Dawes Galaxy or Trek pilot?

jimbarrow · May 2007

Having ridden my ancient Claud Butler Majestic into the ground, I'm struggling to decide wether to move over to the comfort racer trek, or stick with the steel feel of the dawes? Can the Trek be fitted with rear panniers, and has anyone done it? At 6'2 and extremely long legs, these are the only two affordable models I've seen on't net...any comments welcome.

Unknown · May 2007

Dawes Galaxy.

_______________________________________________________
"Finding a witty yet original signature is quite difficult isn't it?"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26011722@N00/

jimbarrow · May 2007

now that was quick response Mr Maggott! I clicked on you link and see where you're coming from...but tne Pilot is only 400 quid at Evans, so i'm still tempted to the other side.

Diogenes · May 2007

Really depends on what you want to do with the bike. The Dawes will take you and your kit around the world without complaint. It has every braze on you will need for racks, bottle, guards etc.

The pilot I suggest is designed more toward sportive (i.e. one day long rides), it appears to have the braze ons for guards but don't know what it would be like fully laden with camping gear for example.

D[:D]

Too short for my weight!
The Bikes
A Day out
C2C 2006

crackle · May 2007

This thread might be useful to you

http://www.cyclingplus.co.uk/forum/topi ... _ID=122840

Unknown · May 2007

http://www.bikesheduk.com/

Have a look under touring bikes. They have 59 and 64cm Galaxies left, œ539 all fully kitted out and ready to go, front/rear racks, mudguards etc. They'd probably take œ500 for cash (maybe even less!!) They are just down the M5 in Crediton. It's where I got mine, they were brilliant!

_______________________________________________________
"Finding a witty yet original signature is quite difficult isn't it?"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26011722@N00/

Unknown · May 2007

The Trek X600 looks good too - and it won't RUST!

d.j.
"Like a true nature's child,
We were born,
Born to drink mild"

Wynne G Oldman · May 2007

If you're looking for a Dawes Galaxy, check out this link. I bought the Super Galaxy from here, and because I used the ride2work scheme, it cost me roughly œ380.

http://www.bikesheduk.com/

They do mail order, so location ain't a problem.

"on your bike" Norman Tebbit.

gkerr4 · May 2007

I just used my pilot 1.2 for a coast 2 coast run, fully loaded with racks and panniers etc. It dealt with it all very well and was significantly lighter than the only true touring bike in the group - a Hewitt cheviot!

it was comfy, held the racks fine and still handled well - even with the std fit 28mm hardcase tires across the waskerley way gravel paths

Norvcp · May 2007

How much weight were you carrying on it, gkrr4?

"Prejudice burns brighter when it's all we have to burn"

gkerr4 · May 2007

well it had a lightweight alloy rack, 2 x altura arran panniers and a small saddle pack with tools in it - I would say it maybe had around 10 - 12kg added to it. Which probably isn't a lot is it really. Oh and it had 2 800ml bottles added to so another 1.6kg there if I was being picky.

JMag · May 2007

I've got a pilot 1.2 with a rack and panniers installed. I don't normally carry too much weight - just commuting related stuff - but on the occasions I've had about more (probably about 12kg max actually) I've barely noticed the difference in terms of handling etc.

I know many like the Galaxy, but the I find the Trek to be a great bike to ride.

frantic · May 2007

Didn't know Dawes were still selling the Galaxy, who is making it now as Fort don't seem to be doing much?

Norvcp · May 2007

If you're planning a camping tour, then Galaxy no question. However, if you're into club runs, sportives and going a bit quick, the i'd go for the Pilot. As said above, the Pilot will carry enough for credit card touring (staying in hotels and BnBs).

"Prejudice burns brighter when it's all we have to burn"

clarinetist · May 2007

Or the dawes audax ,,it will take a rack annd you can get one
for 350 squids[:)]

acorn_user · May 2007

Dawes have two Audax models in steel that should be lighter and nippier than a Galaxy, called sport and elite (I think). The Sport model is inexpensive.
Don't know who makes the Galaxy frames anymore. Fort might do it, but I think it's probably Maxway (well respected Taiwanese frame builder).

vernonlevy · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by acorn_user

Dawes have two Audax models in steel that should be lighter and nippier than a Galaxy, called sport and elite (I think). The Sport model is inexpensive.
Don't know who makes the Galaxy frames anymore. Fort might do it, but I think it's probably Maxway (well respected Taiwanese frame builder).
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I think that the frames are made in eastern Europe.

