VeloBuild VB-R-268 frame

[dsveddy]

Can she go to a bike shop and try a road bike or two? That would take out a lot of guesswork. Cable integration and one piece cockpit are the enemies of an uncertain bike fit, too... And a gf in an uncomfortable position is an unhappy gf. Unhappy gfs are fire breathing dragons. Dragons are scary. Like snakes, but bigger and with fire.

Honestly at that point might as well just buy a lower-end bike at the shop. Personally I think chiner bikes are most suitable people who have their fit, mech-ing etc. figured out.

[csanz]

Update on my 268

Highs
-I love the Mavic thru-axle system. It's quite convenient actually. Being able to keep the axles in place when both transporting the bike and working on it on a mechanic stand is great.

-The bike is both stiff and nimble enough. I can't say there really is any discernible difference in stiffness compared to other bikes. Unless you are truly sprinting or climbing, there will be plenty of other variables in regards to maintaining any set speed.

-Visually I appreciate the frame design. Obviously because it looks like an SL7/Venge. Well rounded proportions. The sloping top tube gives the visual impression of an extreme saddle-to-handlebar drop versus a more horizontal top tube. More exposed seatpost (should?) also means more comfort as the seatpost has the ability to flex. 32c GP5000 tubeless fits no problem.

Lows
-Zero setback seatpost. It's not fully problematic for me, but I had to move my saddle back far more than I'm accustomed to. If this was my only road bike it would most likely be a deal breaker. A non-issue for most folks however.

-7x9 saddle clamp for carbon rails. On my particular clamp when using my AliExpress carbon saddle (7x9 rails), visually it does not appear as if the clamps are fully engaging with the rails. Other 268 owners with carbon saddles have not experienced this, and so far the saddle has stayed put. However, the saddle clamp bolt is now slightly bent from trying secure to the rails. Also a non-issue if you're using 7x7 rails as VB also supplies clamps for that too. Just something to be aware of.

-While the bike as a whole rides better than my previous VeloBuild frames, it does still suffer some from road chatter at the rear triangle. Rough pavement can upset the back end. Thankfully though still far better than my Dengfu R12 and TanTan x38 in this regard. This is completely subjective and anecdotal of course. Over the past few weeks I've made an effort to rotate riding each of my bikes everyday day to get a good feel on the differences and overall riding dynamics.

Closing
It's a great DIY bike at the price point so far. As always, wheel selection and bike fit/position will do most of the heavy lifting. If I could change anything it would be adding more reach to cockpit to offset the zero setback seatpost. Dear VeloBuild: Please make one for me thanks!

I also encountered the issue with the 7x9 saddle clamp. I reached out to Velobuild and they sent me a new one. I have not received it yet but I'll comment once I have it.

[SillyMochi]

-7x9 saddle clamp for carbon rails. On my particular clamp when using my AliExpress carbon saddle (7x9 rails), visually it does not appear as if the clamps are fully engaging with the rails. Other 268 owners with carbon saddles have not experienced this, and so far the saddle has stayed put. However, the saddle clamp bolt is now slightly bent from trying secure to the rails. Also a non-issue if you're using 7x7 rails as VB also supplies clamps for that too. Just something to be aware of.

I also encountered the issue with the 7x9 saddle clamp. I reached out to Velobuild and they sent me a new one. I have not received it yet but I'll comment once I have it.

You guys have pictures of that? I'm running a 7x9 rail saddle myself and would like to do that on the 268 as well.
Is the 7x9 rail clamp included automatically or did you have to ask them to put in the box as well?

[csanz]

I posted a picture here: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4605.msg58651.html#msg58651

They include clamps for both 7x9 and 7x7 by default. Currently, I'm using the 7x7 without any issues.

[hazzer19]

I posted a picture here: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4605.msg58651.html#msg58651

They include clamps for both 7x9 and 7x7 by default. Currently, I'm using the 7x7 without any issues.

Anecdotally I've been using the 7x9 clamps on a RYET 3D saddle since complete the build together and no issues so far.

