Dawes Clubman

[Wheeledweenie]

So, upgrading as my Sirrus Reg is busted to hell.

My grandfather always rode Dawes and I've been looking at getting one. I carry panniers and need a catch all bike. Galaxys are heavy and, frankly, the green on them is hideous so I'm wondering about a Dawes Clubman. I'd need to put a rack on it but are they decent? Can't see much in the way of reviews.

 

[Crackle]

The Clubman is very similar to the Century isn't it?

http://road.cc/content/review/33557-dawes-audax-century-se

I have an Audax which is the forerunner to those two and for me it's fine. Smooth ride, quick enough, handles well but stable enough for light touring. Not the lightest at about 10/11kg but it is a steel bike.

 

[Wheeledweenie]

It does look remarkably similar. The weight issue bothers me slightly but I'm a big girl so am never going to be very speedy anyway! I'm more looking for a bike that can handle some weight and a lot of use.

 

[Crackle]

It does look remarkably similar. The weight issue bothers me slightly but I'm a big girl so am never going to be very speedy anyway! I'm more looking for a bike that can handle some weight and a lot of use.

Both the century and the Clubman have carbon forks with the steel frame. I expect that will give a very smooth and springy ride. The geometry is nearly the same as my Audax and I can tell you it's comfortable and stable under load, so it's ticking the boxes. Weight is relative. It won't be as quick to accelerate but it's no slouch either and I think the smoother ride over ali equivalents I've test ridden, make it quicker and less taxing.. The review I linked to earlier is very good and will apply to the Clubman as well as the Century. @jayonabike has the Century too, his opinion will be worthwhile as he rides a good variety of bikes.

 

[Wheeledweenie]

I've not been on CC for aaaages, I'd forgotten how helpful it is

Thanks!

 

[mcshroom]

Welcome back wheeledweenie

There's a couple reviews around that seem pretty positive: -
www.bikeradar.com/gear/.../review-dawes-cycles-clubman-45269/
http://www.ctc.org.uk/file/public/bike-test-audax-bikes.pdf

I like Dawes bikes, and I thought about getting a Clubman but really I needed a tourer more so got a Horizon instead.

 

[jayonabike]

I have the Century SE, the same frame and forks as the Clubman but with different components. It's a very versatile bike. I have used it for a 100 mile day long ride, winter club runs, taken the guards off in the summer and gone out with mates for a Sunday morning cafe run, and at the moment I'm using it for cycling to work. The steel frame and carbon forks give a springy ride, and with 25mm tyres it's also very smooth. It has a relaxed geometry so all day in the saddle is a pleasurable experience. I've had mine since they first came out in 2011 and have cycled over 4600 miles on it with no problems at all.