Rocket 1 Frame

With a track record second to none in the UK Terry Dolan has come up trumps again with Rocket 1 a super-light, super-stiff marathon tandem frame specifically built with David and Jez in mind.

A number of challenges presented themselves with the construction of Rocket 1, most notably the difference in height between the 2 men. Traditionally the taller of the riders is the pilot with the shorter man taking advantage of the shelter of the pilot's larger frame but in the case of Rocket 1 the roles are reversed. Jez Hastings is a highly experienced tandem pilot and it quickly became apparent that the choice of the Scotsman as pilot would be the right one.

Testing a standard, non braced frame the pairing managed to deflect the rear triangle with each pedal stroke so when it came to measure up for the custom frame a full marathon constructed of aero aluminium tubing was considered the strongest and stiffest lightweight solution and would serve as a template for Rocket 2 an all carbon frameset.

Road Record Association regulations do not exclude the use of disc braking systems and with this in mind the rear right drop out and seat stay include mountings for disc callipers. However in order to ensure that Rocket 1 is capable of being used in events that require UCI regulations to be observed, the frame is fitted with standard calliper mountings on the seat stays.

Wound-Up Forks were chosen for the front disc-specific fork, the slight disadvantages given away to an aero fork more than being outweighed by its track record as an all carbon tandem race fork.

Braze-ons are included for 2 x 750ml bidons and 2 x 500mm within the frame area and full cable routing is also included.

Web: www.dolan-bikes.co.uk