Weaknesses: Took the gears a while to 'bed in', and on the middle gear still sounds like it's complaining a bit.
Also could do with a few more gears for going up steep hills.
Bottom Line:
Brilliant bike for tall women who normally ride men's bikes!
I have the XL (57cm) frame, which suits my body so much more than a 56 or 58cm men's bike. It's long enough for my legs (obviously it's an adjustable seat so it's also good for shorter legged ladies) and doesn't make my back feel uneccesarily elongated.
It's fast, responsive, comfortable, lightweight, and looks god. I have always preferred the size and appearance of men's bikes, and this bike by no means looks like a pansy women's version.
Strengths: Fast, lightweight, simple gear change, great handling, top bar brake levers if required, short reach, short drop, easy steering, great colour scheme.
Weaknesses: Nowhere I can see to put a D-Lock bracket on the bike. It's a very small frame, so I think it will just hit my leg if I put it on there. So I'm carrying mine in my back-pack ;-)
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike yesterday. I commute 25 miles each day from Essex to the West End of London, and my previous bike was a Marin Larkspur hybrid. Which did the job, but the Dolce - my goodness. The difference in speed, agility, handling is amazing. I felt like I was flying this morning. It's great for shorter people as it's built for women and has a short reach and short drop. It's so lightweight I can lift it with one hand over my head to take it up/down stairs. I'm super impressed with this bike.
I read a lot of reviews comparing this bike with others in the same price range before I bought it - and I'm very pleased with my choice.
Submitted by
sabra Basler
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2007
Strengths: great Bike for short legged women
Weaknesses: gears
Bottom Line:
The Bike has been good considering, but the front gears shift rough. The Sacramento store sold me Men's shoes instead of womens.. and so they were way too big. They also sold me air pump that did not have the valves that would put air in tires and on a 40 mile ride, i suffered.
Bike probably ok, the store probably charged me too much, did not catch that air pump was bad after asking for two check outs
therefore, for bike
i was over charged
store services were poor
service to get gears checked etc took 3 days
would not shop there again
and when i called on that 20/40 mile trip
where there was missing part on air pump
Strengths: Carbon fork and seat post, quiet, smooth gears, silver color, extra brake levers on top of handle bars, great tape, comfortable seat. EVERYTHING!
Weaknesses: None!
Bottom Line:
I really wanted the comp (the next step up), but couldn't afford it. I am very satisfied and amazed by the entry level edition. I can't even imagine a better bike! I love the upper brake levers for riding on top of the handle bars. Everything from the bar tape down to the tires is just great! The seat is incredibly comfortable. The only upgrades or additions are: SPD pedals, water cages, a bike computer, a flat kit, and a Bento box. My next wish is for aero bars.
I am training for my first triathlon and I love riding this bike so much that I have for force myself to swim and run. My next adventure will probably be a century ride!
My girlfriend likes to do a decent amount of cycling with me both off the road and on the road, currently she has a 2006 Rockhopper that she uses for both and with me having a Roub Read More »
After coming in 64th out of 71 in my last sprint triathlon I'm ready to move on from my mountain bike and get a road bike. I'm not in it to win it, and am not willing to spend ove Read More »
I've spent the past two weeks ogling the Dolce Sport, but did my due diligence today and tried a Trek Lexa (think it was the S) and liked it more than I expected. I have a choice Read More »
