Hey I just watched your post. Really balanced review. I bought a VBR-218 rim brake version and I love it! My mechanic not so much. I own 3 bikes including a scott foil and I have to say this is the stiffest frameset that I have. Its a bit heavy just like you said mine came out to 18 lbs with ultegra r8000 but I would not hesitate to take it racing because it holds speed so well. I am faster with it on my group rides then on my other bikes. It is a little slower on the sprint due to the weight but the stiffness makes up for it. Also in a headwind the aero is signifficant, its like watching all the other riders move backwards. From a mechanics point of view maybe a 5/10 but from a riders perspective 9/10 ... 1 pt for it being 300 grams overweight haha.
That's right. It rides well and is excellent at holding the speed. It gives you good top-end speed, but it takes effort to build it up first. This is very different from my other bikes, which are lightweight and zippy, and I love them both.
i just sent it to the bike shop and the mechanic was cool about building it up. im willing to spend the extra 100-150 bucks to have it professionally built.
Me too, I bought this frame last spring; I had to retap the left hand side bottom bracket thread and to file away that screw inside the bottom bracket (I suspect that it doesn't interfere with a Shimano 24 mm axle). I mounted a wireless SRAM groupset, so I haven't the problems with the cable routing. I'm satisfied with this frame. You can see it in the Velobuild website, in the "Complete bike" tab.
It is a Canyon Cycling Rear Light. www.canyon.com/en-au/gear/accessories/bike-tech/lights/canyon-cycling-rear-light/10006596.html?&&gclid=CjwKCAjw5dqgBhBNEiwA7PryaDOpw0VKHm3AecVcVyZB7EjavURXJsxHcPfRIGrRDbRmZnzyCoRmnRoCztUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
For your reference, my top-end power is about 900W (not in a race) in most rides. This frame is good enough for me, and The group set is more critical in terms of power transfer as long as the frame is rigid-best of luck with your race.
The weigh is similar to a 105/FSA crank. TBH I wouldn’t buy the crankset by itself. If I just need a crank, I would go for something like SRAM force, infocrank or proper rotor.
The frame is the body and soul of a bike. If you’re going to spend money on anything, buy the proper foundation. Wheels, group sets, tyres, all these can be replaced and upgraded later. Yes, a lot of the big brands are charging extra for their name, but a name isn’t just a name, it’s a history and it’s a reputation. How much that safety of mind means to you is up to you but try not to fall into the “it won’t happen to me” trap.
That is a good perspective. I have a Canyon CFR which is light and solid. Cycling is a sport which every element counts. At the end of day you get want you paid for in terms of quality product.
![Ep 33 [ENG] - VeloBuild R-218 Comprehensive & Definitive Review](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8LPiqdzkugM/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you very much for your detailed review and documenting the whole build process
Glad it was helpful!
Looking good!
Great and highly informative review! You deserve 100x the views!
Glad you liked it! Thank you for your support.
My 'Dream Bike' for this year! Ultegra 6870 Di2 or eTap Red
Either options are fantastic. I think the eTap is a better because it is without the junction box.
Hey I just watched your post. Really balanced review. I bought a VBR-218 rim brake version and I love it! My mechanic not so much. I own 3 bikes including a scott foil and I have to say this is the stiffest frameset that I have. Its a bit heavy just like you said mine came out to 18 lbs with ultegra r8000 but I would not hesitate to take it racing because it holds speed so well. I am faster with it on my group rides then on my other bikes. It is a little slower on the sprint due to the weight but the stiffness makes up for it. Also in a headwind the aero is signifficant, its like watching all the other riders move backwards. From a mechanics point of view maybe a 5/10 but from a riders perspective 9/10 ... 1 pt for it being 300 grams overweight haha.
That's right. It rides well and is excellent at holding the speed. It gives you good top-end speed, but it takes effort to build it up first. This is very different from my other bikes, which are lightweight and zippy, and I love them both.
i just sent it to the bike shop and the mechanic was cool about building it up. im willing to spend the extra 100-150 bucks to have it professionally built.
Definitely worth the money, considering the time and effort required to do it right.
Me too, I bought this frame last spring; I had to retap the left hand side bottom bracket thread and to file away that screw inside the bottom bracket (I suspect that it doesn't interfere with a Shimano 24 mm axle). I mounted a wireless SRAM groupset, so I haven't the problems with the cable routing.
I'm satisfied with this frame. You can see it in the Velobuild website, in the "Complete bike" tab.
What is the rear light you're using on your seatpost? It looks very neat
It is a Canyon Cycling Rear Light. www.canyon.com/en-au/gear/accessories/bike-tech/lights/canyon-cycling-rear-light/10006596.html?&&gclid=CjwKCAjw5dqgBhBNEiwA7PryaDOpw0VKHm3AecVcVyZB7EjavURXJsxHcPfRIGrRDbRmZnzyCoRmnRoCztUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
How is the shifting ^? you said you have mechanical shifting and you are concerned about the smothness if the shifting because of the routing.
Few months in and the shifting works great still. Only thing is to adjust the index as the cables stretch over time. I’m very happy with the results.
Is the frame rigid? do the slopes stretch too?
Thank you
This frame is very rigid and I would think it Is almost too harsh. What are you planning to build?
@@cycleandexplore I want to get a squad to run a race, the squad should not stretch. Is the power transfer good enough?
Thank you 😊
For your reference, my top-end power is about 900W (not in a race) in most rides. This frame is good enough for me, and The group set is more critical in terms of power transfer as long as the frame is rigid-best of luck with your race.
@@cycleandexplore Thank you :)
Hi how good is the crankset it’s very similar to a rotor crankset would you say it would be worth buying
The weigh is similar to a 105/FSA crank. TBH I wouldn’t buy the crankset by itself. If I just need a crank, I would go for something like SRAM force, infocrank or proper rotor.
Which carbon saddle did you got fron Aliexpress?
That is a carbon (no padding) saddle for the lightweight. I also added a 3D-printed saddle which now I swap between them depending on the ride I do.
Yeah that's what I thought. The carbon layup is definitely not that fast.
The frame is the body and soul of a bike. If you’re going to spend money on anything, buy the proper foundation. Wheels, group sets, tyres, all these can be replaced and upgraded later. Yes, a lot of the big brands are charging extra for their name, but a name isn’t just a name, it’s a history and it’s a reputation. How much that safety of mind means to you is up to you but try not to fall into the “it won’t happen to me” trap.
That is a good perspective. I have a Canyon CFR which is light and solid. Cycling is a sport which every element counts. At the end of day you get want you paid for in terms of quality product.