Velobuild VB-R-218

[Jimin]

Yep. That's mine.

First off thanks to all the regular posters on this forum for all the knowledge they share!

I was considering a 177 back in April, but when they introduced the 218, I decided to give that a shot instead.

I ordered the XL frame on 4-18-22, they shipped on 5/6 and I got the frame on 5/12. I was pretty pleased with that speed.
I went with matte black, which maybe helped getting it a little quicker.

Wheels are elite SLT 50mm deep 29mm wide and the groupset is Sensa Empire.
No issues with the frame, other than the challenges of getting the cables through the integrated bars.  Being my first build, I didn't think it was too bad.

I've only had time to get about 30 miles in so far, but no problem to report yet. I did put a little tape on my seat post, so I can check to make sure it's not slipping over time, as that's been an issue on other velobuild frames.

My other bike is an aluminum endurance frame, so this should be a lot lighter and quicker. The bathroom scale has the 218at just under 19.5 lbs, my endurance bike is 25 lbs.

What is the thing at the end of your right dropbar?

[timelap]

Love the build and choice of paint scheme!


What wheels are those?

The wheels are Farsports Kaze 45.  I am waiting for the Winspace hyper 67's to get back in stock. 

[jth15656]

What is the thing at the end of your right dropbar?

A bar end mirror.  I have one on each side,  but really only use the left.  I guess I want to see the guys who's going to hit me.   

[jth15656]

Just finished my build of the 218.     It was an easy build and turned out better then I expected.

Nice bike!  That paint looks sweet!

[Jimin]

A bar end mirror.  I have one on each side,  but really only use the left.  I guess I want to see the guys who's going to hit me.   

I have like seen those big round mirrors like on MC but never those clean as yours. Where did you get it?

[jth15656]

Amazon.

Sprintech drop bar mirrors. The were like $34.

[noodleshop]

Really nice builds! I mean no offence, but I was just curious if you get any unwanted attention/comments from other riders for riding a Pinarello-inspired frame. Personally I think the bikes look fantastic, and I'd be glad to have one. Just wanted to know if you received any negative comments because of this. Thanks

[Jimin]

Really nice builds! I mean no offence, but I was just curious if you get any unwanted attention/comments from other riders for riding a Pinarello-inspired frame. Personally I think the bikes look fantastic, and I'd be glad to have one. Just wanted to know if you received any negative comments because of this. Thanks

It's now that I have seen negative comments regarding the appearance of the bike. The hate is a bit to much Imo. Wonders why? I mean, I really like the design of the bike.

[Irideslowly]

Because it's literally a copy of a different bike. Not inspired, pure copy

[Jimin]

Because it's literally a copy of a different bike. Not inspired, pure copy

you mean that VBR218 is a copy of Dogma F? Or that Dogma F is a copy of another bike?

[Rohee]

I've been looking to build a new bike, but not exactly sure what size I should get that fits me. I am 171cm and the recommended size using SL7 as a reference is size 52. Should I get a Size S(50) in this case?

[RDY]

I don't understand why someone would want to put the brand decals on a copy / inspired by frame.  It's just bizarre.  Odd subcategory of brand-whoring.  That certainly gets hate, and with some justification.  Counterfeit isn't good for the sport, the consumer or the industry.  I don't think there's much hate for unbranded stuff though regardless of what it's inspired by or a copy of ...

To me one of the best things about small / no brand company frames is escaping ALL THE BRANDING EVERYWHERE.  Unless they want to sponsor me, I can do without all their logos ...

[Jimin]

I've been looking to build a new bike, but not exactly sure what size I should get that fits me. I am 171cm and the recommended size using SL7 as a reference is size 52. Should I get a Size S(50) in this case?

I am 174 and my bike geo fits me with an S at least. So Im gonna go with this on. An M/510 is to big for me
Also, its easier to enlarge a smaller bike than making a big bike smaller.

[135iGuy]

I'm 174cm as well, but was eyeballing a Large / 520.  It's geo most resembles my current Madone, with the exception of stack being about 15mm low.  That can be solved with spacers, can't it?

Incidentally, a buddy of mine bought an actual Dogma, and said that they run small.  He replaced a 57 Orbea with a 59.5 Pinarello

[Sebastian]

I'm 174cm as well, but was eyeballing a Large / 520.  It's geo most resembles my current Madone, with the exception of stack being about 15mm low.  That can be solved with spacers, can't it?

Incidentally, a buddy of mine bought an actual Dogma, and said that they run small.  He replaced a 57 Orbea with a 59.5 Pinarello

The stack is quoted without spacers. You need to take into account however, that at least the 1.5cm spacer below the bar needs to be installed in order to route the cables into the frame. So basically you need to add 1-1.5cm to the quoted stack height.