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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Posts
    7

    Specialized Dolce good for paved bike trail?

    I have been riding a cheap walmart bike on a paved bike trail. I do about 20 miles at a time. I now know its something I really enjoy and going to keep with. I have been looking at the specialized dolce and wondering if thats good. I am 5'3 and 100 lbs so I know I want something designed for women. I do not plan on racing. Its a more for enjoyment and fitness. Also my bike trail takes me from my small town to a busier downtown area I like to go to. I know I am jumping all over the place sorry I am a bit excited

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    452
    Hi, welcome!

    I'm pretty much a newbie, too, but have already learned a lot from reading the different threads here. I do know that you should try out different bikes if you can. The Dolce may be your bike, but don't be afraid to try out other models and brands if you can find dealers in your area that carry your size. I thought I wanted a Ruby, but it ended up feeling all wrong.

    Have fun and enjoy! I've only been riding a couple months, and am having a ball.
    2013 Kirk Frameworks JK Special/Selle Anatomica
    2012 Gunnar Sport/Brooks B17
    2001 Calfee Tetra Pro/Selle Anatomica
    1984 Raleigh Sport/Brooks B66

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Newport, RI
    Posts
    3,821
    If the Dolce fits, it's perfect for your needs.
    '02 Eddy Merckx Fuga, Selle An Atomica
    '85 Eddy Merckx Professional, Selle An Atomica

    '10 Soma Double Cross DC, Selle An Atomica

    Slacker on wheels.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    Buffalo, NY
    Posts
    193
    A lot of bike stores will steer you towards "comfort" bikes or hybrids when you tell them you mainly want to ride on bike trails for recreation. Those who want to go fast and like a more aerodynamic/aggressive ride tend to go towards road bikes with drop handles. Drop handles do have the advantage of giving you more hand positions for long rides.
    What does all that mean - it means you can get any bike you want for whatever riding you want really. But, you might also want to consider what type of riding you want to do. Do you want to be more upright and comfortable? = hybrid or comfort bike. Do you want to go fast and/or have a desire to ride with a bike club = road bike. Do you want to some time take your bike on a dirt trail up a mountain = mountain bike.
    But, I go back to my statement that any bike you want will work. Get what makes you happy and is comfortable. The only time I worry about if a bike is "right" is if I'm considering taking a bike on a dirt trail - then a road bike is not ideal.
    All that being said - I got a Dolce as my first road bike and am pretty happy with it. It has allowed me to put in more miles than I had ever considered before and I feel like a champion on it most days.
    Savra

    2006 Specialized Dolce Elite/Specialized Stock Saddle
    2011 Surly LHT/Brooks S Flyer

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Posts
    69
    Yes, the Dolce would be a fine bike for paved paths. I really like the geometry of the Specialized WSD frames. You will love having a decent bike after riding your Wallyworld one!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Posts
    7
    Thank you for your replies. My husband and I rode our bikes to the bike shop today and looked at the specialized. He is leaning that way too. It was raining so we didnt get to test ride them. We are going back on Thursday. I loved the shop's feel and everyone was so helpful. Not at all the experience we had at the LBS that handles Trek. I also love that I can ride my bike to the shop. Getting so excited! Did 30 miles today on my cheap bike can not wait to see if a road bike will tackle more miles with ease.

 

 

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