Date: 27th March 2010

Dialles Bikes have launched their lates model, the CEN compliant version of the iconic Prince Albert built using 725 cro-moly.

Reynolds 725 heat treated tubing is stronger than the normal 520 and so results in a lighter frame. This saves almost a pound on the frame weight over the Mk1 and my large frame weighed in at 5lb 9 3/4 oz (or 2,545g for the metric kids).

The smaller diameter top tube also allows for a more compliant ride.

I couldn't miss this opportunity and so picked up the last of the pre-ordered batch from Mike on Saturday lunchtime (27th March 2010). After my usual low-key colour schems then the bright pearl orange is a radical change but I really like the look of the frame which is 19" (or 'large').

The seat post is 1 degree steeper to improve climbing ability and is a cross-over from experience gained when designing and riding the dialled bikes alpine frame.

The frame also has a lighter back end than my Mk1 PA although there are minute additional weight savings seen with the cut-out braces on the seat stays and chainstays. However they are definitely nicer to look at!

The 725 Prince Albert also continues to use the beautiful one piece CNC heat treated cro-moly dropouts which have been seen on previous dialled bikes models but are new to me as I am used to the slightly more agricultural looking drop-outs on the Mk1 model.

Mike has also moved from 68mm to a 73mm BB shell for slightly better tyre clearance.

However the most important part of this frame is that it is 100% C.E.N. compliant. Not that the previous versions weren’t, but this is the first Dialled Bikes frame to be tested to the new standards and it passed without any modification.

It's also and important box to tick.

As for the ride, it's a typical dialled frame. Built exactly for the kind of technical singletrack that I enjoy riding and have ridden many times with Mike (in the days before he got caught up in 4-x racing). It handles superbly and the steel frame is compliant in just the way you want a steel frame to be.

But don't listen to me: why not try one yourself? Test rides are available from Head For the Hills or contact Mike directly at dialledbikes to buy one for yourself.