News – Dolan CDX Carbon Cross Bike

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Dolan Bikes release new version of the CDX off road/on road versatile carbon cyclo-cross bike that I have been enjoying all year

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News – Dolan CDX Carbon Cross Bike

For the past year I have been enjoying immensely a bike (pictured below) from Terry Dolan (Dolan Bikes) that enables me to get off the road where I’m a danger to myself and traffic (being so slow) and ride off road where the bike is just at home as it is on the road.

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As an example of how versatile these type of cyclo-cross weapons are, last week, I rode down the Wirral Way (pictured above) off road and then with a howling tailwind, took to the tarmac and slipped the chain onto the ‘big dog’ (big chain ring) and surfed the tail wind all the way home.

The bike gets better …
Yesterday I had news from Dolan Bikes that the CDX Cyclo-Cross bike based on the frameset I have on mine, now has a higher spec version to the Shimano 105 one I am riding. The one I pedal has non-hydraulic disc brakes, the first time I have used them, and they are great to use but do take more effort (just like a normal rim based brake) at the brake lever than the hydraulic brakes which are on the new model.

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This new Dolan CDX Ultegra/Hydraulic SE bike build comes complete with a Shimano 6800 Ultegra 11 Speed groupset/Shimano ST-RS685 Hydraulic Disc Brake & STI’s , Mavic Ksyrium Pro Disc Clincher wheels/tyre system, Deda Zero 100 Performance finishing kit and Sella Italia saddle all for just £2,199.

Click here to learn more about the available specs for the bike

The CDX frame is made from the highest modulus carbon fibre 30T MRC MR 60, providing the ultimate weapon of choice due to its fantastic riding response and comfort. The steering tube/fork has a 1”1/8 – 1”1/2 tapered head tube which provides the optimal stability on every kind of irregular and rough cross surface and I’ve had some of that on the Wirral Way!

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The frame also features a tapered seat tube and PF 92mm bottom bracket for increased stiffness. The frame is available in five sizes ranging from 52cm to 58cm to suit most people’s needs.

Ultegra 6800 series is “pro-proven” as it is a direct trickle down from the Shimano Dura Ace group set. ‘Pro Proven’ stands for state-of-the-art technology, proven in pro races, combined with the Shimano RS685 Hydraulic STI Brake/Shifter Set are Precision-engineered STI levers for hydraulic disc brakes that offer powerful braking and precise 11-speed shifting.

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Cyclo-Cross
As it’s winter and the winter cycling sport is cyclo-cross, the time for the Dolan CDX is now. Cyclo-Cross is one of the fastest growing areas of the sport with hundreds doing the regional leagues week in, week out.

The name CDX stands for cyclo-cross with disc brakes and is available in other versions as well from a frameset to a SRAM Rival/Shimano 105 edition to the latest Ultegra one which is even lighter than the one I use and in cross where the bike has to be hoisted onto and off the shoulder many many times during a race, the bike’s weight is important even though that weight will grow the more mud that clings to it!

The frameset also has a flattened top tube on the underside which will sit on the shoulder less painfully than a round one which can dig in a bit.

Because there are various options based on the same frameset, those looking to use it for cyclo-cross can purchase different options to suit their budgets and race needs for a sport where one bike just won’t do when the rain falls and the courses become really muddy. Speaking of which, the bike has great clearances as well, important when sticky mud builds up between tyre and frame.

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Cyclo-Cross, Commuting, Sportives and more
But, like any other bike of this type, it isn’t just cyclo-cross it’s useful for. On the Sunday, it could be used to race on, on Monday, used to ride to work on and when summer returns, could also be perfect for a sportive or three.

And whilst this type of bike is still not used in road racing, that doesn’t mean it’s not quick on the road. The only other bike in my stable is a Colnago road bike and the Dolan CDX is a tad heavier (a few grams not pounds) because of the discs but to ride, actually feels more lively than the 15 year old road bike.

Overall, this new CDX is a superb bike from a long time supporter of VeloUK. You only have to look at the bikes that Terry Dolan has designed for; Olympic champions and Tour de France stage winners; to know how much he knows how to make special bikes and the CDX is certainly that. I’m loving mine for sure …

Find out more about the bike here 

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