Bike Forums - BenjyStoch

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)

- Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area (https://www.bikeforums.net/track-cycling-velodrome-racing-training-area/)

- - BenjyStoch (https://www.bikeforums.net/track-cycling-velodrome-racing-training-area/995748-benjystoch.html)

Just in the process of upgrading from a (decent) aluminium framed track bike to a DOLAN DF 4.
Anyone with thoughts on the DF4 and the possible improvement I should notice. (My ex aluminium is a Pinarello Pista)

This will get more relevant responses in the track forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenjyStoch (Post 17586302)

Hi, Benjy. Welcome to the forum.

A few general differences you may notice going from aluminum to carbon:
- The carbon will absorb bumps and vibration better.
- Depending on the weave, it may actually be less stiff than aluminum. It may have a little rigid springy-ness as opposed to rigid stiffness of aluminum.
- The weight could be the very similar

Specifically:
- The fork offset of the DF4 is shorter (30mm vs 38mm), so it will be a bit more nimble
- Be sure to use carbon grit paste on the seat post of the DF4 to make sure it doesn't slip into the frame.

That's about it, I guess.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenjyStoch (Post 17586302)

Carleton posted some good things to take note of.

Whether or not you will be able to tell from a performance point of view is dependant on a few things. Are you maxing out your Pinarello (is it holding you back)? Are you experienced in track racing? Do you put out lots of power? If you answered NO to these questions, then you may not notice any improvement at all. That's not to say that it's not worth upgrading. A quality bike like the DF4 is something that you can "grow into", realizing the performance benefits/improvements as you progress.

Most importantly tho is how it fits. If it fits you better, you may realize an instant boost in performance. Proper fit leads to better performance.