Queen Victoria wouldn’t have been amused had her regal sweetheart had one of these set into his crown jewels, but in all other situations Dialled Bike’s tough all-rounder is a great performer.
Reynolds 520 is a licence-made Far Eastern version of Reynolds’ cold-drawn 525 tubing, so you know you’re getting reputable, resilient strength here. Word on the grapevine is all very good in terms of toughness, too, with the Prince Albert placing nationally in the British NPS 4X series under a sponsored rider.
The layout has changed slightly since our last full test, but the bikes we rode still had enough of that comfortably sprung ‘steel feel’ for ripping up the rough stuff. The big laser-cut dropouts and stout A-frame bridges definitely put it in the stiffer/sturdier side of our selection, though, and it’s significantly heavier than the more twangy bikes here.
Tall (12.5in) bottom bracket and steering geometry that’s still interested in steering with a 130mm fork make it a natural technical trail-tamer, though. Compact frame lengths and a short rear end help it whips round quickly beneath you when required, and there’s plenty of room to throw your weight around.
Pricing is keen, too, although folded plate hose guides and sticker head badge show it’s designed for cost-effectiveness. A 1/2lb lighter £380 Prince Albert ‘853’ is also available.
