Dawes fox

[matey1990]

Hello new to this hope I have the right thread. I have a Dawes fox and thinking of doing some pretty long distance touring. Is this bike upto the task or should I purchase an upgrade? its just I Want to try and do a tour cheaply and thought my bike I use to commute to work on might be adequate. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Matty

 

[hamster]

You can tour on pretty much anything. It depends on how much you carry.

For 'credit card touring' staying in hotels / b&b and taking a single change of clothes, a race bike with a saddlebag or bar bag will do.

However, the main thing you'll need is low gears if you take any more load, plus a decent rack. Provided you have a 1:1 gearing and rack, then you'll be OK over pretty much anything.

Once you add heavy loads, a lightweight frame will flex and handle horribly. So it'd definitely one to test before you head out into the wide blue yonder.

 

[matey1990]

Thank you for your help. I plan to do the Morecambe to Bridlington in summer so hopefully this will be my test run before the big tour . I wouldn't be credit card touring I would be carrying everything on my bike to save money. If the bike wouldn't be upto it would you recommend to do the tour on a Dawes galaxy my friend said he would sell me his cheap. Many thanks Matty

 

[vivelesalpes]

If the Galaxy is going cheap snap your freinds hand off. You can cross continents on them (never mind northern England).

 

[matey1990]

I want to check out me fox first I find it comfortable to ride and also enjoy riding it. The galaxy would also take a big lump out of my budget aswell. I will see how Morecambe to brid is first.

 

[hamster]

What I'd recommend is loading up your panniers with all your stuff and then picking a 30 mile loop with a few hills. If it's OK after the first lap, do a second. If it's OK after 60 miles you'll be absolutely fine for any longer distance.

Getting to know what works on weight distribution is a bit of trial and error. My tourer handles like a dream, but has horrible steering flop when stationary.

 

[Rich34]

I'd recommend going for the Galaxy, not because I own one but because when I did a very long tour years ago I met someone on a bike that was completely unsuitable for him and he told me it was spoiling the trip for him. It would be a shame to put yourself in the same position.

I'd definitely recommend trying your loading options too, as others have said. Get everything on and play about with weight distribution etc. Most important thing is to enjoy it though.

 

[matey1990]

Many thanks for all the comments its greatly appreciaed I'll have a look at weigh distribution see how it handles. Many Thanks Matty