Dolan Bike frames; Bad reputation for breaking

[humbleone78]

Hi Guys,

Does anybody have any experience with Dolan Bikes? I bought a frame april 2012 and in October 2014 its snapped on my cycle home from work.

They have a reputation for breaking, only found out the hard way.

anybody can recommend a better frame?

thanks,
Tom

 

[vickster]

Something from Specialized, Trek, Giant among others with a lifetime warranty. Steel quite hard to break, also aluminium (and indeed carbon or titanium)

I'd say it's quite uncommon for a well-maintained frame to snap if ridden for its intended purpose (and not into a tree for example)

 

[Hacienda71]

I suspect most Dolan frames are just generic frames from the same factory that a lot of the other British retailers use in the far east and are just badged up as Dolans.

I would take this up with Dolan even if the frame is out of warranty as Vickster says it is not a common occurence. Dolan are a well regarded brand and I would hope they would try to assist if they can.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I think many of their frames are the same as Ribbles and they are top notch.

 

[Pale Rider]

One of the London Edinburgh London riders had a bespoke frame bike which had come apart where the crossbar meets the head tube.

When I saw the bike at the Barnard Castle control it was held together by a second 'crossbar' made of cable ties.

The frame was lugged and the cable tie loop around the head tube and seat post was holding the crossbar into the lug.

Frame failures happen occasionally, it's hardly fair to say a maker has a reputation for it.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Where is there rep for breaking? Something that could happen to any frame

 

[MMMMMike]

Hi Guys,

Does anybody have any experience with Dolan Bikes? I bought a frame april 2012 and in October 2014 its snapped on my cycle home from work.

They have a reputation for breaking, only found out the hard way.

anybody can recommend a better frame?

thanks,
Tom

Tom,
I have three Dolans, and on average over the last three years I do 8000 miles a year and never had a problem.
I cycle all through winter, apart from when its snowing.
I even use a all carbon in winter and no issues.
For me Dolan are fantastic for value and the build is as good as most.
Not sure where you got the reputation for breaking from, Its news to me

 

[PaulSB]

I ride mine with the club, with rack for touring, general bumbling around and commuted for year on it.

She's now my winter bike.

I have no complaints, in fact I would recommend, and neither do the six other Dolan owners in my club

The OP has opened similar threads in CTC and Facebook. I think he just has a gripe against Dolan.

Get an independent assessment if you don't trust Dolan to look at it.

 

[Drago]

I think many of their frames are the same as Ribbles and they are top notch.

When I tested a Ribble prior to potential purchase earlier this year the frame visibly flexed when laying on the power. Hardly top notch.

Ribble and Dolan are to my mind quite similar -ok, but vastly over rated. I wouldn't turn my nose up at one in my Chrismas stocking, but were it my own money I'd spend it elsewhere.