Velobuild VB-R-168 Frame

[Serge_K]

Nice build Berzerko! My two cents on buliding up the 168 with Di2 (mix of old and new gen stuff, all 11sp). Everything went smooth for me except for the wire to the FD. The metal grommet that I got with the frame was too narrow for the head of the wire to come through, so I just drilled it out a bit and all was ok after. Note that if you take it out to drill, which you probably should, it can sometimes be tricky to mount it back to the frame with the screw it comes with. Was fine for me. Also, possible you get a different type of grommet that makes things easier.

I like the matching decals on the OSPW! Those decals, they're just slapped onto the frame, or the process is more involved (clear coat and what not)?

[eico]

Looks like the painting is done.
Waiting for delivery (Germany) now.

http://www.velobuild.com/products/r-168-metallic-blue-matte-paint

[hazzer19]

I like the matching decals on the OSPW! Those decals, they're just slapped onto the frame, or the process is more involved (clear coat and what not)?

Thanks! Yes they are simple vinyl decals I applied myself. In the future, I would probably opt for a coat of clear to protect them better.

[Berzerko]

Hey Berzerko!

Nice build - thanks for sharing. This is an Ultrega Di2 (the new one?), isn't it?
I want to build up the 168 frame with a Di2 group set as well. Did you face any issues building up with the group? How and where did you fix the battery inside the frame/seat post?

Thanks,
eico

Hey Berzerko!

Nice build - thanks for sharing. This is an Ultrega Di2 (the new one?), isn't it?
I want to build up the 168 frame with a Di2 group set as well. Did you face any issues building up with the group? How and where did you fix the battery inside the frame/seat post?

Thanks,
eico

Thanks for the compliments
This build was an experiment to see if I could build up a super bike on a budget factoring the frame as the wild card ( I’ve spent more on less)

I received the frame about 2 weeks after ordering, metro N.Y.C and immediately sanded it down to raw carbon, mic’ed all the openings and inspected the interior.  Primed and did the base coat/ clear coat and all the layout

I sourced the group set on eBay, an almost new ultegra DI2 11 speed  disc
Ican aero 35 wheel set with dt 240 hubs, 3rd set of wheels from them
30 mm Vitoria tires
Thread together bottom bracket
Nex-gen battery holder for seat tube
Super caz bar tape
Complete build $2950

Bike went together relatively well, internal routing and disc brakes are a pain in the ass though!

For comparison I’ve got almost 13k miles on my dogma f10, I set this bike up a little more aggressively than the f10 with a inch more drop in the bars, otherwise the geometry of the 2 are very similar with the VB having a bit more reach. So it’s difficult to compare comfort although it’s not uncomfortable just completing a 63 mile ride

A nice surprise was the velobuild saddle I got compared to the ISM saddles I have on all my other bikes

My initial impression
Similar compliance, not harsh or jarring
Not as stiff, up out of the saddle the f10 reacts and feels snappier

[NoGrip61]

I have a couple of road races coming up with significant amounts of gravel sections, so I have been trying to maximize the tire space in the frame. The split for one race is around 15% tame gravel/85% asphalt and 45% tame gravel / 55% asphalt for the other.
I have been looking for high volume road tyres with lower rolling resistance compared to gravel tires.

I currently have Vittoria Terreno Zero's in 32c and they are very puncture resistant but noticeably slower than a road tire (as it probably should be). Very good if there is a high risk of punctures or a need for more grip.

Schwalbe have a 34c model of their Pro One Evo TLE which I picked up. I mounted them on Light Bicycle WR45's which are 25mm internal (hooked). They measure 33,5mm.

