Velobuild VB-R-368 Aeroframe

[mchaggis]

Hi all, just registered to share my experiences so far - *waves in lycra*

I ordered an XL AeroTrace back in mid July, possibly one of the very first orders if the 'Sold' counter is anywhere near reliable.  As of this morning I hadn't received it, or a shipping notification or even an email to confirm finishing choices (paint etc).  I emailed Chris today for an update since it's no longer 'End of August' and got the following response:

"Sorry for delay as after the ISO4210 test ,we improved the carbon structure and frame weight .frame during production already ,size XS S M moulded out ;L XL will be moulded out beginning of next week

we will do best and keep you updated"

I'm in no particular hurry, but looking forward to getting it and building it up.  If it's delayed due to ISO testing and improvements relating to that then I won't complain.

I, for whatever reason, like a very forward geometry and my current TCR doesn't allow for this - partly because it's a size too small, and also since it has a proprietary seatpost it's not possible to use the likes of the Profile Design FastForward.  The steeper STA compared to most larger frames, plus to a greater extent the TT seatpost with adjustable saddle clamps were big motivators for ordering.  Plus it looks badass, and the aero improvements are better than a kick in the teeth.

Happy to update when I hear more about delivery if anyone is interested, and once I've built it up (using the groupset from the TCR) I'll post a few pics and thoughts.

Cheers.

[JayT]

Hi guys! First and probably last post on here, as I prefer to lark in the dark.

Anyways, I have been in contact with Velobuild about the frame and the (lack) of handlebar options.
Today I received confirmation of the option of 3D printing a different topcap after I created the 3D spacers for FSA ACR for them to "incorporate" to their topcap design.
So, for all of you unhappy with the handlebars/stems, at least anything ACR will be able to fit in the future!!

[Finiesta]

I wonder if its possible to make the smallest posible top cap like 2mm so that we can fil normal stem/bar combo and so it can be use for hiding a bit the stem like Dare or Ridley do.

[tovu]

Whouldn't you just take off the spacers and leave the top cap as is - and then proceed on using your own spacers and handlebar?
given a regular 28.6mm fork tube, any regular integrated handlebar should work just fine - technically speaking.
or are aesthetics everybody's main concern? am I missing something?

[toxin]

There's no guarantee any random hardware will be compatible and it will have a negative effect on aerodynamics with this design, which is kinda the whole point of this bike.

[victoringemar]

Seems like the frames are now starting the be ready for shipping!

[Cape_Kirk]

..if only the seat post would be a bit more visually pleasing

[mchaggis]

..if only the seat post would be a bit more visually pleasing

Funny, I love the seatpost.  Adds to the aero look and is pretty slick - apart from maybe the junction at the top with the seat clamp.

No accounting for taste...

[Finiesta]

I personally like everything apart from the fork. To me it looks skinny compared with the depth of the tubes of the the frame.

[neobiker]

I wish to see a bike with a slammed stem, the picture from the website is… intriguing.

[patliean1]

Funny, I love the seatpost.  Adds to the aero look and is pretty slick

I fully agree. TT seatpost looks right at home on a frameset with a proportional deep aero profile.

It's why I like it on my latest Polygon Helios-A7. And not so much on my Yoeleo R12.

[MR3MR3]

The frame alone made me intrigued, but then I saw the picture of the bike with wheels in blue on the site. For some reason that bottom bracket area just looks so out out of proportion.

[mchaggis]

I personally like everything apart from the fork. To me it looks skinny compared with the depth of the tubes of the the frame.

I don't dislike it, but I think they could have gone much further with a nice deep blade.  Maybe a third party of aftermarket option is available... But as I said I don't mind it enough for the extra money and hassle.

[Finiesta]

I don't dislike it, but I think they could have gone much further with a nice deep blade.  Maybe a third party of aftermarket option is available... But as I said I don't mind it enough for the extra money and hassle.

Yeah i agree and maybe follow the trend of the factor and BMC with a wide fork. Something like the Morpheus fork i think it would be spot on for this frame.

[mchaggis]

The frame alone made me intrigued, but then I saw the picture of the bike with wheels in blue on the site. For some reason that bottom bracket area just looks so out out of proportion.

There is something funny about that 'built' image - clearly it's rendered, and also I wonder if the lack of groupset makes it look out of whack.  I hope so, keen to get her built now