I'm at the beginning of my journey to some level of fitness after a period of health problems.
Excellent! Riding a bike is a great way to get fit and enjoy yourself while you're doing it!
My longer term plan is to be able to go for some short tours.
A great idea! I'm sure you know what you mean by a "tour" and "short" but those words can mean different things to different people.
There's absolutely no need to get hung up on terminology or definitions but I'm a firm believer that the best bike to tour on is the one we have. With a bit of experience under our belts, a better idea of what we enjoy (and don't) will help us make a better choice down the road.
The kind of touring I do now is a far, far cry from where I started off.
I've seen this Dawes listed for £195.00
I am not a bike expert but Dawes regularly comes up here as a popular bike to tour on with panniers.
I would be more concerned with any damage (especially to the frame) and the condition of the components (drivetrain, cassette, brake pads and cables, tyres etc.) Buying a bike like this that needs all those replaced could double the "real" price.
I'd also look at the rack to see if its suitable for loaded panniers. Something looks a little off.
Look also at gearing - realistically the number of teeth on the smallest front ring and the largest back ring. To me, this is the most important measurement because it tells me how easy (or not!) going up hills will be.
In fact, if you have a link to the bike, those better versed than me can offer better help.
However, if you're happy that the frame is undamaged and the components, or most of them, still have life then this attitude
I plan to learn maintenance skills so don't mind if I need to do a little work on it.
is perfect!
Understanding our bikes and being comfortable with minor repairs and maintenance saves money (for more trips) and gives confidence. "Learning" on an older bike, with older tech and a few scratches is physically and mentally easier than on a brand spanking new machine.
I'd also suggest that if you do buy this bike (or similar) that there's much more to learn than maintenance. Try doing as much as you can on it - errands, shopping etc. It will build confidence, especially with a load, in all weathers. Confidence is pretty important to enjoying our bike adventures, in my world.
Who still uses rim brakes for touring?
I do!
Do they feel safe on a loaded bike?
Yes, but they need to be maintained and adjusted. Sometimes, (very rarely) I have to stop on long, steep descents to let the rims and brakes cool down.
It's very, very easy to be swayed into thinking that we need the newest, the best technology. The fact of the matter is that people have been riding bikes around the world for decades. If Dervla Murphy can ride from Ireland to India in the 1960s or Anne Mustoe can ride around the world (without being able to fix a puncture!) in the 80s on bikes of their era then a fully functioning Dawes, like the one you describe, can too.
Also, an older, pre-loved bike can be psychologically easier to bring to strange places or park in less than ideal locations or throw up onto a train, truck, bus or car than a shiny, gleaming trend setter.
Best of luck to you!
