect of course, but it genuinely felt fast. Stiff in all the right places, responsive, fast on the flats, climbed fine. Really pleased so far.

Seatpost: At the recommended 8Nm it was easily slipping when pushing down. At 8.5 I got it to hold and could sit on it and ride in the alley but when I went over the first bumps on the road it came down again. I tightened it on the side of the road with a multi tool to what felt tight enough, and it held fine for the rest of the time. Will try to see what torque that is as I need to bring it down a tad.

Frame and SRAM RD: The RD movement was blocked by the frame as those with the first version of the frame have reported but after adjusting the B screw enough to clear it, shifting has been totally ok. I can probably make some more effort to fine tune it as well including the FD as I just thew it on without dialing it in and it's also fine.

I’ve been following Magene’s recent direction and developments closely and have been using a number of their products for a while (radar, power meter). Over the past few years they’ve clearly been pushing hard on improving their tech, quality and overall brand presence. It feels like they’re aiming well beyond just the value focused enthusiast segment.

Thoughts on whether Magene is at a point where they have what it takes to operate at the very top level of professional cycling? Not just in terms of marketing, but in reliability, performance, support and the expectations that come with sponsoring pro teams.

I’ve seen some recent photos and videos that suggest Magene may already be moving in this direction or at least testing the waters. It raises some interesting questions about how established brands are challenged, how quickly newer players can level up, and what really matters at the WorldTour level.

Curious to hear people’s thoughts on whether Magene belongs on the WorldTour stage or what are they missing to take that next step.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTA3_QCik4E/?igsh=MTc2Z3U2bXM1MDhjNQ==

What color is that exactly? Or what did you tell them? Looks awesome.

I provided this reference photo which is actually a wrap that is kinda purple metallic and it turned out really well.

Thanks for the thorough first impressions after the first impressions Patrick!


Mine came in yesterday and pretty stoked to build it up, just not sure when it's going to be nice enough to ride outside...

Here is my update on the AeroTrace. Conceptually it's good. Functionally it needs a little work going into 2026. I respect VeloBuild's efforts into trying something new versus releasing another SL7/SL8 one-bike-to-clone them all. And VB being mindful of their customers with things like a custom Di2 battery mount, custom 3D spacers for various stem and routing systems is something I wish more brands in this price range offered. On paper you really can't ask for more from VeloBuild. Kudos to them.

It's not for everyone. And that's okay...

The reality is the 368 is a TT frame disguised in road bike geometry clothing. You get the theoretical aero benefits of using a TT bike on the road (for sustain steady efforts), and you also take with you the negatives of using a TT bike for the road (weight and agility). Geometry will be the biggest hurdle for most I reckon.

Jumping back onto my lighter bikes like the Tavelo Arow, it's pretty much night and day in term of dynamics. The Arow is so nimble and dances so well out of the saddle. The AeroTrace on the other does not like to surge. Or climb. Or blast out of an apex. Because...it's a TT bike. To re-emphasis again, it's a TT bike not an aero bike.

But is it fun ride? HECK YES. Arguably the most exciting frame I've ridden in this price range. But it's A LOT to deal with if you're planning to daily this bike. The frame has so much carbon you are reminded of it constantly. Dynamically the ride takes me back to the early-2000s import tuner scene. I've used this analogy before. Ever been in the interior of a 20 year old Japanese car on the highway? Then you know the exact feel (and sounds) I'm referring to. The AeroTrace is fun because of how imperfect and unnecessary it. If the Tarmac SL8 is like a modern day sports car with modern creature comforts, the AeroTrace is like a 2003 Nissan Z with 20" rims. Porky and kind of fast?

You can thank the almost 1500g of carbon for soaking up road imperfections. Because the AeroTrace is also surprisingly more comfortable than you would think. And the rear end doesn't get upset over rough pavement. Like a tank.

What I would like to see from VeloBuild in a perfect world:
-A more subdued and eloquent aero frame design that isn't overtly a TT frame. Scott Foil or Cannondale System Six vibes. This would cut down on weight, offer more crosswind stability, and make the frame more usable for a wider range of riders. This isn't the bike you take to Mallorca or the Dolomites. And, lets be honest, the bike looks proportionally wrong with any set of wheels shallower than 60mm deep.
-Happy VB fixed the Sram derailleur chainstay issue. I'd like to see more thought into preventing the seatpost from slipping. Even if VB just provided a simple metal shim to fit between the wedge and frame.

Just like that 2003 Nissan Z with 20" rims, you could daily drive it all year. It's a blast. However, you WILL run into certain days where you just don't want to deal with the good/bad that comes with driving it daily. And that's okay...