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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 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.
AI-Generated Forum 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.
- Good value for money compared to Western aero frames with similar aggressive geometry.
- VeloBuild provides good customer support, offering custom 3D-printed headset covers for different cockpit standards (e.g., FSA ACR) and addressing issues.
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.
- Early production frames had a design flaw where the SRAM rear derailleur cage would hit the chainstay, requiring B-screw adjustment and affecting shifting.
- Variable and often poor build quality: issues include paint overspray on critical surfaces (brake mounts, BB), rough threads, poor facing, and loose tolerances.
- Long and uncertain delivery times, with frequent delays and lack of communication during the waiting period.
Key Points
- Material: T800 Carbon Fiber (T1000 mix planned for future)
- Quoted Frame Weight: ~1100g (M) - Actual often 1300-1500g+
- Bottom Bracket: T47
- Derailleur Hanger: UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)
- Tire Clearance: Up to 32c (fits ~35mm measured)
- Geometry: Aggressive, progressive with steep STA and long reach in larger sizes
- Headset: Proprietary system requiring specific spacers/adapters
- Seatpost: Thick, TT-style post with adjustable fore/aft saddle clamp
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual weight of the frame?
The quoted weight is ~1100g for a medium, but user reports show actual weights are significantly higher, typically ranging from 1300g to over 1500g depending on size and paint finish.
Does it work with SRAM groupsets?
Yes, but early production frames had a design flaw where the rear derailleur cage would contact the chainstay, requiring B-screw adjustment which could impair shifting. VeloBuild later revised the chainstay design to fix this issue.
Can I use my own handlebar and stem?
It is possible but challenging due to the proprietary headset system. You typically need a custom 3D-printed headset cover/spacer. VeloBuild can provide these for some standards (like FSA ACR) if given CAD files, or users can print their own.
How is the seatpost secured? Does it slip?
It uses an internal wedge clamp. A very common issue reported is seatpost slipping, even at high torque. Solutions include using carbon paste, adding grip tape or shims to the wedge, or in extreme cases, epoxy with abrasive particles.
What is the delivery time?
Delivery times are variable and often delayed. Initial estimates were several weeks, but many users reported waiting 1-2 months or more, with delays due to production, ISO testing, and shipping.