Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Freewheeling => Velo Fixe => Topic started by: Lazybike on 10 February, 2014, 09:14:25 am
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Hi all, looking at getting a new bike and like the look of the Dolan Fxe, reviews seem a bit thin on the ground, anyone had one, got one? Any help much appreciated....
http://www.dolan-bikes.com/dolan-track-bikes/track-bikes/track-aluminium/dolan-fxe-aluminium-fixie-bike-black-gloss.html
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There are a good few Dolans on the streets of Lahndan, but I don't know if that model, nor if anyone here has one. The cyclists I've chatted with about their Dolans seemed happy, but that's a sample of about two or three. ;D
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it looks alright, however make sure the geometry fits you and and your style of riding (steep 75deg seat tube angle will mean more pressure on your hands on longer rides)
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Looks nice. I had an aluminium frame once but it made my forearms hurt, even with carbon forks. However, I know people who swear by the Langster, which I suppose is similar?
I'd definately go for road geometry for Audax, as opposed to track though - is that want you want it for?
Have you checked out the new Pearson fixed wheel bikes? They don't look as stealth as the Dolan but might be worth checking out as well?
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Many thanks...In general Dolans seem pretty good, its just this model that doesn't seem to have any feedback, I hadn't thought about that seat tube angle, mind you its only 1 degree more than I'm use to....I guess it will make it feel a bit more "sporty"
Langster has softer angles, but the thought of having to use raceblades is putting me off! The pearsons look good but it means stretching the budget ::-)
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I've got one, albeit bought as frame only, and I've been quite happy with it for the past four or five years - was attracted by rack mounts combined with track ends, and mudguard clearance.
It's been fine up to about 300k on audaxes, and as a commuter.
More than welcome to have a look and a play with it if you're anywhere near London. Think I've got a 60cm frame (it was sold to me as a 59cm, presumably CTC rather than CTT) which I see has a 74deg seat tube.
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Many thanks jsabine, I'm looking at a 52, I'd need a ladder to get on a 60 :) Evans have last years Langster on sale for 450, might have a look despite my reservations over the mudguards.
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I had 2 of the older model, same bike / frame but blue and was really impressed by them.
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Aye, mine's blue ... Bright blue, with bright white Dolan logos on every available surface ...
Sure we could tie blocks to the pedals LB - but sure the Langster will be fine if that's what you go for.
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After some umming and arring finally ordered the Dolan... :)
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Bike arrived today :) and 1st impressions are pretty good, Dolan have been good to deal with and the bike seems well built, had a 25ml shakedown ride and all is well, settled on 46x17 fixed with 18 on the freewheel, looking forward to the next ride.... :)
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How's your new bike mate? I got a Condor Tempo frame set in the end (following advice from club mates and fellow forum chums). Building her up tomorrow.
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I've only managed a couple of rides ( an enforced 2 week lay off to recover from an operation ) Its a sporty ride though, and I've really enjoyed it, it will be interesting to see how the comfort holds up when I can get some miles in. The tempo looks a great frame, have fun building and riding.. Here's a poorly taken shot of mine...
(http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m323/boiker/photo_zpsf5feac44.jpg) (http://s332.photobucket.com/user/boiker/media/photo_zpsf5feac44.jpg.html)
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Had a weird thing happen today, something came off the road and went into the chain ring, I'm guessing it was a stone, chain went tight followed by a loud ping, carried on to the cafe, had a quick look but nothing obvious, coming back the chain ships, just about to put it back on when a club mate points out that a side plate on a chain link is missing, flip the wheel round, bend the chain straight and limp home.
Apart from that, really enjoying the bike, comfort hasn't been an issue and its fun to ride. :)
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Hi there, also looking at this bike as a frameset whilst it's on sale.
Wondering if you know what the fit would be like with 25mm tires and guards. Certainly looks like there is plenty of room in there.
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I haven't tried, but it looks as if there's enough room, might be worth giving Dolan a ring, I found them to be very helpful.
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Rear clearance is fine - got 25mm Krylions and SKS guards.
At the front, I can't fit any bigger than a 23 without mudguard surgery, but as I don't think I have the same forks as standard this snippet is no use to you.
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Cheers, looking and this one isn't for me, at least not for the commute.
I've been used to a singlecross which has quite a relaxed geometry and this one looks to be a lot tighter on the angles so I've gone for a pompino in the end, which I was avoiding because of the weight but there isn't a lot of choice for a pannier carrying good value fixed wheel ride.
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Haven't found the angles to be a problem - been fine as a London commuter and up to about 300k audaxes.
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Can't believe I've had this bike 4 years! It's still going strong, still on the original wheels, it gets used exclusively for commuting now and is only ridden fixed, I have marathons on it which gave me some brake/mudguard problems so only a front brake now, I can highly recommend this bike!
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Terry Dolan started out making frames for Harry Quinn in his Liverpool shop. It's possible I have one (late 70s, not the highest spec so prob not made by Harry himself).
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I've had one for six/seven months now and I'm fully satisfied. I have Carbon forks with mudguard fixings. Plenty of clearance for 25mm with mudguards. To answer another question!
Matt black looks good, though does show chips!
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Thinking I might get one of these. I have a Pompino, would like something lighter, faster, more fun. Maybe have a go at a local sportive.
What's the sizing like? A medium Pompino fits me fine, what would be equivalent. I know it is different geometry anyway.
And what about the standard build spec? Seems to be mostly Alpina bits and Miche wheels, worth upgrading anything?
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I just gots one - it's aces!
(https://yacf.co.uk/Users/dooblood/Desktop/IMG_1362.JPG)
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What's the weight? The Pre-Cursa track bikes at Calshot were bizarrely heavy. Hopefully the FXE is a lot lighter.
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^I dunno what the weight is, but it doesn't feel heavy.