My Monster Crossbike, Velobuild
JoostG
Posts: 189
I was in for something new. Something that could replace my commuter and CX. I wanted more rubber on the ground (more than 28mm for commuting and more than 40mm for unpaved fun) and better breaking (hydraulic discs). The Open UP offers the needed tyre clearance, but the wallet said 'no'. Whilst checking the website of Velobuild (I already ordered a R-022 and R-016) I noticed their Gravelbike frame. They use the same technical solution as Open to support wider tyres. So the fun could start.
First I created a paint job. As a commuter/CX should be dirty, white was the way to go. I had a nice deal on the SRAM Red hydraulic shifter set, and Superstarcomponents had a bargain deal with a set Sentinel 650B (unpaved) and Arc31 disc (commuting). The 'group': Sram red, Campa Chorus crank (53X39), SRAM Force FD, SRAM GX 10 FD and Shimano XTR cassette. And yes, all works fine together.
The first couple of testrides have been great. Even without going to the max I rode a couple of fat PR's on local singletracks.
And it is realy odd to see a '53' when getting unpaved uphill (.... 53x35
).
First I created a paint job. As a commuter/CX should be dirty, white was the way to go. I had a nice deal on the SRAM Red hydraulic shifter set, and Superstarcomponents had a bargain deal with a set Sentinel 650B (unpaved) and Arc31 disc (commuting). The 'group': Sram red, Campa Chorus crank (53X39), SRAM Force FD, SRAM GX 10 FD and Shimano XTR cassette. And yes, all works fine together.
The first couple of testrides have been great. Even without going to the max I rode a couple of fat PR's on local singletracks.
And it is realy odd to see a '53' when getting unpaved uphill (.... 53x35
). 0
Comments
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Looks awesome - chapeau.
The harlequin drivetrain might appall the purists but if it works for you then great.
Can you elaborate on the specific frame that you ordered? Just had a look on the Velobuild site and the closest I can see to your frame is the VB-R-066
http://www.velobuildmall.com/vb-r-066-u ... p0085.html
although I'm not sure that one is exactly like your frame.
Also it appears from their frame specs that on some frames you can opt for a standard threaded BSA BB rather than a pressfit. Do you know if that's the case or not. I have an aversion to pressfit so would be interested if BSA BB's were an option0 -
epic ! .. I freaking love and want that .... nice build0
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Seriously seriously cool - seriously cool.
Top work.Postby team47b » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:53 am
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honoursmithy21 wrote:
He's right you know.0 -
Bugger - I'm going to have to sell my unridden cx bike - I need one of those. Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed.Postby team47b » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:53 am
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honoursmithy21 wrote:
He's right you know.0 -
Thanks for the compliments!
Velobuild took it from their website. They seem to have some big customers (PlanetX OneOne Space Chicken?), and they don't want Velobuild to offer the frame with a price. If you follow below link, you'll find it:
http://velobuild.com/2017-velobuild-carbon-fiber-gravel-bike-frame_p0095.html
Normally Velobuild offers BSA or pressfit and my pick would be BSA. In this case they only offered BB86 pressfit (but I heard a story about a Dutch guy who ordered a BSA BB). So far no problems and what I read is that BB86 is much better then other press fit systems.
Soon I will take some pics in commuter trim and will post them in this thread.0 -
That is stunning.....I would love that !0
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Where did you get your stickers done dude?Postby team47b » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:53 am
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honoursmithy21 wrote:
He's right you know.0 -
Absolutely lovely bike!
Did the build go well, nothing on the frame out of line etc...?0 -
No stickers used: it is part of the paint job for $ 75,00. The made a mall for the 'brand name'. Sometimes you just love Chinese
Of course I had to deal with some issues. But looking to the frame there was only 1 issue: the frame comes with liners. Really useful for shifting cables. Of course they won't work with hydraulic brake cables. The front fork was easy, but getting the rear over the BB shell and thru the bended chain/rearstay was a pain in the ass. That costed me 3 hours with trying, trying, etc.0 -
Looks sweet. I'm enviousGET WHEEZY - WALNUT LUNG RACING TEAM™0
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That's a really good looking bike, I loved the space chicken but I think your paint job is nicer. Great work. What do you estimate the all up cost was?0
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Is this the same frame as the Space Chicken ?0
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That's simply sublime. Love it.0
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Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:That's a really good looking bike, I loved the space chicken but I think your paint job is nicer. Great work. What do you estimate the all up cost was?
Approx € 1.815,00 including 2 wheelsets (one for the road, and one off road), and excluding crank and pedals.0 -
It sure it priddy, Mr.0
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JoostG wrote:Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:That's a really good looking bike, I loved the space chicken but I think your paint job is nicer. Great work. What do you estimate the all up cost was?
Approx € 1.815,00 including 2 wheelsets (one for the road, and one off road), and excluding crank and pedals.
That's good value, are you running 650b on the road or 700? I love the fact you can do either. I'm very tempted..0 -
650B for unpaved tours and 700c/28 inch when commuting.0
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Love it!0
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I love this bike, I think I need to build something similar for next winter.
regarding the drivetrain I thought I was frankenstein enough with this year's build:-
- shimano 105 crankset
- apex shifters
- tiagra brakes
- force 22 fd
- rival wifly rd
but I've been properly outdone!
I've also let myself down on the clearance, hyd discs, carbon frame... I'm saving up.0 -
Look stuning!
I find that frame on aliexpress for 450€.
But i’m litle sceptical about the quality and workmanship.
What about some kind of waranty or something?0 -
Seeing as this is an old post I'd like to ask how those fibrax cable wraps are working out. In my uninformed internet opinion it seems like these solve the problem in the wrong place.
Bit of sticky tape on the frame solution:
Pros: Hit it with a rock or a cable covered in road grime. The frame won't scratch until the protection wears away. Job done.
Cons: Looks a bit naff.
Swirly cable wrap solution:
Pros: Looks schweet
Cons: If, or should I say when it gets grimy, you've now got a moving flexible bit of sandpaper knocking into the frame slowly rubbing away the paint. Unless you are very careful about not riding in the rain and you wash you bike regularly.
Are my fears unfounded? Or is this the way it actually behaves?0 -
Im quite tempted by one of these, how is it holding up? Still recommend it?0
