Dolan DR1 Disc review

Henry Robertshaw puts Dolan's first disc-brake road bike to the test

Cycling Weekly Verdict

Dolan has earned a reputation for producing very good road bikes if not for pushing the envelope when it comes to cutting-edge design in recent years. With this in mind, I have to admit to not having particularly high expectations from the brand's first disc-brake road bike, and would have forgiven the odd quick release or mechanical disc brake here or there. But no, Dolan has ticked all the boxes that we'd expect from bigger brands with bigger budgets, and produced a bike that's pretty good to ride at the same time. The choice of Shimano hydraulic disc brakes is excellent, and front and rear thru-axles makes sure that there is no chance of brake rub even when sprinting out of the saddle. It's also proved very responsive in terms of acceleration and handling through twisty lanes. The only hitch for me is the comfort. I found it more suited to short, sharp efforts than long miles.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Fast, stiff ride

  • +

    Full Shimano Ultegra groupset

  • +

    Excellent Zipp wheels

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Not the most comfortable

  • -

    Paint scheme won't be to everyone's liking

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Dolan is a name steeped in British cycling history. Founded in Liverpool by Terry Dolan, who has built frames since the late Seventies, Dolan frames and bikes have been raced by the likes of  Chris Boardman, Bradley Wiggins and Sean Kelly’s An Post team.

Frame

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Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.