The Dolce range of womens specific road bikes is one of the most complete and well respected out there. Well priced and thoughtfully designed and spec’d, the Dolce range features a slightly relaxed geometry delivering comfort and speed.

The entry-level Dolce features an A1 premium alloy frame and carbon fork delivering amazing comfort and handling, this is backed up by Shimano’s 2300 gear set giving 24 slick gears. The addition of secondary brake levers on the ’flats’ of the handlebars mean you can keep in full control whilst getting a break from the drops on climbs, a nice touch, rarely considered.

Key features

• Dolce A1 Premium aluminium frame
  
• Dolce carbon fork
  
• 24 speed shimano gears
  

The Specialized Dolce 24 Womens 2010 Features are:

Frame: Dolce A1 Premium aluminium, fully manipulated tubing, smooth weld women|s compact design, integrated headset

Fork: Dolce carbon, alloy crown and steerer

Headset: Cage bearings integrated HS. w/ 20mm cone spacer and 20mm of flat spacers w/ top cap

Stem: Specialized Women|s Comp Ergo, 6061 alloy

Speed: 24

Front Mech: Shimano 2300

Rear Mech: Shimano 2300

Drivetrain: Shimano 2300 crankset, 52 x 39 x 30T chainwheels, Cr-Mo axle, 68mm x 113mm BB, Shimano HG-50, 8-speed, 13-26t cassette

Rims: Alex S500, aluminium, sleeve joint, CNC machined sidewalls

Front Hub: Forged alloy, sealed, QR, 32h

Rear Hub: Forged alloy, double-sealed, cassette, QR, 32h

Front Brake: Light dual pivot brake, Teflon pivots, forged alloy, w/ standard pads

Rear Brake: Light dual pivot brake, Teflon pivots, forged alloy, w/ standard pads

Seatpost: Alloy, two-bolt clamp, 27.2mm

What is a Road Bike?
Referred to as road racing bikes, the clue is in the title here. These bikes concentrate on being light weight and reducing drag to increase speed. Thanks to their drop handlebars they have a stretched out feel, again for aerodynamics. So efficiency is the name of this game, definitely not comfort. For more information on road bikes see our Road Bikes Buying Guide.