BLB Viper - Anyone got one / ridden one / opinions?

https://www.bricklanebikes.co.uk/blb-viper-frameset-black-hawk

Anyone actually got one, what do you think of it? There doesn't seem to be a great deal online about them.

I'm sure opinion will be divided but personally I think it looks brilliant and £300 for a frameset isn't going to break the bank. The only real downer is the lack of proper seat post, it's not a deal beaker just slightly impractical in the wider scheme of things.

Wtf were they thinking with that seat tube?

I guess it's either cost/ease of manufacture OR aesthetics.

Literally not even worth it for that, when you can get a brand new P&B Williamsburg for the same price if not a small amount more. Proven crit frame vs BLB

Aesthetic.

when you can get a brand new P&B Williamsburg for the same price if not a small amount more.

same price? I struggle to find one for £300.

I got mine for £300 last year, just as the 2016 version was being phased in so I got a 2016 for 2015 pricing.

Same dropout inserts as Dolan, generic part, possibly same factory.

blb is shit but at least it doesn't say polo and bike on it. must be the worst bike company name going.

or 'williamsburg'

It will look great in the XL size with 75° head tube - and removing the buttplug bearing cover. On smaller sizes it's getting more and more meh.

I bought one of these second hand. I think I may have been conned... seller had cut off the seatpost and has cut a notch into it to be used as a normal seatpost. Great news. But I'm not sure what size it takes (31.6 fits in but no further than the end of the slot that's been cut. Anyone else done this or have any bright ideas? Maybe use 30.9 and a shim...

Get some calipers on it and get one of these?

https://thecycleclinic.co.uk/products/kalloy-sp248-alloy-silver-400mm-seatpost-25-0mm-to-31-8-in-0-2mm-increments

Or take the 31.6mm seatpost you already have and beat the seller over the head with it until he gives you your money back?

anyone ridden these extensively yet? My frame is too big and looking for a relatively inexpensive new alu frame that can take front and rear brakes. This seems to tick the box but no idea what it is like to ride

Dolan FXE?

Not available in my size and I prefer the fork on the viper. But it is on the list of options.

Update, in case anyone is interested:

BLB dont file the interior welds, because theyndont expect you to be putting a seatpost in so why bother?

Muh tedious hand filing and sanding and the seatpost now fits. I can’t remember which size in the end but I will try to check