Surprisingly there is still a bit of space. Obviously they are narrower than advertised but it probably also has to do with the lack of knobs and that the wide rim gives the tire a lower profile.
I would say if you have wide rims the bike could probably handle a 35mm WAM slick tire if you can live with minimal mud clearance. Anyone wanna sponser me some Rene Herse Bon Jon Pass  ?

https://i.imgur.com/LUewidQ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/WiJCmBA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/SQofeJI.jpg

Does anyone know if a 700x32 (not 38) Pathfinder Pro (or any knobbier tire) would fit in fork/frame? If so, can you take pictures of the clearance?    It seams like the 32mm pathfinders or a Vittoria Terreno Dry may just barely squeak in there, assisted by some invisi-frame protection, if those 34's fit in, but the fork does taper in sharply around where knobs would be. 

Inspiration: https://www.bikeradar.com/features/pro-bike/gianni-vermeersch-canyon-ultimate-cfr-2022-gravel-world-championships/#:~:text=Belgium's%20Gianni%20Vermeersch%20soloed%20to,Championships%20%E2%80%93%20riding%20a%20road%20bike.

I am considering the 168 with 2 wheelsets: one with my 25mm GP5k's and another with a knobbier tire for light gravel and training use.  If there's not enough clearance for a 32 gravel tire, then I may just bump up to the new CX-002 and a 38.  Thanks!

[hazzer19]

Does anyone know if a 700x32 (not 38) Pathfinder Pro (or any knobbier tire) would fit in fork/frame? If so, can you take pictures of the clearance?    It seams like the 32mm pathfinders or a Vittoria Terreno Dry may just barely squeak in there, assisted by some invisi-frame protection, if those 34's fit in, but the fork does taper in sharply around where knobs would be. 

Inspiration: https://www.bikeradar.com/features/pro-bike/gianni-vermeersch-canyon-ultimate-cfr-2022-gravel-world-championships/#:~:text=Belgium's%20Gianni%20Vermeersch%20soloed%20to,Championships%20%E2%80%93%20riding%20a%20road%20bike.

I am considering the 168 with 2 wheelsets: one with my 25mm GP5k's and another with a knobbier tire for light gravel and training use.  If there's not enough clearance for a 32 gravel tire, then I may just bump up to the new CX-002 and a 38.  Thanks!

VB posted a few photos of someone running GravelKing SS tires on a 168 a while back https://www.instagram.com/p/ChlCkIxOfs1/


Tempted to throw some CX 33 tires on my 168 for fun after watching this GC Perfomance video with 33 CX tires on an SL7

[patliean1]

So strange...

I was running Specialized Roubaix Pro 30/32c road tires paired to ENVE G23 gravel wheels (23mm internal). At 40-45psi I had rubbing on the fork.

[kbike]

That was me with the gk ss 32mm. I couldn't get my clement(donnelly) 33mm pdx and mxp cx tires to work. The side knobs rubbed fork and chainstays.

[NoGrip61]

That was me with the gk ss 32mm. I couldn't get my clement(donnelly) 33mm pdx and mxp cx tires to work. The side knobs rubbed fork and chainstays.

Ok, thanks for the confirmation and testing!  Do you have any clearance shots of the GK-SS's? 

I may need to cross-shop the Carbonda CFR-1056 as well.

[kbike]

Only have a couple pics on 168. Don't have the gk ss 32mm on any rims.

[TeamO]

Hello all,

I would like to order my frame from Velobuild tomorrow at the latest (BlackFriday).
I was actually sure at the beginning that I want a VBR-168. However, through various videos and forum posts I am now again considering between VBR-168, VBR-177 and VBR-218.

Visually, I like the VBR-168 the best. I'm just tormented by the question: are the other two frames better in terms of speed/aerodynamics/weight in conjunction with comfort and workmanship/material?
In general, it's pretty flat where we live. I like to go fast and don't let it roll, but do not participate in competitions.

I currently ride a Focus Culebro SL 1.0 from 2015 in size M with the following geometry: https://geometrygeeks.bike/bike/focus-culebro-3-0-2014/
I'm 172cm tall with a 78cm inseam (short legs). It is my first bike and I sit there actually quite well on it, only problem: The seatpost is only minimally extended due to my short legs. So I would like to have a shorter seat tube on the new bike. My optimal seat height is 69cm.

For VBR-168 Chris has advised me to size S 52. For the others I have no info yet.

