Built with only the finest U.S. 3/2.5 Vr seamless radial aerospace grade titanium - cold worked and stress relieved for increased rigidity and durability
The Colonel features an custom oversized extra stout down tube
Submitted by
rickf1234
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2010
Strengths: Beautiful bike, climbs well, certainly a bike to compare others against
Weaknesses: none that I've found
Bottom Line:
Worth every penny.
Sent the frame back to Dean after I got it and had them remove the the v-brake studs, add a cable tie bracket on the seat stay and give the finish a once over and new decals. I read the horror stories about working with the Dean guys before I sent it in and elected to do it anyway.
The service I got was OK and maybe a little slow.(they had my frame for 2 months, Nov/Dec)My take on this is to say "so what". The impression I got was they are a small group of guys who build awesome bikes, and my bike is awesome. I don't care if they have people skills, they obviously know how to build great bikes, the ride is worth the wait, you won't be disappointed.
The bike rides like a dream. The geometry makes it a great climber. It is fast and nimble on the downhill. the TI has a nice flex.
I cannot afford lay down $5K every couple of years for a new bike so I wanted something I could maybe rebuild a few times and get quite a few years and mileage out of. I think this frame set will easily meet this requirement.
It is rare to see another Dean around these parts, thats not necessarily a bad thing.
Comfortable, fast, quick, nimble and a blast to ride. I had to send it back to Dean for a minor repair and it took a little longer than I expected, but it was worth the wait. John is a good guy, and I enjoyed working with him. I will buy another frame from Dean...even if I have to wait to get it. Flawless workmanship.
Similar Products Used: Koga Miyata Ti Runner....all others have been full suspension or aluminium
Bike Setup: XO derailleurs and shifters. Xt Crankset, Mavic Crossmax SL, Easton carbon bars, Fox float, and a Merlin Ti post
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
rerz
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, VA U.S.
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2010
Strengths: This frame is light, has top-notch welds and downright gorgeous. You're definitely not going to see much of these anywhere since John (from Dean) manages to upset many, if not all, his customers because of the habitual late delivery times. No doubt making customers hesitate to purchase their frames and looking somewhere else.
Having said that, if you do manage to tough it out and be patient (I got mine after 3 1/2 months, which I consider myself lucky since others wait for far longer), then you are in for a treat. This one is definitely a keeper and not just because I had a helluva time getting it, but it's a one of a kind frame that fits me very well, and rides like a dream.
Weaknesses: None that I know of. I'm only 140 lbs. so I may not break this particular frame in my lifetime, unlike the previous poster. John said he offers a lifetime warranty, I hope I don't ever have to use it.
Bottom Line:
If you can tough out the buying process from Dean directly, then you'll be getting one of the best Titanium frames out there. This awesome frame is on par with even more expensive frame makers. I give only 3 chilis for overall rating because these guys can do a lot better with their delivery time, with no dubious excuses.
Similar Products Used: This frame is on par with Lynskey, Merlin, Habanero, Motobecane, Ibis, Litespeed et al titanium frames.
Bike Setup: RockShox Sid Race fork; Mavic X1800 wheelset; Shimano XTR crankset, cassette and rear derailleur; Thomson Masterpiece seatpost; Thomson X4 stem, Syntace Vector carbon handlebars; Avid Juicy 7 disc brakes; Shimano SLX front derailleur; WTB Rocket V Ti rail saddle; Ritchey grips; Crank Bros. Candy SL pedals; Hutchinson Python 2.0 tires; Reynolds Ti skewers; Chris King custom colored headset; Titanium headset/stem spacers; And a cheap ass bottle cage.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
hcooper
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2010
Weaknesses: cracked twice in same place. 2007, the frame was replaced. 2009, its being repaired. SEE BELOW!!!!
Bottom Line:
In case you are considering a DEAN for you next bike. Here's a cautionary tale... Please note the kudos to Carl Strong and Siren Bikes. Consider them.
Below is a letter I sent to the owner after several email exchanges and phone conversations where I was assured that the bike was being worked on. It's been 3 months and it still isn't done. When I first bought my frames, I expected to wait awhile. However, when they arrived one had the wrong decal set and the other one happened to be the bike that they built up for Interbike and shipped to me accidently. WTF?
Then when the frame failed in 2007, it took them 4 months to get me a replacement.
When it cracked again (in the same place) in 2009, this is what I am dealing with. I realize that it is a small shop, but I don't feel like waiting for 3 months is acceptable, especially when I've been told by John, the owner, on several occasions that it would be done by 'X' date. Each time, the days have come and gone, but still no frame.
Great workmanship, but the WORST customer service of ANY company that I have ever had the displeasure of working with!
I am so incredibly frustrated with you and your company. You have shown that you have absolutely no regard for customer service and continue to just push the limits on delaying my frame repairs, further and further. When we last spoke on the phone, you assured me that Sam would get working on it "right away" until it was done. That was several weeks ago. When I inquired about its status in an email (a week ago Monday), you said Sam would most likely finish and ship it out by last Friday, February 19th. Now, you are hedging against the NAHBS and "will keep me posted" in hopes that Sam will get it finished before you depart this Friday.
