Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom Review
- Price: £724
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 700c Aluminum
- Gear: 1×1
What we like about it: The powerful performance as a high-end brand’s carbon endurance road bike.
What we didn’t like about it: It is expensive and may not be suitable for novice riders or those with budget constraints.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom provides excellent support for urban street riding and is the preferred choice of bike enthusiasts worldwide. It turns heads with every pedal stroke and catches the eye of onlookers.
In the following sections, we will analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom. In the latter part of this article, we also compare it with several other bikes. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
The Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom features an aerodynamic frame design. The lightweight aluminum alloy frame and carbon fiber fork provide strength while maintaining a lightweight build. I had high expectations for this track bike’s riding experience.
For this reason, I packed up the Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom and headed to a local indoor cycling facility near my home. I had also booked a nearby hotel through IHG to test the bike’s performance during indoor rides. The track I rode on was a 250-meter loop, and I wanted to see how fast I could go.
Indoor Cycling
When I hopped on this bike, pedaled, and pushed off, the entire bike shot forward rapidly without any sluggishness. The rigid frame indeed provided a solid overall feel to the bike, with no hint of drag or looseness in the rear, allowing me to maintain high speeds.
Furthermore, the single-speed design made the initial acceleration more challenging, requiring more effort. However, as my speed increased, the transmission efficiency advantages became evident. Combined with the aggressive riding posture, I achieved faster speeds, circling the track lap after lap.
During cruising rides, I maintained high-speed cruising velocities. The carbon fiber fork ensured agile handling when turning left. The robust aluminum alloy frame consistently withstood my every pedal stroke.
Street Riding
The Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom, with its distinctive design, made me the center of attention wherever I rode in the city.
The carbon fiber fork absorbed all road vibrations, making my rides through the city’s streets more comfortable. The 700c large wheelset also offered better rideability and stability. Even when encountering small bumps and potholes, the bike rolled over them smoothly.
However, due to the lack of a gear system and brakes on this bike, it became more challenging and demanding during hill climbs and descents. Safety during downhill rides also decreased. Therefore, I do not recommend newcomers to use this bike for street riding directly, or suggest installing front brakes for added safety.
Specifications
The Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom features smooth welding craftsmanship and an oversized down tube, ensuring the bike’s sturdiness. Moreover, its price falls within the range that many people find acceptable.
With its aggressive geometry, it minimizes aerodynamic drag during rides. The sensation of power in each pedal stroke is swift, enabling challenges for faster riding.
The carbon fiber fork provides agility on bends. Even when cycling on city streets, the carbon fiber fork can absorb all road vibrations, enhancing ride comfort.
The single-speed transmission system maximizes transmission efficiency in pedal strokes, resulting in higher riding speeds. Additionally, the option to install front brake components at the front end is advantageous for street riders.
Video
What do we like about it?
- 7005 triple-butted frame – designed for maximum strength, employing lightweight design for rapid acceleration during high wattage efforts.
- Oversized down tube – designed to provide strength under the highest loads for the world’s most powerful riders.
- To achieve optimal stiffness, ensuring the transfer of maximum power to the track when it matters most.
- Smooth welding – used to enhance the fashionable aerodynamic appearance and feel.
- Affordable price, making it accessible to all.
- A wide range of frame sizes to cater to a diverse range of riders.
What don’t we like about it?
- Lacks brakes, so caution is required for novice riders.
FAQ
- What are the warranty terms for this bike?
The frame comes with a 2-year warranty. All other components are covered by standard manufacturer warranties.
- Can this bike be equipped with brakes?
The Pre Cursa can have a front brake installed on the fork.
- How do I choose the right size?
