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Messages - Cyclinglondon

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is that a VB stem? can you comment on the build quality? what about the weight?

If thats the same stem they sent when I got my VB then it wasnt great.
I couldnt ever get the stem bolts to tighten down and it led to many a mid right adjustment.
Eventually VB replaced with the integrated cockpit and I never had an issue since.
I always thought the issue came from the fact that both of the stem screws entered from one side rather than being opposites.

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Zen Carbon Wheels Xiamen
« on: September 24, 2025, 05:12:48 AM »
Update here today. Done now maybe 1k km with them and happy with them so far. Very light and stiff but not mad stiff.
However, something which I feel these wheels don't do great is crosswinds. They seem to catch it more than any other wheelset which I have ever ridden.

Hopefully bearings last! I'll put them away now for the winter as I don't think they could do great hete in Ireland :-)

Interesting! I have done maybe 500km on mine now and compared to my set of Hunt wheels (50mm as well) I find the Zen much better in the crosswind. Even with a wide carbon spoke.
Mind are also stiff but not to cause any discomfort. Its only having moved from the Hunts to the Zen that I now realise how much flex the old wheels had.
But mine have been rock solid so far. Really stable decending too.

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Zen Carbon Wheels Xiamen
« on: September 23, 2025, 04:05:45 AM »
Wanted to give an update on these wheels thus far.
Had them out for some short and a couple of longer rides (100km+).
Absolutely no complaints.
Stiff, responsive, minimal to no flex.
I've had them over 70kph and they are absolutely rock solid and stable.
I've also sprinted on them with some decent watts and again, fully stable.

I got PR's up the hills without even really putting in an effort which honestly surprised me too.
Gusty day at the weekend and didn't have any noticeable push from the sides.

All in all, really really impressed for the price.
Only thing I wish I had done was glossy.
But they still look great.

All I can do now is wait, ride them more and see how they go long term!

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Road Bike Frames, Wheels & Components / Re: Zen Carbon Wheels Xiamen
« on: September 02, 2025, 04:00:15 AM »
Hi all!
After having some glorious conversations with Sander, I took the plunge and ordered a set of Zen.
I went lightweight, 50/50 with a 5mm carbon spoke. Zara advised there is a tiny weight penalty for the hub colour but it’s by the by.
They took around 6 weeks to arrive but I wasn’t counting……lol

Anyway, they came yesterday.
Quality is great, packaging was very very nice. Came with spare spokes, tubeless tape and tubeless valves.

Weight is 1219g which I think is very respectable.
They run fine with the included 36t ratchet.
I did try putting in a 54t but for some reason the cassette won’t spin with them. The facial drag between the ratchets must be too high or the spring rate must be too much. So I put the 36t back in. It’s fine anyway. I was just looking to make them obnoxious.

I’m hoping to get out this week for a spin.
My only gripe is also that now seeing the gloss….i should have done that. But I’m now thinking…..another set?

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I am curious if others that have a VB-168 are running wider tires and what improvement (if any) came from changing to wider tires. Is this a more stable or comfortable ride? Do 28 and 30mm tires fit within the fork and chain stay? I currently run 25mm but wondering if there is a benefit to going with wider ones.

Running P-zero Velo 32c front and back, 21mm internal with TPU tubes no problem at all. I think theres room for more tbh.
Comfort goes up as you can run a lower pressure.

6
question, and apologies if has been answered before. Has anyone tried an OEM or Darimo seat post in the X68 frame?

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