The VeloBuild R-177 is a budget-friendly carbon frameset praised for its low weight, stiffness, and value, but it suffers from quality control issues such as headset play, seatpost slipping, and tight tire clearance. Overall, it offers excellent performance for the price, though long-term durability and finishing are mixed.
Pros
- Lightweight frame: sub-1000g painted (claimed 915g, actual ~1039g).12
- Excellent value: frameset ~$500, complete builds under $1000.12
- Stiff and responsive ride; no flex even at 1100W sprints.12
- Comfortable and compliant over rough roads.12
- Custom paint option available for $70 USD.1
- Good customer service and transparent production (sends molding samples).1
- Standard 27.2mm round seatpost allows easy replacement.2
- Aesthetically pleasing with various paint options.13
- Compatible with internal cable routing via FSA headset system.1
Cons
- Headset play issues, especially with separate stem/bar combo; requires updated C-ring or different stem.123
- Seatpost slipping despite tightening and carbon paste; some report delamination.23
- Tire clearance tight: 32mm may rub, especially on fork; 28mm recommended.231
- Included wheels are heavy (~1800g).1
- Poor press-fit tolerance causing bottom bracket creaking.3
- Water ingress through cable ports, no drain hole in BB; can cause rusty bearings.23
- Shipping delays and inconsistent communication from VeloBuild.2
- Fork brake caliper mount misalignment causing brake rub.2
- Potential for paint chips; shipping box arrived destroyed in one case.1
Key Facts
- Frame weight claimed 915g, actual ~1039g (size M painted with hardware); fork ~375g uncut; seatpost ~211g with fittings.21
- Frame uses Toray T-1000 carbon fiber and EPS latex molding.12
- Bottom bracket standard is BB86 press-fit.23
- Seatpost diameter is 27.2mm.2
- Maximum tire clearance is 32mm (actual fit varies, 28mm recommended; some report 30mm).231
- Frameset price around $500 USD (before shipping).12
- Integrated handlebar and stem weights: 248g and 179g respectively (120mm stem).1
- Geometry similar to Scott Addict; size 54 fits like a 56.12
Reviews & Ratings
15:03The reviewer, Patrick, provides a detailed review of the VeloBuild R-177 frameset. He praises its lightweight construction, affordable price, and overall quality, noting that it offers good value for budget-conscious cyclists. He mentions minor issues with the included wheels (heavy) and headset play, but overall recommends the frameset as a great option for training or endurance riding.
11:51The reviewer discusses the VeloBuild R-177 frame set, highlighting its lightweight construction, custom paint, and value for money. He praises the company's transparency, including providing EPS latex molding samples and a cut-up frame to demonstrate internal smoothness. The frame is intended for a dual-purpose lightweight travel and cyclocross bike.
11:45The reviewer discusses the VeloBuild R-177 frameset, noting it is a lightweight climbing frame (around 1000g) priced at $500-600. He praises its stiffness, agility, and responsiveness compared to the VeloBuild 168. The frame is size 54 but fits like a 56. The bike is built with Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed groupset, Winspace Hyper wheels (65mm depth), and other components. The reviewer concludes that the R-177 is the best road frameset VeloBuild offers and provides great value.
The VeloBuild VB-R-177 is a lightweight carbon fiber road frame with disc brakes and internal cable routing. It weighs around 915g for the frame, 375g for the fork, and 125g for the seatpost. The frame uses T1000 carbon and EPS molding. It has a geometry similar to the Scott Addict and fits up to 28mm tires (32mm possible but tight). Price is around $500 for the frameset. Common issues include headset play (especially with separate stem/bar combo), seatpost slipping, and tight tire clearance. Overall, it offers good value for a lightweight, stiff ride.
AI Summary
Pros
- Lightweight frame (sub-1000g painted)
- Good value for the price (~$500 frameset)
- Stiff and responsive ride quality
more pros in the review
Cons
- Headset play issues with separate stem/bar combo (design flaw in top cap/C-clip)
- Seatpost slipping despite tightening and carbon paste
- Tire clearance is tight; 32mm tires may rub, especially on fork
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Frame weight: ~915g (claimed), actual ~1039g (size M painted with hardware)
- Fork weight: ~375g uncut
- Seatpost weight: ~125g (claimed), actual ~211g with fittings
more key points in the review
The VeloBuild R-177 is a budget-friendly frameset praised for its looks, stiffness, and aggressive geometry, but suffers from quality control issues such as poor press-fit tolerances, bottom bracket creaking, water ingress, and seatpost delamination. Headset problems have been reported but may be mitigated by newer C-ring designs. Tire clearance is limited to 30mm. Long-term durability is mixed; some users report no major issues, while others note structural concerns like cracked forks. Overall, it offers good value for the price but is not recommended for those seeking high-quality finishing.
AI Summary
Pros
- Great looks and aggressive geometry
- Stiff and fast ride
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- Poor press-fit tolerance causing bottom bracket creaking
- Medium to low overall quality and finishing
- Max tire clearance of 30mm
more cons in the review
Key Points
- Price: budget-friendly frame
- Weight: not specified in posts
- Material: carbon fiber
more key points in the review
Where to Buy
Velobuild 2023 VB-R-177 Super Light Carbon Fiber Road Frame Disc Version Hidden Cables
Specifications
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Questions about VeloBuild R-177
Ordering & delivery
1Sizing & fit
1Compatibility
3Build & setup
3Ride & performance
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