Here, we provide you with a size chart, but it’s not obligatory to follow this standard. The best way to find the most suitable size is through test riding.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’10” – 5’2″ | XS |
| 5’2″ – 5’4″ | S |
| 5’4″ – 5’6″ | M |
| 5’6″ – 5’9″ | L |
| 5’9″ – 5’11” | XL |
| 5’11” – 6’1″ | XXL |
| 6’1″ – 6’5″ | XXXL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Pre Cursa Aluminum Frame Matt/Black BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded |
| Fork | Alpina UD Carbon Track Fork – Matt (With Brake Hole) |
| Bottom Bracket | Tthreaded |
| Stem | Deda Zero 1 (7cm) Stem |
| Handlebar | Deda Zero RHM 01 (Alloy) (38cm – Outside-Outside) Handlebars |
| Saddle | Selle Italia Model X SuperFlow Saddle – Black |
| Seatpost | Alpina 27.2mm Aluminium Seatpost (350mm Setback) |
| Pedals | None-Fitted |
Groupset
| Crank | Alpina 165mm BCD 144mm Crankset |
| Chain | KMC Z1EHX Silver track chain |
Wheels
| Rims | Gipiemme Pista Clincher 700c Track Wheelset |
| Tires | Continental Ultra Sport II Rigid Clincher 700x23c Tyre |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Fork Material | Drivetrain |
| Bianchi Pista Nero SS | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Steel | Steel | Single-speed |
| State Bicycle Co. 6061 Black Label v2 Army Green | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Aluminum | Carbon | Single-speed |
| Argon 18 Electron Kit Track | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Aluminum | Carbon | Single-speed |
| BMC Trackmachine AL ONE | Click View | 700c Aluminum | Aluminum | Carbon | Single-speed |
Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom vs. Bianchi Pista Nero SS
These are two bikes with different primary purposes.
Firstly, the former bike is purely a track bike, designed for the sole purpose of achieving lighter weight and higher speed. The latter, with its straight handlebar design, offers more maneuverability. Its design, featuring front and rear rim brakes, makes it better suited for navigating through city streets and alleys.
So, between these two bikes, the Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom is better suited for those seeking ultimate speed in track riding. The latter is ideal for everyday street commuting.
Learn More: Is Bianchi Pista Steel A Good Bike? [Bianchi Pista Steel Review]
Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom vs. State Bicycle Co. 6061 Black Label v2 Army Green
In terms of geometry, the former has a more aggressive geometry that allows for faster riding speeds. The latter’s geometry is more relaxed, providing a stable ride, albeit at a slightly slower speed.
Additionally, in terms of aesthetics, the latter’s paintwork has a more retro look, while the former has a more modern appearance. They both feature attractive, well-crafted paintwork on their frames that can capture the attention of many.
Ultimately, both of these bikes are excellent choices. Either one can be a great choice, and the decision can be based on individual riding preferences and needs.
Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom vs. Argon 18 Electron Kit Track
Both of these bikes are excellent track bikes designed for high-speed riding.
These two bikes both feature aluminum frames and carbon fiber forks, ensuring lightweight yet sturdy builds.
However, the latter has a greater difference in height between the front and rear, resulting in a more aggressive riding position. This design is well-suited for track riding, allowing for higher speeds and reduced aerodynamic drag.
In the end, between these two track bikes, the latter does indeed have an advantage, offering faster riding for those with a sufficient budget.
Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom vs. BMC Trackmachine AL ONE
They both utilize aluminum frames and carbon fiber forks. However, the latter has a more aerodynamic design, resulting in reduced wind resistance at high speeds.
Furthermore, although both use 700c aluminum wheelsets, the latter’s wheelset is more advanced, offering a lighter weight for easier riding.
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between these two bikes, I prefer the BMC Trackmachine AL ONE. It has a more appealing appearance and better performance. If your budget allows, it’s a worthwhile choice.
Summary
The above is my review of the Dolan Pre Cursa Aluminium Track Bike – Alpina-Custom. In our opinion, it’s a reliable choice that supports high-speed riding, which is why we’ve given it a 4.8 rating.
Of course, if you want to explore other track bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes at various price points, all of which are quite interesting. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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