Velobuild VB-R-066 (do not buy from them)

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timeout93
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2022 1:12 pm

by timeout93

Hello guys,

this thread is to document my building process.

Backstory:
I ride a Canyon Inflite SL 8 at the moment, which I have to give back because I am leaving my company (it´s a lease, which you can do in Germany and some other countries in Europe). Before that I only rode MTBs, but in recent years I wasn´t riding as much as my super expensive bike wanted to. So I decided to give roadbikes a chance but I wanted to have a bike, which I can also use besides tarmac. I live in Freiburg in the south of Germany, so we have lots of mountains and forest.

The Canyon was a nice bike. It was kinda light (7,9kg), could handle tyres up to 38mm and is strong enough, so I wouldn´t destroy it, if I wanted to go a bit faster on paves, which normaly get ridden by MTBs.
The only downside was the long reach (or normal reach?). It always felt a bit too long and most of the time I wasn´t in the hoods but in front of them. So the next bike should have a shorter reach.

So for my bike, I wanted a roadbike, which could handle 32c tyres for some offroad. 90% of my riding is on tarmac though and I will use the bike for my 60km commute to my new workplace (30km on way) which will be on tarmac only. It should be mainly a roadbike, also because I don´t like the looks of roadtyres on gravelbikes, especially from the top. Oh yeah, the look of the bike is really important to me, I will admit that.

Also I was hesitant to buy a build up bike because I love searching for parts and building up my own bike. I did it with all of my MTBs, so some experience and tools are available.

At first I wanted to build up the bike with used parts, because I didn´t want to spend too much money on the bike just now. After a while I came across the FM066-Thread here on WW and startet looking for some chinese alternatives and boy that was a journey. There are so many different suppliers, different frames and not a lot of information given by the sellers. After a while I had a list of couple of frames:

- Carbonda CR1056 / Flybike FM1056
- Velobild R-168 / Workswell R-306 / Dengfu R-10
- Velobuild R-177
- Velobuild R-066 / OG-Nevkin CF025
- Workswell R-369

I really wanted the 168 from velobuild, but it has a longer reach. The Workswell-frames a super nice, but more expensive and some weren´t ready to produce. So at the end I was left with the 066 from velobuild and the CFR1056.

In the meantime Canyon brought a new model to their Endurace-line. The Endurace CF (not Sl nor SLX). Which comes with 35c tyre clearance and in the upper categorie with alloy-rims and rival axs for 2999Euro.

I was tempted to go for it and don´t have the hustle with a build but also not the joy of building your own bike. Also I wanted to change the cranks (too heavy and don´t like the design) and also the wheelset. Therefore it was too expensive in my eyes.

So back to the 066 and 1056. I liked the 066 more and it wasn´t too upright (the 1056 has less reach) so I decided to pull the trigger on it. The 066 is kinda the same frame as the Canyon Endurace CF SL.

Half an hour ago I placed the order at Velobuild. I bought the frame size large, the HB-006 integrated handlebar and two bottlecages. I asked for no paint, just raw with glossy finish (frame and handlebar), because I like the look and it saves some weight.

So now the challenge begins. All the other parts are not bought or choosed yet and I will have some time to get everything. The goal is too beat the offer of Canyon with their Endurace CF 7 eTap.

Image

Weight: 8,62kg
Price: 2999 Euro

The goal is to stay below the price, aim for 7,0-7,5kg with 30c tyres and 40mm+ deep wheels. The build doesn´t have to be electric, I will take what I get at the moment.

I will update the partlist here with weights and prices. If you have any tipps for cheap parts with reasonable weight, let me know.

Cheers
Jim
Last edited by timeout93 on Mon Sep 05, 2022 8:20 am, edited 5 times in total.

OlieSimpson
Posts: 78
Joined: Sat May 01, 2021 7:20 pm

by OlieSimpson

AliExpress is going to be your friend when it comes to sourcing parts to help you stay within budget!

I must say it's going to be pretty difficult to hit the 7-7.5kg weight. I have a size small VeloBuild VB-R-168 and my build is coming out at around the 8kg mark, and none of my parts are particularly heavy.

If you're interested I have a full breakdown of the parts I'm using, as well as the individual weights here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... sp=sharing

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

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timeout93
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2022 1:12 pm

by timeout93

Hi Olie,

thanks for the reply and the spreadsheet.

I know it will be hard, especially with the budget, but we will try. I will go for used parts as well, so might get light wheels and a sram red hrd within my budget.

timeout93
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2022 1:12 pm

by timeout93

We might have found the next parts:

Wheelset: Newmen Advanced SL R.38 / 750 Euro used / 1410 gr.
+ Design (Raw with clearcoat)
+ Weight (not the lightest but light enough)
- Rim weidth (only 19mm)
- Rim height (only 38mm)

Group: Rotor Uno (first gen)
+ light
+ better brakes than SRAM
- at the moment rim brake, so need new calipers
- shiftingquality seems not on par with sram/shimano

Does anyone have experience with the Rotor Uno first gen?

