Dolan L'Etape

heathrow86
heathrow86 Posts: 228
edited August 2013 in Road buying advice
I see in this months cycling plus, Dolan have a Carbon L'Etape bike for £999, equipped with Veloce components. Any views on Dolan bikes? Also how odes the sizing work as i seem to be in between the 48 and the 52 i a 5ft 11 with a 33inch inside leg.

Comments

  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    edited August 2013
    Dolan have a good rep as far as I have heard. Give them a call to discuss your frame sizing. As an option have a look at Planet X carbon bikes.
  • Jon_1976
    Jon_1976 Posts: 690
    The usual rationale is the bigger size will be a bit comfier with a reduced saddle to bar drop due to longer headtube (and stack). Longer top tube on the larger size may require a smaller stem. Its a shame Dolan dont list the reach measurements on the geo page. The etape looks a nice bike, reminds me of the Bianchi Vertigo.

    I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam and would go for the 48 as the measurements seem to match my current bike (54cm Allez). 570cm top tube on the larger size Dolan would be too much for me. They have a shop where you can go and sit on the bikes, don't know if thats possible for you (due to distance)
  • trek_dan
    trek_dan Posts: 1,366
    I think the frame is the same, or very similar to my Hercules SL, which is a very nice ride. Mine is a 48 or medium, you might be better with the bigger size I think. The frame has got quite a big slope on the top tube so at your heights you'd have loads of seat post exposed if you went for the medium.