Vintage Dawes Galaxy

[rovers1875]

Picked up the other day,
Had a quick ride and everything seems ok apart from one or two loose bolts etc. I am just checking it over, the frame is straight and in pretty good condition. all the bearing seem to run smooth, gear work. well. So far the only thing I've found is the chain is too short.

 

[Roadrider48]

That looks immaculate.nice one

 

[dan_bo]

That is delightful. What a lovely paintjob.

 

[raleighnut]

Nice.

 

[biggs682]

very nice

 

[Fubar]

What a beautiful looking bike.

 

[davidphilips]

Picked up the other day,
Had a quick ride and everything seems ok apart from one or two loose bolts etc. I am just checking it over, the frame is straight and in pretty good condition. all the bearing seem to run smooth, gear work. well. So far the only thing I've found is the chain is too short.

loose bolts and needing a chain? best thing is send it over to me, all joking aside that must be the best looking galaxy i have seen.

 

[Nibor]

stunning short gearing for a tourer though

 

[Cycleops]

Nice, must be a very early one, and in such good condition. Any idea of year?

Must be the only one I've seen with suicide levers.

 

[Tony Raynor]

Something was bugging me for the year. All the 70s galaxies had top tube brake guides on the side and were usually either green or brown/bronze. I assumed the 80s would have had them across the top until I saw this

http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/Dawes-82/09_touring_Galaxy.jpg

Fits with some of the components. I'd also guess the front forks have been replaced at some time as the fork crown doesn't really match the galaxy or even Dawes better frames.

That said its still a really nice bike and I liked the one I had. Shame I sold it.

 

[rovers1875]

Well I've had a good look over and tightened every thing up and the worst I've found is the bearings on the drive side pedal are shot and I can't get the near side pedal off.
Thanks for all the comments, I must admit it was the paint job that caught my eye and when it turned out to be in as good a condition as it looks I snatched the guys hand off, couldn't get away fast enough in case he changed his mind.
Not certain of the year but the guy I got it from said it had been his brothers and he bought it second hand around 20 years ago, and he himself had owned it for around 2 years. But just comparing with photo's of other galaxy's I'm thinking early 80s (not that I really care) I was originally looking for an 80's bike so I could have a project to restore. Now looks like I'll be polishing rather than restoring. Must admit I think I got a bargain

 

[rovers1875]

£13 for new chain and bearings in the pedals, can't argue with that. Just need it to stop raining so I can have a proper ride.

 

[rovers1875]

Actually managed to take it out on a proper ride last night, I was pleasantly suprised at just how smooth it was. Took a bit to readjust back to down tube shifters, I lost count of how many time I flicked the brake leaver only to have nothing happen. Secondly I now know how far brake technology has improved and I heve to readjust my mind to what exactly makes a hill. But otherwise loved it.

 

[mikeymustard]

There's a reason why brake shifters have become the norm .
As far as actual braking is concerned, some decent pads will go a long way towards improving your experience, koolstop salmons are always highly recommended.
You've got yourself a really nice ride there, well done!

 

[gareth01244]

Really nice bike, love the colour scheme.