The Velobuild VB-R-368 AeroTrace is a direct-to-consumer aero road frame with a bold, TT-inspired look, aggressive geometry, and strong value. It offers good stiffness, comfort, and high-speed stability, but real-world frame weights often exceed the quoted figure, and common issues include seatpost slipping, brake mount facing, and occasional derailleur clearance problems. The Pro version addresses some of these with lighter T1000 carbon and a revised seatpost wedge.
Pros
- Aggressive, forward-leaning geometry with steep seat tube angle and long reach (especially larger sizes) praised for enabling an aero position.1
- Surprisingly comfortable ride quality; deep carbon tubes provide good vibration damping and soak up micro-vibrations.12
- Stable and planted high-speed handling; holds speed well and feels predictable through corners.1
- Good value for money compared to Western aero frames with similar aggressive geometry.1
- VeloBuild provides good customer support, offering custom 3D-printed headset covers and addressing issues.1
- Frame is stiff and rigid, with tight bearings and no loose headset play.2
- No issues threading cables through the bottom bracket.2
- Revised chainstay design resolves SRAM derailleur clearance issues; all sizes in stock and ready to ship.1
- New Pro version offers significant weight savings (150g) and improved seatpost wedge to prevent slipping.1
- Users report the bike holds its own against much more expensive bikes, with positive long-term ownership experiences.1
Cons
- Frame weight is significantly higher than quoted; real-world weights are often 1300–1500g+, making it heavy for an aero frame.1
- Widespread issue with seatpost slipping, even at high torque (8–9 Nm), requiring fixes like grip tape, epoxy, or shims; some users also report seatpost creaking.12
- Variable and often poor build quality: issues include paint overspray on critical surfaces (brake mounts, BB), rough threads, poor facing, and loose tolerances.1
- Early production frames had a design flaw where the SRAM rear derailleur cage would hit the chainstay, requiring B-screw adjustment and affecting shifting; some users of the new Pro frame still report this issue.12
- Poorly faced disc brake caliper mounts, leading to disc rub; required installation of washers on the calipers to mitigate.2
- Long and uncertain delivery times, with frequent delays and lack of communication during the waiting period.1
- Proprietary headset and spacer system is awkward, limits cockpit options, and the implementation (especially early spacers) is criticized as ugly or poorly designed.1
- Shorter effective top tube length than expected for the size, requiring the saddle to be pushed all the way back.2
Key Facts
- Claimed frame weight ~1100g (size M), but real-world weights are typically 1300–1500g+ depending on size and finish.1
- Material: T800 carbon fiber; Pro version uses Toray T1000 carbon fiber (150g lighter).1
- Bottom bracket standard: T47.1
- Tire clearance: up to 32c (users fit ~35mm measured).1
- Derailleur hanger: UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger).1
- Seatpost torque spec: 5.2–5.6 Nm, but reviewers needed 8–10 Nm to prevent slipping.2
- Effective top tube is about 12mm shorter than a Scott Foil RC Pro.2
- Complete bike weight ~8.5 kg with pedals, cages, and computer mount.1
Reviews & Ratings
15:31The reviewer builds and tests the Velobuild Aerotrace 368 frame in a size medium. They are impressed with the visual appearance and overall stiffness of the frame, noting it soaks up micro-vibrations well. However, they report several issues: significant seat post slippage requiring higher-than-specified torque, poorly faced disc brake caliper mounts leading to disc rub that required creative fixes with washers, a design flaw where the rear derailleur hits the chainstay in the smallest cog, and a shorter-than-expected effective top tube length which required significant saddle adjustment. The frame is described as intended for fast, flat races and solo efforts, but not ideal for climbers or lighter riders.
The Velobuild 2026 VB-R-368 AeroTrace Frame is a Chinese direct-to-consumer aero road bike frame characterized by its deep, chunky tube profiles, aggressive geometry, and TT-like aesthetic. It uses T800 carbon fiber, with a quoted frame weight of around 1100g for a medium size, though actual user reports show weights significantly higher, often 1300-1500g depending on size and finish. It features a T47 bottom bracket, UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) standard, and clearance for up to 32c tires. The geometry is described as progressive, with a steep seat tube angle and long reach in larger sizes, aiming for a forward, aero riding position. The frame includes a proprietary headset system that requires specific spacers or 3D-printed adapters for most cockpits, and it comes with a thick, TT-style seatpost with an adjustable fore/aft clamp. Recent posts indicate that the chainstay design has been revised to resolve rear derailleur clearance issues, and a new lighter layup (200g savings) is expected soon. A Pro version has been launched with Toray T1000 carbon fiber (150g lighter), a deeper fork, and an improved seatpost wedge to prevent slipping. Users report good vibration damping, stable high-speed handling, and excellent value for money, though some note challenges with Di2 battery mounting, cockpit adjustments, and occasional bottom bracket alignment issues. New user feedback highlights that some Pro frames still experience SRAM rear derailleur clearance problems, brake mounts may require facing, and rear brake routing can be difficult. Seatpost slipping and creaking remain common, with solutions including carbon paste and greasing the wedge sides. Delivery times after shipping are around 13-17 days, and customer support is generally responsive, even providing replacement frames for defective units. The frame is praised for its comfort, speed, and handling, with users successfully using 30mm tires and deep wheels (65/60mm). Overall, it offers a compelling package for those seeking an aggressive aero frame at a competitive price, with some caveats regarding weight and minor quality control issues.
AI Summary
Pros
- Aggressive, forward-leaning geometry with steep seat tube angle and long reach (especially in larger sizes) is praised for enabling an aero position.
- Unique, bold aero design with deep tube sections that many users find visually appealing and 'fast-looking'.
- Surprisingly comfortable ride quality, with the deep carbon tubes providing good vibration damping.
more pros in the review
Cons
- Frame weight is significantly higher than quoted; real-world weights are often 1300-1500g+, making it heavy for an aero frame.
- Proprietary headset and spacer system is awkward, limits cockpit options, and the implementation (especially early spacers) is criticized as ugly or poorly designed.
- Widespread issue with seatpost slipping, even at high torque, requiring fixes like grip tape, epoxy, or shims. Some users also report seatpost creaking.
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Material: T800 Carbon Fiber (T1000 mix planned for future)
- Quoted Frame Weight: ~1100g (M) - Actual often 1300-1500g+
- Bottom Bracket: T47
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
Velobuild 2026 VB-R-368 AeroTrace Carbon Fiber Aero Road Bike Frame Disc Brake
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