My friend had his Carl Strong frame shipped out, with a cracked head tube and top tube. It was repaired and shipped back to him in 10 days! You've had my frame for 11 weeks and 2 days. I am not a frame builder, but I do know that it doesn't take that long. I know you claim to be busy, but rest assured so is Carl Strong. Fortunately for my friend, Carl had the courtesy to repair a customer's frame in a timely manner and not make excuses along the way. He just repaired the frame promptly and stood behind his work. The same goes for another custom frame builder, Siren Bikes. They repaired a second friend's frame, in January, and had it back to him in under three weeks.
Things have been different with you and your company. You told me on several occasions that it would be done by "X date", and each time it wasn't. When I first spoke with you, I was explicit in asking if it would be done by the time I had my 24 hour endurance race in mid February. You assured me that it wouldn't be a problem. You even had the audacity to tell me in late December that my frame was actually in the jig and being repaired at that moment! I was told it would ship out the first week of January. Obviously, that was not the case. But what's worse is that you didn't get my frame back to me before my race in February. Even with 2 months of lead time!
So, here we are. Its February 24th and you are not sure that my frame will be repaired and shipped before you head to the NAHBS on Friday. I have been without a frame since the second week of December and have missed a good majority of the riding season in Arizona. Not one person that I have spoken to thinks that this situation is even remotely acceptable. Riding partners have been using the Dean name as a slang term for when someone wrongs you or screws you over, as in "Dude, you got Deaned!" Its laughable to an absurd degree.
Standing behind the quality of your work is one thing, but providing quality customer service to your existing customers is essential to your company's success. I simply do not understand how you can proceed the way you have in regards to repairing my frame and expect that this is good for you and your company. I belong to three mountain biking groups in Arizona, and not one person from those groups feels that this is within bounds for a frame builder, custom or not. It is simply unacceptable.
If you can't find it in your company's best interest to repair my frame (per our discussions - see attached) and ship it out to me via next day air (before the NAHBS), then please refund the original purchase price of the frame to me so I can purchase another frame from a more reputable frame builder. At this point, I am considering posting this letter, our prior email correspondence and recaps of phone discussions to MTBR.com and other mountain bike sites to let the community know just how poor your customer service has been.
With deepest frustration,
..........................................
John-
Here's a recap of what we discussed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Frame will be repaired by replacing the entire top tube and the upper portion of the seat tube (with a thicker-walled section of ti tubing) to just above the bottle cage mounts.
2. Repair/fill, as needed, the driveside chainstay where chain suck has gouged out the tubing. File smooth.
3. Frame will be refinished in 'brush finish'.
4. New 'carbon panel' decals will be applied.
5. Include an extra rear derailleur hanger with frame when shipped.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submitted by
adinpapa
a Weekend Warrior
from Northampton, MA
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2008
Strengths: light, nimble, excellent geometry- no moving parts.
Weaknesses: my weaknesses are the only weaknesses (thief target perhaps)
Bottom Line:
found on craigslist for 1700$ and my yearning for fulls suspension was put aside. This is a bike that I will never stop improving my riding- who needs the full squish?
Climbs, descends very well. I had a 120mm fork on frame initially- this frame is meant for a 85-100mm and it shows. It is a rocket and a goat. I love this frame- can't wait for the stickers to wear off. Its a piece of ART- search no further.
Bike Setup: Marzocchi Bomber S 85mm, full xtr, king hubs.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
CruzDemon
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, On, Can
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2008
Strengths: + Absolutely PERFECT welds
+ Light for a Ti frame
+ Fantastic Geometry
+ Lifetime Warranty
Weaknesses: - Nil
Bottom Line:
Absolutely the most fantastic hardtail I've ridden...Period.
All of the welds are perfect, frame was chased & faced perfectly, splendid brushed finish on the tubes, decals are applied straight...although will undoubtedly come off with little abrasion.
The frame is light, yet stiff. Although stiff it is fabulously forgiving; the joy of a high quality Ti frame.
On the trails the frame is super fast. It glides seamlessly over everything, making the trail smooth as silk. Snappy geometry makes it a dream to ride on technical trails, hence it climbs extremely well.
Customer service was top notch for me. Not a hitch at all! John promptly responded to all my emails in an orderly fashion, and all my questions were answered quickly.
Will update with a more long-term review in due time...
To everyone at DEAN, keep up the awesome work guys!
Great handling bike with the most flawless welds I've seen on a frame. The brushed finish is great looking and simple to maintain. The wishbone S bend seat and chain stays give the ride a compliant ride without loss of energy where it counts. The ride quality is a dream switching from a hardtail aluminum frame to my Colonel. I can't praise it enough.
The only negative I can find is the cheap decals that tend to peel easily.... on the flip side, if you ever want to change the color or style of your decals it will only set you back $40 for an entire full set of replaceable decals that can be put on my the non professional.
