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For those who’re trying to find a high-performance body that places consolation first, the VOOK V8 may be the hidden gem you’ve been ready for. I’ve interviewed Mel, who has expertise with greater than 20 Western and Chinese language frames. We’ll undergo his construct, and he will even examine how the bike rides in comparison with different Chinese language alternate options.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The VOOK V8 affords a cushty, endurance-oriented trip with wonderful stability and confidence on descents. It options considerate touches, resembling a intelligent one-tool system and beneficiant tire clearance. Whereas it’s not constructed for racing and has restricted coloration choices, the body delivers high-end carbon efficiency at a cheaper price than opponents. The producer shortly addressed early high quality management points. Availability exterior China continues to be restricted, however the VOOK V8 stands out as a powerful worth for biking fans searching for a customized construct.
Mel’s VOOK V8 Construct Abstract
Under are the principle specs of Mel’s construct.
Weight (dimension M 54cm): 6.3 kg (with out pedals), 6.66 kg (with Favero Assioma DUO pedals)
Wheels: Challenge C Ligma 45/50mm depth, 22mm inside width, and 28.5mm exterior width
Groupset: Shimano Ultegra R8170 Di2 (with S-Components Titanium bolt package, mainly reaching Dura Ace weight for Ultegra value), Chaser Sports activities 6 Extremely 160/140 Disc Rotors
Cassette, chainrings: Goldix Rainbow 11-34T, 52/36T Dura Ace
Cranks: Elilee X310 with 3D printed Shimano spider
Handlebar: The ONE ULTRA 125×380mm
Saddle: Samassi 3D printed carbon rail
Tires: Michelin Energy Cup TLR 28mm
Total value: ~5000 USD
VOOK V8 Execs and Cons
VOOK V8 Execs
Endurance-focused geometry; not designed for racing
Very snug trip, particularly on descents
Manufacturing facility titanium bolts for weight financial savings
“One software system” with a 4mm Allen key within the through axle
Suits as much as 32mm tires (examined as much as 34mm, 40mm entrance attainable)
A number of handlebar widths and stem lengths can be found
Hello-Modulus T1100 carbon layup at a cheaper price than opponents
VOOK V8 Cons
Solely out there in two colours: Desert Beige and Strawberry Frost
The preliminary batch had some QC points (thread tolerance in backside bracket, overspray close to caliper holes)
QC points acknowledged by the producer; substitute body supplied
Related QC points are seen in bigger manufacturers, per an skilled mechanic
Restricted availability exterior China; some distributors can order or inventory
VOOK V8 Execs in Element
The VOOK V8 body is designed with consolation as the highest precedence. Its endurance-focused geometry makes it perfect for riders who desire a clean and satisfying trip, particularly over lengthy distances. The bike feels secure and evokes confidence, notably when descending steep hills, which provides to the general sense of safety and management.
One other benefit is the inclusion of titanium bolts from the manufacturing unit. This element helps cut back the bike’s weight proper out of the field. The “one software system” can be a standout characteristic. The through axle has a built-in 4mm Allen key, so you may simply make changes on the go while not having further instruments.
Tire clearance is beneficiant. Whereas the body is formally rated for as much as 32mm tires, it may possibly deal with 34mm tires with no drawback, and the fork even cleared a 40mm entrance tire throughout testing. VOOK additionally affords a variety of handlebar widths and stem lengths, making it simple to customise the bike to your preferences.
The body makes use of a mixture of Hello-Modulus T1100 carbon and different high-quality supplies, delivering wonderful efficiency at a a lot cheaper price than related high-end frames. When early high quality management points have been reported, the producer responded shortly and supplied substitute frames, displaying a powerful dedication to buyer satisfaction.
VOOK V8 Cons in Element
The VOOK V8 will not be designed for racing, so it doesn’t supply the fast acceleration and sharp response that race bikes present. This makes it much less appropriate for riders who prioritize velocity and competitors.
Coloration choices are restricted, with solely Desert Beige and Strawberry Frost at present out there. This may be disappointing for many who need extra selection of their bike’s look.
The primary batch of frames had some high quality management points, resembling poor thread tolerance within the backside bracket and overspray close to the caliper holes. Whereas these issues will not be unusual even amongst bigger manufacturers, they have been nonetheless a priority for early patrons. Luckily, the corporate addressed these points by sending out substitute frames.
Lastly, the VOOK V8 will not be broadly out there exterior of China. Some distributors in different international locations have began to inventory the frames or can place particular orders, however general availability stays restricted for worldwide clients.
The Construct Course of
I assisted within the construct course of, however I didn’t do it solely alone. The “cons” have already been talked about above. The one different problem was that, though the equipped headset adapter for the cockpit labored, it wasn’t visually flush or matched in diameter.
The manufacturing unit later fastened this with a revised 3D-printed adapter, explaining that the mismatch occurred as a result of two completely different groups dealt with the cockpit and body design. It didn’t hassle me sufficient to redo the construct and recable the brake hoses, however I appreciated seeing an organization that shortly acknowledged suggestions and instantly carried out an answer.
VOOK V8 Trip Impressions
Total, the trip could be very snug. I used the inventory VOOK seatpost, however since it’s a 27.2mm spherical submit, you may simply swap it out for another seatpost you like. The bike affords good cornering stability and evokes confidence when descending. I consider a motorcycle needs to be considered as a system, and the mix of components you select performs an enormous position within the general really feel.
One other pal constructed the identical body in the identical dimension however used a heavier wheelset and Rival AXS, with no light-weight upgrades. He mentioned his construct didn’t really feel as stiff or responsive as mine. Later, he rebuilt his bike with specs that matched mine, which improved the trip high quality.
Mel’s Verdict
It is a nice body for a biking fanatic who needs a customized endurance construct however isn’t targeted on creating the last word race bike. Even so, I had no hassle maintaining with quick group rides. It appears like VOOK will get UCI certification for this body, simply as they did with their alloy mannequin. Nevertheless, that in all probability received’t matter a lot, because it’s unlikely you’ll be taking this bike to UCI-sanctioned races.
