Douglas Racing raises the bar… again! The 2010 Douglas Matrix is lighter, stiffer, more comfortable, and better equipped than ever before-and we've got the goods to prove it.
Douglas shaved over a third of a pound (180 grams) off of last year's Matrix without sacrificing stiffness or comfort - something you will notice when powering over your favorite hill or accelerating to the front. A massively oversized BB30 shell design provides greater surface contact between down tube, seat tube and chainstays for increased lateral rigidity and maximum power transfer. Newly designed full carbon monocoque fork features a tapered profile, 1-1/8 to 1.5-inch, for improved road manners and unshakable performance.
Using only the finest pro-level componentry, Matrix is now outfitted with lightweight SRAM Red, 3T handlebar, stem and seatpost, and aerodynamically efficient Easton EA70 wheels. SRAM Red delivers fast-forward responsiveness for riders who truly appreciate and demand every possible advantage. The 3T ARX Team stem, Ergonova carbon bar and Doric Team carbon seatpost were chosen for their lightweight strength, and because they're equipment that professionals really use. Lightweight Easton EA70 wheels roll smooth and true, mile after mile after mile.
Frame: High Modulus carbon featuring monocoque carbon construction and finely detailed graphics. 1-1/8 to1.5-inch tapered head tube construction. Alloy BB30 bottom bracket shell. Fork: Douglas full carbon monocoque with tapered 1-1/8 to1.5-inch profile and forged aluminum dropouts. Features: Semi-sloping top tube geometry, forged aluminum dropouts with replaceable derailleur hanger, dual bottle mounts, titanium stem bolts and light, alloy seat clamp. Components: SRAM Red Double Tap shifters, front and rear derailleur, compact crankset (34x50T), brake calipers and BB30 ceramic bottom bracket; SRAM Force cassette (11-26T) and chain; 3T ARX Team stem, Ergonova carbon bar and Doric Team carbon seat post (31.6mm); Easton EA70 700c wheels; Vittoria Rubino Pro folding tires (23c) with presta tubes; Cane Creek IS3 integrated head set; Douglas Race Evolution saddle and suede bar tape. Sizes: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60cm (center to top). Bike Weight: 15.3 lbs (56cm). Pedals not included.
Weaknesses: Wheels, not light enough to race with, the seat was the same. the seat post was not a 25mm set back this made the fit impossible. had to replace seat, post, and bars to make the frame size I purchased fit me.
Bottom Line:
2010 Douglas Matrix, My last bike was a 2008 Roubaix Pro. To compair the bikes there is a night a day difference. The matrix is much stiffer frame, more responsive in every way, acceleration and rigidity in every direction.
Bike Setup: My bike now sets with Ritchey Bars, seat post, Easton Tubulars EC90SL wheels, Specialized Toupe team seat. Sram Red cassette with 1091r chain. Look Carbon pedals. the bike is a great climbing machine. love it. into the bike 4500.00 weight 14.9 thats with everything on the bike, bottle cages, pedals an a Garmin 500
Weaknesses: Customer support and build quality. The bars were not wrapped on my bike even though the sales guy said they would be. The RD was not adjusted properly and the headset was very loose and out of adjustment. When I called and asked about these things I was made to feel foolish and as if I was putting them out. I ride a lot, but am not a mechanic. The bike is more or less advertised as ready to go out of the box, just install the bars and wheels. Never purchased a bike via mail before so this was admittedly new to me, but the attitude of the sales/tech people was not impressive. I eventually handled all the build details myself. Just beware, the bike may not be "ready to ride" out of the box after installing bars and wheels.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 2010 Douglas Matrix from Colorado Cyclist. The "year menu" only goes up to 2007, but it is a new 2010 model. Though I've only had the bike for a month, I have put 400 miles on it. I am an aggressive rec rider used to good bikes and the Douglas performs very very well. The frame is very comfortable yet with the BB30 and tapered headtube, it handles, climbs and accelerates very well. The same kind of response as my last Cervelo, yet a more supple comfortable ride quality. No BB or headtube/fork flex at all. I bought mine with Red and the Easton EA90SLX wheels and the complete package is by far the best riding road bike I've ever had. The fit and finish on the frame are excellent and it looks great with the Red group. The component spec is also first rate with 3T bars, stem and seatpost. A great bike regardles of price, but a real deal as long as you don't need a big bike shop brand name on your frame.
Strengths: The price is unbeatable considering the component group and wheels. The frame is super responsive but very stable at high speeds. I also upgraded wheels to EA90SLX - best upgrade I could have made. These are super fast wheels. The entire setup just feels very solid and reliable.
Weaknesses: Bar wrap came undone during Triple ByPass - but not a big deal.
Bottom Line:
2010 Douglas Matrix with SRAM Red. This a fantastic setup. The frame is super responsive and the components are top of the line. I was a little unsure of buying a non-brandname frame, but after 500 miles of Colorado mountains, I am completely sold.
Bike Setup: SRAM Red
I upgraded wheels to Easton EA90 SLX.
11-26 Cassette
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Triathlete
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2010
Strengths: The weight, stiffness, and comfort. Oh, and the SRAM Red is great. I have always ridden Shimano and really like the change.
Weaknesses: The saddle
Bottom Line:
2010 Douglas Matrix with SRAM Red. This is the best bike I have ever owned and the price makes it that much better. The bike finish is great, it is under 16 Lbs., and rides beautifully. Switched the saddle to my Flite Gel Flow.
Strengths: Price. But, I really don't understand why they didn't spend $2-300 more to make a better paint job and cover over those seams. I spoke with the manager at CC and he said that all frames have those seams and I think he might be right about some of the lower-end frames (such as my wife's fuji--it has paint covering all of the places where I see the seams on my frame except the down tube). But, some bikes, such as the Orbea Orca, have the carbon fiber completely exposed and I don't see a single seam anywhere.
Weaknesses: Finish and paint job. If you want a sexy looking bike, move on. If you want a great deal and don't care what it looks like--buy it.
Bottom Line:
This is for the 2009 Douglas Matrix. The Matrix rides pretty nicely on the few short test rides that I've done--as nice as bikes that cost $4000 or more. However, the finish on my frame is lousy. There is an obvious seam line running down the center of the down tube where the carbon fiber mold joined together. There are also numerous lines near where the seat stays join the seat tube. I'm still considering sending it back (I've only ridden it on a few quick test rides).
It's a tough call for me to make. The bike rides great, has a great mix of components and is at least $2000 cheaper than any other dura-ace bike. I recently test-rode 10 or more different bikes and this rides as well as any of them. It's also pretty darn light. I have the 56cm and it weighs in pretty close to what Colorado Cyclist says it does.
But, the poor finish really makes me think about sending it back. I also have to say that the 2009 Dura-ace seems pretty finicky and drive train is surprisingly loud. I also don't like the fact that it doesn't have big chain ring trim adjustment, but it seems to only rub when I'm cross-chaining from the 50 to the 25 (which I should never really be doing anyway!).
I really like the handlebar, the seatpost is kind of a pain to use, the saddle is not great and will probably get replaced and the wheels are better than I expected. I'll have to see if the wheels hold up.