DEAN is large enough company that they know what their doing and have the resources to do it yet small enough to care and speak with their customers.
Similar Products Used: Jamis, Tomac, Schwinn Homegrown
Bike Setup: XTR/Valiant wheelset, Avid Ti brakes/levers, SRAM shifters, XTR/XT derailleurs, Truvativ Stylo Crankset, Titec carbon post, handlebar and barends, Selle Italia saddle
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
J
a Cross Country Rider
from Gunnison, CO USA
This bike is unbeatable deal. Amazing geometry, great build quality, beautiful welds. Sometimes a little too light, sloppy tracking in bigger lose rock downhills but that can be remedied by building it a bit heavier. Excellent in technical sections and fast winding downhills, climbs like a dream. Customer service is sub-par, 6 weeks = 6 months build time, but thats the price you pay for a semi-custom handmade frame these days.
Similar Products Used: Spec SJ, Ritchey NiTi, Indy Fab Deluxe
Bike Setup: XT/XTR, Manitou Minute 2
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Petersburg, Fl
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2007
Strengths: weight, durability, quality of construction, won't corrode, customer service.
Weaknesses: Price. It took a little while to get used to such a lightweight bike.
Bottom Line:
What a fantastic frame. It is super light, super strong, and it fits me great (I'm about 6'2" - 6'3"). Being titanium it is buttery smooth over rough terrain, and is very forgiving. It is sooo light. Bunny hopping brings the whole bike up nice and level with minimal effort (while locked into my Candy Sl's). I have read some complaints of Dean's customer service, but I had a great experience (and I bought my frame used from a third party). I spoke with the proprieters directly, and they responded to my emails promptly. For a small shop they do just fine in the customer service department. I run hybrid tires around town and can easily cruise with most road bikes all day long due to the low weight of my bike. Use plenty of Ti-Prep when you build and you will have no problems with creaking. I will never need to buy myself another bike again. When I wreck (and I do at least once a month), I know that I will break before my Dean does. That's a good feeling.
Sweet forgiving ride. Handles like a dream. Great all around bike. Until recently I did not have a road bike and would throw slick on and ride in 50 mile road rides where it is fast and soaks up a lot of road buzz. Just bought a roadie and now she is back on the trail where she is fast and handles with any hardtail out there. I am a Ti freak by the way. Have not had any problems with it so have not had to deal with Dean personally.
Similar Products Used: several Al frames->homegrown, moab, trek steel.
Bike Setup: thomson post, stem. King. cane creek Ti spoked wheels. Full XTR. Easton handlebar. Marzocchi bomber fork.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Bracknell
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2006
Strengths: Light frame. Titanium. A frame for life.
Weaknesses: None that I can think of.
Bottom Line:
A very nice frame, beautiful welding, rides really well on road as well as off.
This is a lovely frame, and well worth the money. How ever, do not expect much from Dean in the way of support. They *never* answer the phones, take for ever to answer emails and take for ever to post items and will lie about having posted items when they haven't.
Lovely frame, but you can probably get better service from another builder.
Strengths: Very nice welds, nice satin finish, good weight. I also got some custom features at no extra cost (cable routing, KGB drop outs, V-brake only). Very good value for a well made Ti frame.
Weaknesses: Customer service: delivery time was a very lengthy 5 months instead of a couple weeks. The service from the German importer was good, he gave me a super deal on a CK headset. Frame: seatpost tube was not reamed to the correct diameter (my LBS solved this)
Bottom Line:
I really love this frame! It's fast, stiff enough yet comfy (especially compared to the Cannondale), beautifully made (welds, machining on drop outs,...). It climbs very well and descents with confidence, it tracks well. I will ditch the RS SID because it is too flexy, this frame wants something sharp and stiff to match it's character. I managed to build a 9kg bike with all sensible parts with this frame, which is nice. This frame is ideal for the (long distance) racer who wants to stick with hardtails, loves a classy looking bike, doesn't want to buy a new frame every year and needs a bike he can rely on. To me the Titanium expercience was something very special, Dean made it possible for me with the good pricing they have. Top quality at a reasonable price. Dean missed out on the 5 Chili overall rating for their rather poor customer support, but I wouldn't hesitate one single moment to buy this frame again! It was worth waiting for (it gave me the time to gather all my parts in the mean time).
The frame is flat-out gorgeous, beautiful welds, fast geometry. With the XT Hollowtech 2 bottom bracket/cranks, its tight and stiff as can be. Only get to ride weekends and a week out west each year, and the last frame was aluminum so can't really compare the frame to a ton of others. I have absolutely no complaints about the frame. From Dean, however, their customer service is beyond poor. Timeliness is a joke - promised the frame in 5 weeks, it took 12 weeks and over 15 phone calls (where I actually got a hold of someone) with only a single call back, when asking for the credit card authorization and billing address. If you want the frame, order it about 3 months ahead of time and expect to place several calls a week, 90% of them unanswered and unreturned. Incredibly great frame at the price however.