StiffWeenies
Posts: 613
Joined: Sun Feb 28, 2021 3:39 pm

by StiffWeenies

timeout93 wrote:
Wed Feb 16, 2022 3:00 pm
We might have found the next parts:

Wheelset: Newmen Advanced SL R.38 / 750 Euro used / 1410 gr.
+ Design (Raw with clearcoat)
+ Weight (not the lightest but light enough)
- Rim weidth (only 19mm)
- Rim height (only 38mm)

Group: Rotor Uno (first gen)
+ light
+ better brakes than SRAM
- at the moment rim brake, so need new calipers
- shiftingquality seems not on par with sram/shimano

Does anyone have experience with the Rotor Uno first gen?
Rotor UNO 1st gen? Isn't that the 2x11 hydraulic group set with rebranded Magura hydraulic rim brakes?


Aesch
Posts: 332
Joined: Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:09 pm

by Aesch

Lots of recalls on the newmen wheels. Be aware they're not part of one of them or fixed.

StiffWeenies
Posts: 613
Joined: Sun Feb 28, 2021 3:39 pm

by StiffWeenies

What kind of time frame are you looking to complete the bike by? used SRAM Red 10 or 11 speed with Ratio's 2x12 conversion kit could be a consideration

timeout93
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2022 1:12 pm

by timeout93

Aesch wrote:
Wed Feb 16, 2022 6:33 pm
Lots of recalls on the newmen wheels. Be aware they're not part of one of them or fixed.
Thanks, fortunately it´s not this rim-model.
StiffWeenies wrote:
Wed Feb 16, 2022 7:45 pm
What kind of time frame are you looking to complete the bike by? used SRAM Red 10 or 11 speed with Ratio's 2x12 conversion kit could be a consideration
I have to wait for the frame anyway, so have around 2 months. I need a bike by may to get to my workplace. But can also use my old singlespeed for a while, no hills have to be climbed.

I was tempted to go for the rotor, but as I read more about this groupset, I am pretty sure its not worth it. Even though the offe is quiet cheap.

Vadd
Posts: 20
Joined: Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:36 pm
Location: Berlin, Germany
Contact:

by Vadd

timeout93 wrote:
Tue Feb 15, 2022 3:41 pm
this thread is to document my building process and get some valuable informations/tipps out of this lovely forum.
I also live in Germany and currently waiting for my VB-R-077 frameset! Will be watching your progress with great interest! :wink:
OlieSimpson wrote:
Tue Feb 15, 2022 4:15 pm
If you're interested I have a full breakdown of the parts I'm using
Cool stuff! Would you mind if I submit your weights to the weight weenies website that I created? They might help me with my build, and hopefully, they will help other people around. If you would be interested to submit them yourself - even better. But I know it will take some time so I can definitely take this on me if you don't mind.
Kona Rove 2021
Poison Chinin 2020

https://www.buildyourbike.co

OlieSimpson
Posts: 78
Joined: Sat May 01, 2021 7:20 pm

by OlieSimpson

Vadd wrote:
Fri Feb 18, 2022 1:34 pm
timeout93 wrote:
Tue Feb 15, 2022 3:41 pm
this thread is to document my building process and get some valuable informations/tipps out of this lovely forum.
I also live in Germany and currently waiting for my VB-R-077 frameset! Will be watching your progress with great interest! :wink:
OlieSimpson wrote:
Tue Feb 15, 2022 4:15 pm
If you're interested I have a full breakdown of the parts I'm using
Cool stuff! Would you mind if I submit your weights to the weight weenies website that I created? They might help me with my build, and hopefully, they will help other people around. If you would be interested to submit them yourself - even better. But I know it will take some time so I can definitely take this on me if you don't mind.
No worries at all Vadd, please use whichever weights you wish :) . On the list, the yellow highlighted cells are manufacturer claimed weights as I have not yet received the parts, everything else in white is weighed by myself and are actual weights.

Any questions just let me know.

timeout93
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2022 1:12 pm

by timeout93

Hello guys,

it´s been a while and the bike isn´t build up yet, but a lot of parts where ordered and now I could need some help from you guys.

As I´am currently in Thailand I cant post any photos of the parts from Velobuild, nor did I see them in person. A friend of mine was receiving the package and we were just having a videocall so I could see if Velobuild did the no paint, glossy finish which I wanted....they fortunately did.

So this is the current partlist:

Frameset: Velobuild VB-R-066 (no paint just glossy finish)
- some weightsavings would be: seatpost, axles, expander
- any suggestions?

