Purchased what appears to be a Dawes road bike from the early 90s. But what is it?

spagmuff

Retro Newbie
I purchased this for not a lot of money and plan to use it as a run about. The thing is, I can't seem to figure out what it once was. As you can see, no part is original so I only have the frame to go by, which has had the decals removed. I think it's possibly 1994 as the rear brake cable is internally routed. However looking at the catalogues I can't seem to find a match. If anyone has any ideas I'd be grateful as I'd like to source the original components to put back on it.

Thanks! IMG_2097.webp
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2097.webp
    IMG_2097.webp
    807.2 KB · Views: 11
  • IMG_2097.webp
    IMG_2097.webp
    513.6 KB · Views: 10
  • IMG_2098.webp
    IMG_2098.webp
    397 KB · Views: 9
  • IMG_2099.webp
    IMG_2099.webp
    288.6 KB · Views: 8
  • IMG_2100.webp
    IMG_2100.webp
    507.4 KB · Views: 8
  • IMG_2101.webp
    IMG_2101.webp
    132.3 KB · Views: 8
  • IMG_2102.webp
    IMG_2102.webp
    220.5 KB · Views: 10
  • IMG_2098.webp
    IMG_2098.webp
    770.4 KB · Views: 11
A few other things to note:

The paintwork is a british racing green colour and appears to be original.
The headset is a Tange one, which could be original?
The frame has a Reynolds 500 sticker on it.
The fork has a square top, which confuses me as the 1994 models had rounded ones, bar the higher end models such as the Galaxy.
The distance between the calliper mounting hole and the centre of the rim breaking surface is 65mm (with 700 wheels fitted), which is quote long for a road bike.
 
Looking at the 1994 catalogue, the Ultra and Ultra plus didn't have the engraving in the caps, but the forks are completely different (not rounded), so it's possible I've got an Ultra frame and an unknown fork.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot 2025-09-14 at 19.46.45.webp
    Screenshot 2025-09-14 at 19.46.45.webp
    174.6 KB · Views: 9
  • Screenshot 2025-09-14 at 19.45.04.webp
    Screenshot 2025-09-14 at 19.45.04.webp
    173.1 KB · Views: 10

Latest posts

Back
Top