Dawes Sardar: opinions please

[robgraham61]

HI Guys,

I'm thinking about buying one of these bikes and as a complete novice to touring I was hoping to get some feed back from the more experienced folk in here. I'm hoping to find a bike for long distance rides which is also capable of carrying enough load to be self supported.

Dawes Sardar Bike (2008) Frame: Alloy expedition frame
Gears: Shimano Deore LX 27 speed
Fork: Steel rigid
Headset; Black 1 1/8 A-head
Hubs; 36 hole Shimano M580 alloy black
Rims; 36 hole double wall alloy
Stem; Alloy 1 1/8 matt black with polished top cap
Handlebar; Alloy MTB riser bar in black
Brakes; Shimano M-431 V-brake
Derailleurs; Shimano M580 front & rear
Crankset; Truvativ Isoflow 44/32/22 175mm crank
Extras; 3/4 length mudgaurds with QR,Alloy carrier with straps, kick stand, alloy bottle cage.
Sizes: 18" 20" 22"
Weight; 15.5kg
Colour: Gloss black

 

[gwhite]

These bikes are generally regarded as being of good value and particularly those with a steel frame. Not many points against them and it would be very capable for what you have in mind.

 

[Andy in Sig]

If your budget is up to it have a look at the Thorn tourers which have the great advantage of being Rohloff equipped i.e. maintenance free gears which don't go wrong.

 

[robgraham61]

Thanks Guys,

GWhite- this frame is alloy, would that make a big difference as opposed to a steel frame? I realise it would be lighter but what about it's strength regarding carrying a heavy load?

Andy- I will have a look at the Thorn website, any particular type?

 

[numbnuts]

I was going buy one of them, but ended up with a Thorn Club Tour

 

[Andy in Sig]

Thanks Guys,

GWhite- this frame is alloy, would that make a big difference as opposed to a steel frame? I realise it would be lighter but what about it's strength regarding carrying a heavy load?

Andy- I will have a look at the Thorn website, any particular type?

It depends what kind of touring you want to do. They have a super extreme model that lets your pedal through volcanoes or something, one that you can take apart and then the ones for normal mortals, which is what I suspect will do the business for you. The website is quite informative.

 

[Tony]

The Sardar is in its second incarnation, the earlier one (one of my bikes) having proper bars and a choice between bar-end levers or combined brake/gear.. It comes with fittings for disc brakes and a spoke carrier on the chain stay.
The original rims were poor, and I now have new wheels on. It rides well, and the only problem I have had with it apart from the rims is in its 26" wheels. Coming off a 700c bike it feels very twitchy at first.

 

[gwhite]

Thanks Guys,

GWhite- this frame is alloy, would that make a big difference as opposed to a steel frame? I realise it would be lighter but what about it's strength regarding carrying a heavy load?

Andy- I will have a look at the Thorn website, any particular type?

While many experienced tourers prefer steel frames, I think for your purposes it really doesn't matter. It should do the job and provide sterling service.