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Specialized Dolce Elite review
- Price Paid:$1,150.00
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User rating:(4.5)
- Would buy again from this company: Yes
- Used product for: 10 months
- # of logged workouts:
"I'd say this is a great entry-level bike for the beginner triathlete who isn't totally sure they want to initially invest in a triathlon-specific bike. It's been great out on the open road with other cyclists, and has done me well in triathlon competition also, so it's proved to be very versatile. My only gripe is that it's probably not the best bike for trying to focus on one sport or the other (cycling or triathlons), and I feel like I'll be ready to upgrade to a tri-bike sooner than I was hoping. I'll definitely keep this bike around for my "cycling" rides, but I'll probably want something triathlon specific in the next year or so. In sum, I'd say if you want a versatile bike that is good for both cycling and triathlons (maybe you haven't made your mind up about the whole triathlon thing), then this is an excellent choice. But if you're pretty sure you're going to target the majority of your training specifically at triathlons, then just bite the bullet and buy a tri-bike.
"swimfranny99
Ease of use
Being my first road bike, it took me a while to get used to switching gears, but once I figured it out, it was a breeze.
Quality of Construction
I've put about 500 miles on my bike and the only problem I've had was a screw in my seatpost getting stripped out (my bike shop tells me it was a problem they had with this specific seatpost- but it was replaced by Specialized) - that's enough to feel comfortable to say it's of quality construction, but not enough to feel comfortable giving it a 'five'.
Fit
Being my first road bike, I wasn't totally sure when trying out other bikes how it was supposed to fit, but when I got on this bike it just felt "right". It's required a few tweaks in the seat position by the bike shop, but overall great fit, and easy to change around. The women-specific fit seems to work for me.
Comfort
I've had a few issues with my hands going numb, but slight tweaks in the seat position (mentioned above) have helped.
Adjustability
Very easy to change the seat position. Haven't needed to adjust anything else.
Durability
So far so good. Let's see how the next couple hundred miles go before I give it a 'five', though.
Value
One of the cheapest road bikes I found with a Shimano 105 rear derailleur, and Shimano Tiagra shifters.
Appearance
The only color combination available in the 2008 model is a white/pink combo. I really hate pink, but liked everything else about the bike. I'll eventually get around to covering up the pink details (which are small) with different decals. The pearly white is pretty snazzy, though.
Customer Service
I haven't had to deal with Specialized directly, but there was an issue with my seatpost and my bike shop was able to get Specialized to send me a new one (actually, an upgraded one) for free.
Performance
Not the fastest bike out there, but good performance for the money and being in the "entry-level" road bike class. I've noticed a few people I ride with have bikes of similar construction, and they seem to coast alot faster than me.
Strengths
Great value, excellent construction, backed by great reputation of Specialized, probably one of the best women specific entry-level road bikes
Weakness
Not a huge fan of the pink, wish it felt just a bit faster
- 9 people use
- 221 workouts logged
- 4880.56 miles / 374.08 hours logged
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Ease of installation
Pre-assembled at the bike shop. The only add-ons I bought were clipless pedals and a wireless cadence bike computer, which the bike shop installed for me.