The British bike thread

[bikeworkshop]

This bike is a perfect example of practical functionality.
It's also one of the last bikes actually built by Dawes, rather then bought in from the far east.
Are the brake levers plastic- coated steel like the canti arms?
Zero style points, plenty of weight, but work well for cantis.

And the Rapidfire (Rapidfire Minus we used to call it) units are effective and reliable, unlike the gripshift appearing on many bikes around this time.
Gaspipe handlebar but microadjust seatpost.
Plastic bodied pedals but freehub rear wheel - and those hubs can do 10,000 miles plus.
Cup'n'cone bb, replaceable rings.
And this doesn't look like it's been a hundred miles from new

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I have a 21" Dawes horizon frameset which is a cheaper model below the galaxy. Yours for free if you pick it up or post costs

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I'm glad for your input as I was really wanting a project but as you say the paintwork is in good condition. I do have another project, a tiny Raleigh Chloe that really does need a paint job so I'll take your advice and leave as it is. The Chloe was only £25 and it wouldn't be a disaster if I made a mess.

The worst parts of the Dawes were the decals on the downtubes. Very scuffed. I've given it a quick degrease and I've taken off one side of the decals and already it looks much smarter. I will persevere with the other side then get replacements made in town. Not sure whether to replace them all? The on / off road I like but is it necessary ? They're still on at the moment.

I will just update it with matching grips and outer cables in turquoise to pick out the logo. And v-brakes as I'd feel safer with them.

You will need to change the brake levers if you fit V brakes. V brake levers have a different cable pull. The cantilever levers won't pull enough cable to work.
If you can supply clear photos and dimensions, there are people here that can reproduce your decals.

 

[AngieMc]

This bike is a perfect example of practical functionality.
It's also one of the last bikes actually built by Dawes, rather then bought in from the far east.
Are the brake levers plastic- coated steel like the canti arms?
Zero style points, plenty of weight, but work well for cantis.

And the Rapidfire (Rapidfire Minus we used to call it) units are effective and reliable, unlike the gripshift appearing on many bikes around this time.
Gaspipe handlebar but microadjust seatpost.
Plastic bodied pedals but freehub rear wheel - and those hubs can do 10,000 miles plus.
Cup'n'cone bb, replaceable rings.
And this doesn't look like it's been a hundred miles from new

I love your summary! Yes, gripshift is always to be avoided.

Not sure about the brake levers, seem metal with no coating. I've not been able to test the brakes while moving, can't do a full pedal turn yet with my knee replacement.

One thing I did note is the front rings are oval. Never heard of that. Mixed reviews too.

I hadn't noticed the micro adjust seatpost but really dislike the handlebar .

The lady I bought it from was in her 80s and no longer felt safe on the roads. Her husband told me this, he still got out on his occasionally, it's probably the male version I suspect. He told me how expensive they were at the time.

One thing he did say is that a couple came to view it (at £80) and tried to knock a lot off saying "it needed a lot of work". So glad he knew otherwise.

Sorry about the photo, I was being lazy last night not taking the bike out of the shed.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

The levers are plastic coated steel. The rings are bio pace. Oil it, adjust it, ride it. Then you will know for sure what you like and don't like. Looking at the bike it should all work fine. A nice hybrid.