Complete beginner to bikes, should I buy this Dawes Galaxy?

[chefchao]

Hi as above I'm a comeplete novice when it comes to bikes no idea whats what.

I'm looking to buy a second hand tourer fit for cross crountry touring, I've got my eye on this Dawes Galaxy on gumtree.

Was just wondering if someone could have a look at this page and let me know if they spot anything wrong, also do you think this would be capable of carrying me across a few countries?

The bike itself cost £180 and I've been told it's roughly about 4 years old

Also it's listed as a "Dawes Galaxy 700 racer" I thought the galaxy line were touring bikes?

Here is the link - http://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/dawes-galaxy-700-racer/1108160587

Cheers

 

[gbb]

While i'm no Galaxy officionado, one thing jumps out at me...21 speed. No problem in itself but it indicates (with my limited knowledge of the specs over the years) that its quite old,7 speed on the rear, triple up front.
No problem in itself, but that means its older and has probably done far more mileage (probably)

£180 ?, look and see, check it out, make sure everything works, shifts gears correctly, wheels are true etc etc....if it suits, £180 doesnt sound too bad. maybe open to offers ?

 

[Drago]

It's a mix of several mid 90s groupsets. There's no way on God's green Earth that's anything other than best part of 2 decades old. Cosmetically at least it appears in good order. If everything functions properly and nothing is excessively worn or broken it's worth a punt, though I'd want it a bit cheaper.

Hard to tell on a tablet but the cassette looks worn, though those may be the original tyres. Gut call says it's not done mega mileage, but has probably never been serviced or properly fettled in that time.

 

[KneesUp]

I concur - it's got a threaded headset by the looks of it, which also place it as mid-90s.

It will undoubtedly have lots of miles left in it - it's a steel frame so it should last a long. long time - and there are no delicate combined shifter/brakes to worry about; it's all bomb-proof. But I'd want it to be mechanically perfect at that price - does the seat post come out? is the stem stuck? can you get the bottom bracket out or has it seized in? are the wheels straight?

 

[JPBoothy]

The Galaxy was made to be a work-horse so if it's from the 90's it may have been around the clock a few times. Having said that, I've been tasked by my sister to check over her brother in-laws Super Galaxy as he sadly passed away 3yrs ago and it has been hanging up in the garage ever since. I'm not trying to advertise here, just making the point that bargains can be had if you look hard enough. If you want a 'go anywhere' bike with drops, have you thought of a Cyclocross. If you want to tour you could replace the 46t large ring with a more road suited 50/50t etc..

 

[biggs682]

@chefchao that doesnt look too bad and not ott if in good condition , just worth checking that post and stem move ok and all works ok , i presume that is local to you ?

 

[raleighnut]

looks a nice one but I'd say it was more than 4 yrs old. £180 is about right for a secondhand one though if it is in good nick (regardless of age)

 

[Profpointy]

I too suspect it's a lot more than 4 years old - 24 might be more like it. But that said, so what? Looks little used assuming it basically all works and is the right size it should be a great bike. Price doesn't seem miles off although you'd need to budget for pannier rack and maybe pedals, quite apart from repairs.

 

[vernon]

It is certainly an older model - it has lugged frame construction and Dawes is stamped into the top of the chain stays. Those features disappeared a long time ago. Having said that, I purchased a 3 x 7 speed Galaxy as my first touring bike for a similar price ten years ago and it gave sterling service. If the bike's in good order, it is a bargain at the advertised price. Replacement cassettes and chain rings are cheap so if they are worn they will not add much to the total cost.