[SillyMochi]

I posted a picture here: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4605.msg58651.html#msg58651

They include clamps for both 7x9 and 7x7 by default. Currently, I'm using the 7x7 without any issues.

Thank you for the link. Must have missed that. That for sure does not look right. I don't think higher torque would help seat it correctly. Rather destroy the clamp or the seat clamps as it presses against it oddly.

[RasmusWH]

I have two different Ryet carbon saddles on my two 268 frames. On one of the saddle the rails measure 9 mm high, on the other 11 mm.
I was asked by Velobuild if I needed a special clamp for carbon rails and was send two sets. They fit fine on the one with 7x9 mm (picture 1) but terrible on the one with 11 mm (picture 2). I just don't think that the side clamping mechanism in general is great on these kind of carbon rails. Should have done my research better before I ordered the Ryet knock off of the Pro Stealth II.
I'm on the look out for a clamp that goes closer to 11 mm than the one I've got.

[SillyMochi]

I have two different Ryet carbon saddles on my two 268 frames. On one of the saddle the rails measure 9 mm high, on the other 11 mm.
I was asked by Velobuild if I needed a special clamp for carbon rails and was send two sets. They fit fine on the one with 7x9 mm (picture 1) but terrible on the one with 11 mm (picture 2). I just don't think that the side clamping mechanism in general is great on these kind of carbon rails. Should have done my research better before I ordered the Ryet knock off of the Pro Stealth II.
I'm on the look out for a clamp that goes closer to 11 mm than the one I've got.

7x11 rails not fitting into a 7x9 clamp?! Big surprise!

No but honestly, why would you expect them to fit? You sometimes get away with it on a system that clamps from above. But those from the side never really work with anything but the specs they came with.

[RasmusWH]

7x11 rails not fitting into a 7x9 clamp?! Big surprise!

No but honestly, why would you expect them to fit? You sometimes get away with it on a system that clamps from above. But those from the side never really work with anything but the specs they came with.

That is exactly what I just said. And even though it measures 7x11 mm it is sold as 7x9 mm, so you have your "big surprise" right there

[patliean1]

I posted a picture here: https://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4605.msg58651.html#msg58651

They include clamps for both 7x9 and 7x7 by default. Currently, I'm using the 7x7 without any issues.

Yeah that's how my saddle rails are positioned too 

I've done some longer endurance rides and a couple of spirited efforts, but no fast group rides/races yet. Not until I can resolve the clamp issue or source a saddle with 7x7 rails.

[InsaneDawe]

Does anyone know what size the headset bearing are?

I know from Patrick that FSA no.69 will work but that has limited availability so I am looking at the Ritchey Logic-E but am not sure if I should order the ZS56/28.6, ZS55/28.6 or IS52/28.6?

[Chris]

Does anyone know what size the headset bearing are?

52mm outer, 40mm inner, 7mm height, 45°

[RasmusWH]

I have "upgraded" the headset expander plug and compression ring /base ring (the one with the holes to run cables through), so it matches the new version for the SL 7. However the new compression ring / base ring is a bit lower/thinner than the old one, meaning that the headset cover now sits so low that it is not clearing the frame. A solution could be to add a micro spacer or two (.25 mm each), to lift the headset cover back in to place, but I will need to cut them in a C-shape to make room for the cables. Another solution is of course to just use the one included with the frame. Anyone who has a neat solution, or tried with the micro spacers?

[Easyfunk]

I have "upgraded" the headset expander plug and compression ring /base ring (the one with the holes to run cables through), so it matches the new version for the SL 7. However the new compression ring / base ring is a bit lower/thinner than the old one, meaning that the headset cover now sits so low that it is not clearing the frame. A solution could be to add a micro spacer or two (.25 mm each), to lift the headset cover back in to place, but I will need to cut them in a C-shape to make room for the cables. Another solution is of course to just use the one included with the frame. Anyone who has a need solution, or tried with the micro spacers?

I used the expander with the parts that were delivered with the frame. Works fine, clocked 1k km without issues.

[RasmusWH]

I used the expander with the parts that were delivered with the frame. Works fine, clocked 1k km without issues.

Thank you