The VELOBUILD GF-005 is a budget-friendly carbon fiber gravel frame offering excellent value with modern features like a T47 bottom bracket and UDH compatibility, though it requires careful assembly and compromises on comfort and quality control.
Pros
- Excellent value for money with high-end features at low price
- Lightweight carbon fiber construction
- Versatile all-road performance suitable for road and gravel
- Good build quality with clean internal moulding and decent paint options
Cons
- Stiff and harsh ride quality with minimal compliance
- Tire clearance is overclaimed with tight chainstay clearance limiting true 2.2" tire fit
- Frequent shipping delays and poor communication from manufacturer
- Common headset assembly issues including play and compatibility problems
Key Facts
- Frame weight approximately 1075-1300g depending on size
- Tire clearance up to 50-53mm (2.1 inches)
- T47 bottom bracket (86.5mm inboard)
Reviews & Ratings
The reviewer discusses a VeloBuild carbon fiber gravel bike frame they purchased. They chose it over other options like the Icon GRO due to its 50mm tire clearance, aero seatpost, UDH compatibility, and low price of around $700 including handlebars and delivery. They praise the build quality, the UD raw carbon glossy paint that fades to black, and the ceramic T47 bottom bracket. The frame is described as not the lightest (around 1200g for size 52) but still light, and it forms the core of a complete bike build that weighs 7.7kg and costs under $3,000.
AI Summary
Pros
- Price is 'preposterous' and 'unbeatable' at around $700 with handlebars and delivered
- Good quality carbon, 'not cheap carbon'
- 50mm tire clearance
- Has a nice aero seatpost (teardrop shape, zero setback)
- Includes UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)
- Paint job (UD raw glossy carbon fading to black) is praised and looks cool
- Comes with a ceramic T47 bottom bracket from Cactus
- Ticked all the right boxes for the reviewer's needs
- Forms the basis of a high-spec, sub-8kg bike for under $3,000
Cons
- Not the lightest frame; the reviewer hoped for something lighter
- Weight was 1200g for size 52, which was 100g more than the reviewer expected (under 1100g)
- The included integrated handlebars (38cm) are not the lightest (~390g) and the reviewer wished they were 36cm
Key Points
- Brand is VeloBuild
- Carbon fiber gravel bike frame
- Price: ~$700 with handlebars and delivered
- Tire clearance: 50mm
- Includes an aero seatpost (teardrop, zero setback)
- Paint: UD raw glossy carbon that fades to black
- Bottom Bracket: Ceramic T47 from Cactus
- Weight: ~1200g for size 52
- Features UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger)
- Compatible with SRAM XPLR 13-speed groupsets
- The complete built bike weighs 7.7kg
The VELOBUILD GF-005 is a Chinese carbon fiber gravel bike frame praised for its low price, light weight, and versatility. Users report it as a budget-friendly option that performs well on both road and gravel, with aero features and generous tire clearance up to 2.1 inches. However, quality control issues like resin excess in bearing seats and proprietary seatpost limitations are noted. It's seen as a 'one-bike-fits-all' solution for non-competitive riding.
AI Summary
Pros
- Very low price with no taxes/customs via XDB shipping
- Lightweight frame (around 1075g for XS, 1200g for S with hardware)
- Excellent versatility: performs well on road and gravel, with high tire clearance (up to 2.1")
- Aero design and good ride quality, faster than some comparable bikes
- Good paint finish and visible carbon weave
- Well-made internal frame construction (latex mould)
Cons
- Quality control issues: excess resin in headset bearing seat requiring Dremel fix
- Proprietary seatpost with limited offset options (0mm and 20mm only)
- Missing parts in delivery (e.g., offset seatpost)
- Clear coat scratches easily and can be damaged by fluids like DOT brake fluid
- Loud freehub on some wheelsets (e.g., Elite wheels)
- Limited seatpost insertion depth, may require cutting for taller riders
Key Points
- Carbon fiber material
- Frame weight ~1075-1200g depending on size/hardware
- Tire clearance up to 2.1 inches (53mm)
- Aero gravel geometry with road-like handling
- 160mm direct mount disc brake standard (front and rear)
- Proprietary seatpost
- Semi-integrated headset option
- UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) compatible
The VeloBuild Carbon Fiber Racing Gravel Bike Frame (Aero Grav) is a budget-friendly, open-mould carbon frame inspired by the Ridley ASTR RS, offering similar aggressive, race-oriented geometry. It features a T47 bottom bracket (86.5mm inboard), UDH hanger, and claims 50mm tire clearance (though real-world fit is tighter). The frame includes a proprietary aero seatpost (available in 0mm and 20mm offset options) and integrated or semi-integrated cockpit options. Typical weights are around 1100-1300g for the frame (size-dependent) and 450-500g for the fork. Price is approximately $500 for the frameset, with custom paint available for an extra fee. Users report it as stiff and fast, suitable for all-road and gravel racing, but note compromises in comfort, tire clearance, and build quality.
AI Summary
Pros
- Excellent value for money, offering high-end features like T47 BB, UDH, and aero design at a very low price point.
- Fast, race-oriented geometry and stiff frame provide responsive handling and good power transfer, making it feel quick on road and gravel.
- Versatile as an all-road bike; can be built with multiple wheelsets (road and gravel) and handles well on mixed terrain.
- Good build quality for the price, with clean internal moulding, decent paint options, and generally well-faced interfaces (BB, brake mounts).
- Wide gear compatibility: supports 1x chainrings up to 48T (with careful setup) and 2x up to 53T, accommodating various groupsets.
Cons
- Tire clearance is overclaimed; actual max is around 50-52mm measured width, with very tight chainstay clearance, limiting true 2.2" MTB tire fit.
- Very stiff and harsh ride quality, with minimal compliance from the frame and aero seatpost, requiring careful tire pressure and selection for comfort.
- Frequent shipping delays and poor communication from VeloBuild, with unrealistic timelines and lack of updates causing frustration.
- Headset assembly issues are common, including play, poor preload, and compatibility problems with compression rings and expander plugs.
- Paint quality is fragile and prone to scratching; custom paint jobs can be inconsistent or poorly executed compared to requests.
- Proprietary components: seatpost and integrated cockpit limit aftermarket options, and some parts (like rear axle thread pitch) may not match modern groupsets without replacement.
Key Points
- Frame material: Carbon fiber
- Bottom bracket: T47 (86.5mm inboard)
- Derailleur hanger: UDH
- Max claimed tire clearance: 50mm (actual ~50-52mm measured)
- Seatpost: Proprietary aero (0mm or 20mm offset)
- Headset: Integrated, 1-1/8" to 1-1/2" tapered
- Brake mounts: Flat mount (rear direct 160mm, front requires adapter for 160mm)
- Frame weight: ~1100-1300g (size dependent)
- Fork weight: ~450-500g
- Price: ~$500 for frameset
Where to Buy
VELOBUILD 2025 New Carbon Aero Gravel Bike Frame Fork Seatpost T47 BB
2025 VeloBuild Carbon Fiber Racing Gravel Bike Frame
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