Just got two retro bike - Anybody know the age/tube types

[simonr2011]

Have my hands on a dawes Galaxy in a lovely chocolate brown. I was told its 1983 but wondered if anybody here could help with bith age and tube type I presumed its is either Reynolds 531 or 531st.....Looks like all original parts but I am no expert


The second is a BSA Tour de France. Wondering what age and tube type ..Probably get rid of this one as it is and concentrate my efforts on the Dawes. What would you say this is worth in its current state ?

 

[simonr2011]

More pictures

pics

 

[Some Guy]

Hi
I had a Galaxy, in what looks like exactly the same colour, same decals (font type) & same spec. I passed it to my dad, but if I remember correctly it was regular butted 531.

You really shouldn't date a bike by the components, but this one looks as original as my old one. If it's got the black label Weinmann centre pulls, they probably have a date code on the back of the calliper, if I remember correctly? Could give you an indication?

I'd probably be choosing the Dawes out of the two also, but see what fits best.

Enjoy!

 

[rolf f]

You really shouldn't date a bike by the components, but this one looks as original as my old one. If it's got the black label Weinmann centre pulls, they probably have a date code on the back of the calliper, if I remember correctly? Could give you an indication?

It gives you the month as well as the year - right side as you look from behind.

Need to be careful though - I recently renovated a mates Carlton Corsair and that had Weinmann centre pulls that are a full year older than the frame!

FWIW, the Carlton has similar cranks, a similar Suntour VX rear mech (though badged Raleigh) and the same brakes. It dates from 1980 and I wouldn't mind betting the Galaxy is from around the same time. Even the lovely brown paint is similar

 

[johntomjoe]

if the bikes have their original parts,there are dates on handle bar stem(will have to be taken out)
also seat should have a date and sometimes wheel hubs if they are british,so
you could confurm year of manufacture

nice bikes and good luck

 

[simonr2011]

Thanks for the tips, will have a look at the stems and brakes for dates. The BSA is a bit small for me and will need repraying but may be passing it on to a colleague.

The Dawes is the one for me to concentrate on and not to shabby a bit of rust near the top of the seat stay. Will go out for a quick ride on it tomorrow and hopefully it rides as nice as the Dalesman I had a while back( had to sell as was just too damn big , had a bout 1cm clearance so no room for error) which was like riding on a sofa , gave it a test on the cobbled streets of Bristol.

Looking forward to some cleaning up and will update you all on my progress.