Dawes Stratos - been asked to make a offer

[shouldbeinbed]

A Dawes Stratos with full Shimano 105 groupset including STI levers.

Not one I'd really come across but a bit of Googling it seems to be something of a vintage lightweight frame, a bit of a way up the Dawes range, above of the rebadged for others level at least, with a Reynolds 531 frame and equipped with both Shimano and Campag in its time.

From what I can see it seems a bit old for STI's unless they were a retro fit or I've just not seen anything about a newer incarnation.

I know the above info is scant and I'm waiting for more back from the lad, but can anyone give me a bit of history on the model, years of manufacture, niggles to look out for etc and what is a good rule of thumb price for these frames in 105 livery - dependent on age obviously but even a ballpark figure per decade would help.

I suspect the big drawback will be that the lad is 6'5", I'm 5'10" so I suspect the frame is out of my reach even f the cost turns out not to be.

thanks in advance

 

[Cycleops]

Couldn't really advise you on price, maybe about £250 if it's in resonable condition. I think the biggest frame might have been twenty five or twenty six inch, so you will need to have thirty four inch inside leg minimum to feel comfortable. Don't forget the old 105 is not the same standard as the more modern set.

 

[biggs682]

a good condition 531 frame from a well liked mainstream maker should or could make any where between £150 - 250 depending on selling time etc etc .

got any pics ?

 

[Sittingduck]

Not the same,I know but I got a 2001 Dawes Audax in fair condition, over a year ago. Asking price was 200 but I got it down to 170. Reynolds 531 and it was Tiagra equipped. FWIW, I think I got a real bargain. Solid frame and I really like the bike. General winter bike and commuter - has served me well.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Thanks for the responses folks. No pics yet and I do suspect my 31 inch inside leg won't reach the pedals.

 

[biggs682]

Thanks for the responses folks. No pics yet and I do suspect my 31 inch inside leg won't reach the pedals.

might be worth having and swapping parts over on to frame of the right size

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Little bit more info. The bike is +/- 20 years old with the original 105 throughout, although the STI's are a later addition, Answers one question I had.
He seems to know what he's on about from the pics he's mentioned he'll take and send when he's off nights. The bike is described as mechanically sound and cosmetically nice, its been garaged and unused for a while.

I am quite tempted and it sounds like somwehere in the £100-150 region would be fair if it fits me. TBH for 20 y.o 105 groupset I'm reluctant to buy to strip and then have to build up something else and sell on what may turn out to be a niche very large frame. (I don't do ebay really)

 

[Cycleops]

You are right I shouldn't even entertain stripping the components and transfering them. Try to find out the frame size (measured from top of seat tube to middle of bottom bracket). Then at least you will know if you can straddle it.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

OK, I've had some pics of the bike and it is too big for me. I've posted it for sale in the correct forum as a favour to the Lad to see if theres anyone taller than me interested, He has had to give up biking with a back injury but would rather see it ridden again than die slowly in his garage

Here's the link to the ad in the classifieds section: http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/dawes-stratos-large-frame-suit-6foot.120525/#post-2224076

no more plugging here & thanks for the advice people have given above.