Wheelset: BC Flechtwerk Disc
- tubes: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/10050040 ... IiFLR&mp=1 / there is a thread on ww about them viewtopic.php?f=3&t=169133&hilit=tubolitos&start=30
- tyre front: Pirelli P Zero 28c
- tyre rear: Continental 5000 TL 30c

Groupset: ??? - its impossible to find a groupset and isn`t overpriced (used).
- except cranks: FSA SL-K Light compact 165mm (wanted to try short cranks and they were pretty cheap, but there are lighter options..)

Things I still need and haven´t ordered yet, any suggestions or remarks are welcomed:

- cassette/chain: ZTTO 11-28T https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32981215 ... yhLtX&mp=1 haven´t ordered yet. any thoughts?

- rotors: Ashima, because they are cheap and light

- tubes: see above

- bb: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32896597 ... yhLtX&mp=1 but I am not sure it will fit?

- shifting cables and housing: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/10050040 ... IiFLR&mp=1 any other (lighter) suggestions?

- bartape: (not sure yet)

- rotors: Ashima (haven´t ordered yet but light and cheap? any thoughts?)

Thats should be it. Can´t wait to start building it up! Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers,
Jim

timeout93
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2022 1:12 pm

by timeout93

Update:

I ordered some parts:

tubes: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/10050040 ... IiFLR&mp=1 33gr per tube
cassette: SRoad 11-28T https://de.aliexpress.com/item/10050014 ... 5c5fjGWSpB 185gr
expander: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32848007 ... 5c5fjGWSpB 10gr
BB: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32896597 ... 5c5fjGWSpB 84gr
seatpost: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32940085 ... 5c5fjGWSpB 135gr uncut
top-cap: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/40007777 ... 5c5fjGWSpB
bar-tape: https://de.aliexpress.com/item/32909958 ... 5c5fjGWSpB

So I´m still missing a groupset.

At the moment I´m leaning towards a used SRAM Red 22. Not the HRD-Version because I can´t find one. That means I would use some Juin-Tech F1 Caplipers with the RED levers. This should be lighter than the HRD Version.
I never thought about going a semi-hydraulik system but it is hard to find a disc groupset at a reasonable price and I can later still switch the levers to HRD ones.

rotors will be likely KCNC Razor 160mm 74gr each. / chain is yet to be decided.

the total costs (yet) are:

frameset (frame/fork/headset/axles/bar-stem combo/bottle cages/saddle) incl. shipment and taxes: 657,13 EUR
wheelset: 550 EUR
parts from aliexpress (above): 213,03 EUR
crank: 130 EUR

Total: 1550,16 EUR

Will likely be under 2,5k EUR with the groupset (and maybe Juin Tech Brakes), discs, housing etc. Do not know about the weight though.

for the future and if I want to go down the road, more weight savings can be made with another wheelset, crank, saddle, (hollow) Ti bolts, tyres, bottle cages... but first I need to build it up and use it for my commutes.

timeout93
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2022 1:12 pm

by timeout93

Here is the spreadsheet with weights. Most of them are estimated. But for now 7075gr. Should be possible to go under 7kg pretty easily from here. Weight includes bottlecages and pedals.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/ ... sp=sharing

will look at some options for weightsavings and see how much buck (EUR/Gramm) it will cost, so we will always go for a rather cheap option to save weight.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



timeout93
Posts: 44
Joined: Wed Feb 09, 2022 1:12 pm

by timeout93

Update:

I ordered some more parts:
Jagwire Elite Link knockoffs (2x) https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000385 ... pt=glo2deu
Jagwire foam https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000385 ... pt=glo2deu

I ordered the Jagwire Elite Link knockoffset twice because as I was mentioned in the post earlier I was leaning towards a mechnical SRAM Red 22 Grouset for rimbrakes and some Juin Tech. But I found a Force 22 Groupset and I pulled the trigger on it. I don´t want to look for a grouset anymore.. Would love to get my hands on a Red but Force is much cheaper and to be honest the weight difference is pretty marginal (because I wont take Force cranks/cassette).

Changed a couple of things on the spreadsheet and now just missing two discs (KCNC Rator 160/140mm), pedals, chain and it should be ready to build. I am pretty sure though I have missed something.

Update on the costs:

frameset (frame/fork/headset/axles/bar-stem combo/bottle cages/saddle) incl. shipment and taxes: 657,13 EUR
wheelset: 550 EUR
parts from aliexpress (above): 213,03 EUR
crank: 130 EUR
Levers, brakes, r. f. der.: 475 Euro
parts from aliexpress #2: 45,59 Euro

Total: 2070,75 Euro
Weight estimated (conservatively): 7154,6gr.

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