Velobuild vs Lightcarbon?

[AlexxRR]

Hello everyone,

Does anyone have extensive experience with any of these frames, or better with both?

https://www.velobuildmall.com/products/2023-vb-r-177-super-light-carbon-fiber-road-frame-disc-version-hidden-cables

https://www.lightcarbon.com/lightcarbon-super-light-disc-brake-road-carbon-frameset-with-integrated-handlebar_p240.html

The Velobuild is quite a bit cheaper, has a round seatpost, which I would prefer and a BB86 bottom braket instead of T47.

I just wonder about the build quality and the easiness to build a bike (mech. Ultegra group with hydr. brakes)

Thanks in advance.

[pavlo.k]

I don't own these particular frames, but I do have a Lightcarbon gravel and a VB-268. Contrary to what some might believe, the VB frame is of noticeably higher quality in every aspect. However, I wouldn't recommend building it with a mechanical groupset, especially if you're using an integrated cockpit. It's possible, but it can be a major hassle. You'll likely end up with less precise shifting and other issues like tight or unbalanced steering.

[AlexxRR]

I don't own these particular frames, but I do have a Lightcarbon gravel and a VB-268. Contrary to what some might believe, the VB frame is of noticeably higher quality in every aspect. However, I wouldn't recommend building it with a mechanical groupset, especially if you're using an integrated cockpit. It's possible, but it can be a major hassle. You'll likely end up with less precise shifting and other issues like tight or unbalanced steering.

Thanks for your feedback.
The reason why I would go for mech. shifting is that I´m totally happy with that and I already have most of the components to build a new bike.
Did you experienced this difficulties yourself?
Even with an electronic group the brakes lines would be there and I´m not sure how big the difference would be adding the shifters cables which are not so stiff as compression-free mechanical brakes sleeves.

[SillyMochi]

Neither of us has that frame. But look at the VBR 177 thread and there are several who installed mechanical on that frame. I think all reported that it works but it was a HUGE PITA to install. Understand you have the parts already but just be aware of what you are getting yourself into
Link: https://chinertown.com/index.php?topic=3203.0

Do not underestimate the added space needed for 2 more wires. With "just" 2 hydraulics it is already kinda cramped. Moreover, it's the tight bends through the head tube and handlebar that can severely impact shifting performance.

[Miodu]

I don't own these particular frames, but I do have a Lightcarbon gravel and a VB-268. Contrary to what some might believe, the VB frame is of noticeably higher quality in every aspect. However, I wouldn't recommend building it with a mechanical groupset, especially if you're using an integrated cockpit. It's possible, but it can be a major hassle. You'll likely end up with less precise shifting and other issues like tight or unbalanced steering.

I also have the vbr 268 with mechanical r7020 groupset. I spent around 1h to trace housings properly (maybe 2 times to correct everything) and all works smooth without any problems with steering. Also that was my first time with internal cable routing.

[rasch]

Lightcarbon one here with 105 7020. Build was easy. But of course, it's always annoying to route 4 cables on an integrated hb. But will be on LC or any other brand. And honestly LC has quite some good finishing at least from my experience

[Serge_K]

for ~ the price of the LC17, i'd get a Speeder 55. Am yet to see anyone having major problems with their 55, vs the 17D thread has turned into a meme. Would also bet the 55 is faster aerodynamically, and it's BB86.
For closer to VB money, you have Long Teng and Xiamen Carbon Speed who also are yet to produce frames where people complain here.
If you can, dont use a one piece cockpit, most of the pain routing 4 cables is getting them out of the headset and into the cockpit and through the bars. If you have a 2 piece system (it can be very, very clean), then you will make your life easier.

[neobiker]

I can complain about the Xiamen Carbon Speed, but nothing major (paint was too thick on the seat post and handlebar so I had to polish the paint. The angle or design of the HB makes it impossible to pass any cable in the 8cm stem). XD

But then, my wife still rides the bike xD

[patliean1]

FSA no69 headset system.

Allows you to run the cables through the plastic headset cover, through the bearings, and into the headtube. Intended to be ran with a separate handlebar and stem combo. For mechanical shifting groupsets I would not use any other system.

Ran this setup on my Velobuild 177 last year

[AlexxRR]

FSA no69 headset system.

Allows you to run the cables through the plastic headset cover, through the bearings, and into the headtube. Intended to be ran with a separate handlebar and stem combo. For mechanical shifting groupsets I would not use any other system.

Ran this setup on my Velobuild 177 last year

Thanks a lot, I'll keep it in mind.
The Light Carbon cockpit allows also to run the cables outside of the stem directly to the headset and I was thinking about a similar solution or even to drill the plastic cover if nothing else works.

Edit: I realized that with the cockpit it would not be possible to use such a cover with holes since the cockpit base already covers the whole steering tube.