Today I finally took my new Dolan GXC gravel bike out for a spin after a flaky start when I received it. Not only did I get a poor build/PDI, I’d ordered my Superteam wheels before I ordered the bike then changed my bike spec last minute and forgot the new spec came with a microspline freehub rather than the Shimano HG freehub I’d ordered. That was my fault, So it’s taken a few weeks (and a bit more ££) to get the correct freehub (from China!) so I can fit my carbon wheels.
However, it was worth the wait. Today was a 40 km ride over to our Birmingham store and back. All on roads, to give it a light spin and break it in. First impressions were really good.
The fit was spot on. Since my bike fit with Scott last December and changing to a shorter 80mm stem, riding has been much more comfortable and this bike feels no different.
I knew I’d ordered Di2, that was my last minute spec change, but I hadn’t read the detail and realised it was wireless, so with the brake hoses being fed through the bars, stem and frame, it creates a very neat, uncluttered cockpit, which is the point I guess.
The GRX grips are nice and changing gear is obviously effortless. This is my first bike with electronic gears. If I was to moan for the sake of moaning, slightly bigger buttons would be more useful with gloves on and I’m not sure I personally need or will use the 51 tooth dinner-plate on the rear cassette but I’m sure I’ll find somewhere steep enough to use it in due course. Pedantic really. I did also think the silver T47 BB cups were a bit odd given most of the components are black but then I looked at the rotors, chain and cassette and thought I’d better shut up.
The Superteam wheels, for the price I paid (circa £400) seem too good to be true. I’ve handled and ridden some very expensive brands of wheels (Lightweight, Zipp etc) in the past and I can honestly say just by inspecting them up close they stack up in terms of quality. Only time will tell once they’ve done a few rougher rides but everything about them, the packaging, delivery, the spares, weight and build quality all shout quality. I’m very impressed with them so far.
Today I had the tyres pumped quite hard. I’m looking forward to trying them softer on the wide rim profile (27 mm inner). Hopefully it’ll get a full run out at The National Forest Explorer in a couple of weeks
All in all, now everything is sorted and the first ride is under my belt with no issues, I’m very happy with it.
Adios
2 responses
Well done Paul, glad that you got it sorted in the end. I also went for the Deda Superbox stem to, as you say, very neat and tidy. My Dolan build is a 2 x 12 Di2 set up just to minimise the jumps in the cassette. But I’ve also just fitted a 11/45 cassette, £38 from Ali Express for when I’m fully loaded up with all my tent and camping stuff etc. Minor tweak on the B screw and it seems to work just fine
Thanks mate. Just glad it’s sorted. A 45 on a 2x setup will get you up anything fully loaded 👍