Ancient Dawes

biking_mongoose

I've acquired an ancient dawes frame. It has the Dawes badge on the head tune but nothing else.

The bb shell has what looks like a frame number stamped on it. It had a chainset fitted (a sakae unit) which, from the number stamped on the inside of the crank, I've managed to date to around 1985.

Is there anyway, by using the frame number, that I can ascertain what I've acquired? If its a decent frame, I could be tempted to build it up as a commuter. The forks are pretty naff as they have been drilled for a light mount. However, the frame itself is pretty solid.

Gerry Attrick

Felicitations Biking Mongoose,

I am not claiming to be an expert, but I have a similar vintage Dawes steel framed road bike which I bought new in about 1987. Back then I used to ride it to and from work regularly plus other trips further afield. It seemed ok then but compared to modern machinery it is as a Lada is to an Audi. Handling is ponderous and the slightest road irregularity feels like the seat post is being driven into the base of my skull! I only use it now in the wet or to go down the village shop where even the local scumbags wouldn't bother nicking it. Still looks ok though.

Maybe modern wheels etc. would help, but I suggest the cost would be excessive.

See what others say.

secretsam

I have the same issue (see my recent post on painting and old 531 frame). You could get in contact with Dawes and give them the frame number and see what they say, if it's a decent frame you could do what I may do: paint it, then get a second hand modern bike off Flea-bay and transfer as many bits as will fit, then flog the donor bike frame...