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Reviews & Ratings
The 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.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Visually impressive and insane looking
- Frame is stiff and rigid
- Surprisingly not as punishing as expected, soaks up micro-vibrations
- Bearings were tight with no loose headset play
- No issues threading cables through the bottom bracket
Cons
- Seat post slippage occurs even at higher torque (8-9 Nm) than the specified 5.2-5.6 Nm
- Poorly faced disc brake caliper mounts, leading to disc rub
- Required installation of washers on the calipers to mitigate disc rub
- Design flaw: rear derailleur hits the chainstay when in the smallest (10-tooth) cog
- Shorter effective top tube length than expected for the size, requiring the saddle to be pushed all the way back
- Not ideal for climbers or super light riders
- Can feel sketchy in sudden gusts of crosswinds
Key Points
- Frame model: Velobuild Aerotrace 368
- Size tested: Medium
- Seat post angle: 72 degrees
- Torque spec for seat post: 5.2-5.6 Nm (but reviewer needed 8-10 Nm to prevent slippage)
- Intended for fast racing, solo efforts, TT races, and fast group rides on flats
- Not intended for everyday long zone 2 rides, breezy mountain descents, climbers, or lighter riders
- Effective top tube is about 12mm shorter than a Scott Foil RC Pro
The Velobuild 2026 VB-R-368 AeroTrace is an aggressively designed aero road bike frame with deep tube profiles and progressive geometry. It features a T47 bottom bracket, UDH standard, and EPS molding. The frame is noted for its original design rather than being a direct copy of existing models. It has a claimed weight of 1100g for size M, though actual weights reported by users range from 1375g to 1532g depending on size and finish. The geometry is aggressive with steep seat tube angles (74°), long reach, and slack head tube angles (72°) for stability. It accommodates up to 32c tires and uses a proprietary headset system that requires specific cockpit components or custom 3D-printed adapters.
AI-Generated Forum Summary
Pros
- Aggressive aero design with deep tube profiles that looks fast and distinctive
- Progressive geometry with steep seat tube angles and long reach for forward positioning
- Original design rather than being a direct copy of existing frames
- Good value compared to similar aero frames from Western brands
- Comfortable ride quality despite aggressive geometry, with good vibration damping
Cons
- Heavier than claimed, with actual frame weights ranging from 1375g to 1532g
- Proprietary headset system requires specific cockpits or custom 3D-printed adapters
- Seatpost slipping issues even at high torque settings
- Initial quality control issues including unfaced BB and brake mounts, cross-threaded components
- Limited cockpit options and awkward spacer implementation
- SRAM derailleur chainstay clearance issues in early production frames
Key Points
- T47 bottom bracket
- UDH standard
- EPS molding
- 32c tire clearance
- Proprietary headset system
- Steep seat tube angles (74°)
- Slack head tube angles (72°)
- Long reach geometry
- Frame weight: 1100g claimed, 1375-1532g actual
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual frame weight?
While Velobuild claims 1100g for size M, actual user reports show weights ranging from 1375g to 1532g depending on size and finish, with painted frames being heavier than raw carbon.
Can I use my own cockpit/stem?
The frame uses a proprietary headset system that requires either Velobuild's cockpit or custom 3D-printed adapters for other systems. Velobuild can provide ACR-compatible adapters upon request.
What is the delivery time?
Delivery times vary but typically take several weeks to months, with delays common due to production issues, ISO testing, and custom paint work. Some users reported 6-8 week wait times.
Does it work with SRAM groupsets?
Early production frames had chainstay clearance issues with SRAM derailleurs in the 10t cog, but Velobuild has since updated the frame design to address this problem.
What is the maximum tire clearance?
The frame officially clears 32c tires, but users report it can accommodate up to 35mm measured width tires depending on rim width.