1. which frame of the three would you choose and why?
2. what size should I choose for 218 and 177?
3. how to order a special color that is not in the store? By email?
4. what is the difference between EMS and XDB shipping to Germany? Which one should I take? I'll have 2 frames sent to me right away. Other is GF-002 for my wife.

Hope you can give me some advice.
Timo

[TeamO]

I have written again with Chris because of the painting. For all others: In the store there is the product "Velobuild Customized Painting Fee" where I can simply add the custom painting and then tell chris by email how the frame should look or what colors should be used.

The frames are painted with Pantone colors. Does anyone here have an overview of the colors? I don't know Pantone.

I am looking for a shiny dark red for my girlfriend. Actually exactly what I found on Velobuild.com in the reviews of the VBR-168. Unfortunately Chris told me that this color was painted by the buyer himself and couldn't tell me a similar color.

Do any of you have a hint which Pantone color it could be or close to (see picture)?

[Unsworn5836]

Hello all,

I would like to order my frame from Velobuild tomorrow at the latest (BlackFriday).
I was actually sure at the beginning that I want a VBR-168. However, through various videos and forum posts I am now again considering between VBR-168, VBR-177 and VBR-218.

Visually, I like the VBR-168 the best. I'm just tormented by the question: are the other two frames better in terms of speed/aerodynamics/weight in conjunction with comfort and workmanship/material?
In general, it's pretty flat where we live. I like to go fast and don't let it roll, but do not participate in competitions.

I currently ride a Focus Culebro SL 1.0 from 2015 in size M with the following geometry: https://geometrygeeks.bike/bike/focus-culebro-3-0-2014/
I'm 172cm tall with a 78cm inseam (short legs). It is my first bike and I sit there actually quite well on it, only problem: The seatpost is only minimally extended due to my short legs. So I would like to have a shorter seat tube on the new bike. My optimal seat height is 69cm.

For VBR-168 Chris has advised me to size S 52. For the others I have no info yet.

1. which frame of the three would you choose and why?
2. what size should I choose for 218 and 177?
3. how to order a special color that is not in the store? By email?
4. what is the difference between EMS and XDB shipping to Germany? Which one should I take? I'll have 2 frames sent to me right away. Other is GF-002 for my wife.

Hope you can give me some advice.
Timo

About Sizing: Why you should go for a 52 on the 168 I dont understand. This is way smaller. Have you compared the bikes on geometrygeeks.bike?

I went for the 168 as I wanted to have something in between climbing and aero. You may be aware of the integrated stem/bar combo as it's like the Metron 5d with foward bend.

Color: You order, then get a mail by chris with your color wishes and send him pantone codes. Then you get a mockup to approve, tada!

Shipping to Germany: Go for XDB. No additional taxes as it comes via Belgium or Netherlands to Germany.

[TeamO]

About Sizing: Why you should go for a 52 on the 168 I dont understand. This is way smaller. Have you compared the bikes on geometrygeeks.bike?

I went for the 168 as I wanted to have something in between climbing and aero. You may be aware of the integrated stem/bar combo as it's like the Metron 5d with foward bend.

Color: You order, then get a mail by chris with your color wishes and send him pantone codes. Then you get a mockup to approve, tada!

Shipping to Germany: Go for XDB. No additional taxes as it comes via Belgium or Netherlands to Germany.

Chris advised me to go with size 52 based on my specs. When I compared the data on Geometrygeeks, I noticed that the size 54 is closer to my Focus.
At the Focus I sit comfortably, but have the problem that I have the seatpost almost all the way down because of my leg length.
In addition, the setback of the seatpost.
For these 3 reasons I thought that Chris is right with the 52 and that could probably fit.
But I'm no specialist for bike geometries.

With the color I have now understood everything. But still looking for the right dark red shiny color as in the posted picture. Is there a pantone color palette somewhere?

XDB check :-)

[cramy]

the 168 is a copy of the SL7

you can check the size here
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bike-sizing/app#/?mpl=187108