It doesn't really matter that the frames have been outsourced. The Galaxy is still a decent bike for the dosh. I use mine for touring and Audaxes and only resort to my road bike when the terrain is undulting rather than hilly and the weather is dry.

jimbarrow · May 2007

Thanks everyone for your help, i'm hoping to test ride a galaxy this weekend in Harrogate (Spa Cycles), but must try the Pilot for myself following such enthusiasm from everyone.. My only concern which may influence decision is the strength of the frame, as i do like to cover the odd bridleway too, which would probably rule out the alloy option anyway. I do need a big frame, and the Audax bikes all seem to stop at 60cm, which would have my knees on my chin, otherwise that would have been the way to go for sure! Cheers all! JIM

paul_smith_srcc · May 2007

If you want a robust fast bike then you could also comsider the Specialized Tricross, a fast geometry like the Pilot yet with the robustness of the Galaxy; having said that you will need to find a retailer who has one as they are sold out for the 2007 model

Paul_Smith
www.bikeplus.co.uk

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by jimbarrow

Thanks everyone for your help, i'm hoping to test ride a galaxy this weekend in Harrogate (Spa Cycles), but must try the Pilot for myself following such enthusiasm from everyone.. My only concern which may influence decision is the strength of the frame, as i do like to cover the odd bridleway too, which would probably rule out the alloy option anyway. I do need a big frame, and the Audax bikes all seem to stop at 60cm, which would have my knees on my chin, otherwise that would have been the way to go for sure! Cheers all! JIM
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Surrey Road CC, articles of my tours; Lejog, North Sea to the Alps, English Channel to the Med', 'End to End' Ireland,London to Paris,Corsica

acorn_user · May 2007

If you need a larger frame than 60cm, you might do well to consider a custom frame. Bob Jackson and Woodrup (+other?) could probably bring in a custom bike for around the same price as the Super Galaxy msrp...

Didn't mean to disparage the frame. I am interested in outsourcing, and enjoy trying to spot the handywork of the OEM factories

Maxway's website is fun for bike spotting....

Sworkscp · May 2007

Specialized Tricross Comp[;)][:)]

jimbarrow · May 2007

I tried the dawes Galaxy this weekend at Spa Cycles... Thankyou Norm for all your help; but found it a bit cumbersome (read heavy) and I'm having a rethink. I've every respect for Specialised, but again they come in too small for my long legs. In an ideal world I'd love a bespoke frame, and Jacksons do fit the bill, but unfortunately not the pocket. So that just leaves Trek once more ummm. Norm suggested rebuilding the Claud B. Majestic with new groupset. Tiagra should work, if I get the frame powdercoated, it could fit the bill for a few more miles.

Fab Foodie · May 2007

Hi Jimbarrow
IF the CB is in good physical/structural shape, then I'd have to say that a good re-spray and new groupset seems a great idea, especially if you could get it done almost to original colour and transfers (somethimes this is possible). Retro is the new...er, new...!

There is a certain pride about keeping a good old hand-made British frame on the road. Let's face it, you'll be riding something fairly unique, there are lots of Galaxys and Treks on the road.

The pessimists of this world are rarely disappointed....
Fab's TCR1

Bigtallfatbloke · June 2007

Hi..
I have just bought a Daws Galaxy 2007. I had them fit a front pannier rack & two water bottle racks & toe clips.
I am pretty new to 'serious'cycling and basically I just thought it's time to get out there and change a few things in my life...cycle tours seemed to be an answer. I looked around for bigger bikes ( I am 6'4" and bloody heavy!). I need a bike that would support my bulk, allow me to tour and last a very long time, on the assumption that I would get fitter and do longer tours over the coming years.

The Daws I have now has a 64" frame (the biggest size I could find on any bike). I have done around 300Km on it in two weeks ish and so far it's been fine.

My only criticisms would be the width of the pedals (I have wide feet) are too narrow for me. The saddle hurts...but what newbie rider hasn't said that. It doesnt have one of those grooves in it to cut out the numb nut syndrome...so i am replacing it to save my sex life!

The gear shifts levers are on the end of the drop bars. I had trouble at first, but now I have it figured....pull the right hand lever 'up to go up a hill'...simple thing to remember.

I am about to buy the panniers etc and start riding with increasing loads. I feel confident this bike can carry the weight. It is stable and at 13.5 kg not to heavy for me.

I did go on a ride recently where the group were all on road bikes...there was no way on earth that this bike was going to keep up with those guys, regardless of my leg strength...this is not a sprint bike.

Being more used to an old mountain bike gear shifts I miss the display that tells me which gear I am in. I fins myself looking down att he cogs to figure out which gear I am in...not so could at times. But again it's just a question of getting used to it.

The racing green colour is great and I have had several people asking me about my bike, what it is etc...

Th elocal dealers here in Essex pretty much stuck to the retail price œ799....but I got it at œ650 including two future services, additional rack, water frames and bottles, pump and spare innner tube. I may have been able to get a better deal but I was getting impatiant to ride.

My plan is to use this bike for touring and hopefully the fitness and weight loss benefits will come gradually over the next few years. Then when I can fit into skinnybloke lycra I will buy a flash fast roadbike. But right now, as a big guy...this bike does the job.

[:)]

Carpe Diem · June 2007

My Galaxy with 28mm gator skins on, can go at a fair lick, and I dare say there are a few boys on here with Galaxies that can give a so called race bike a run for its money?

Its more down to your fitness, and I,m sure as you get fitter and lighter you might be pleasantly surprised at your progress [:D]

But it is true what they say...........It never gets easier, you just go faster.

Good luck

Mark Alexander · June 2007

dawes every time

my elephant has more memory than my PC

Dawes Galaxy or Trek pilot?

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