Spring 2023
When I moved to Wales in 2011, I soon realised that relying upon my beloved TREK (then a 30-year-old bicycle) was not going to be practical, so in 2012 I purchased my Dawes Ultra Galaxy.
Having read about the legendary Dawes brand, I set out to find a size and model which fit my desires. It was November and choices were pretty slim, but luckily I found a new, still-in-the-box 2011 Ultra Galaxy (in my size!) at Spa Cycles in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England.
Then sight unseen or tried for fit, I gave the kind gentleman on the other end of the telephone my credit card number. The rest is history.
Then sight unseen or tried for fit, I gave the kind gentleman on the other end of the telephone my credit card number. The rest is history.
Ride Details (since 2020)
I began tracking the details of my rides for each specific bike in 2020. However, you may view the details of my rides prior to 2020 by visiting: 2012 -2021: Chart Archive.
Note: You may mouseover the bars to see the exact values for each year.
Features Gallery
To be fair, this area is a moving target. The only original parts on this bike are the frame, seat post, and stem... everything else has been replaced. I put a decent amount of miles on this girl and components wear out, parts get upgraded, or I just changes things for the sake of it.
Shimano Deore FC-M590 9-Speed 48/36/26T Triple Crankset (175-mm), MKS GR-10 Platform Pedals, Zefal 43 Plus 515 Toe-Clips and Straps
Shimano Sora FD-R3030 Triple / 9 spd Front Derailleur, Shimano Hollowtech BB-52 Bottom Bracket
Shimano Deore XT M772 9-speed Rear Derailleur (long-cage), Shimano Alivio HG400 9-speed 12-36T Cassette, Shimano CN-HG93 Chain
Jtek Alloy Front Carrier and Tubus Low-Rider Front Rack, B + M Lumotec IQ CYO Premium T Senso Plus Front Light, Gilles Berthoud 700c Stainless Steel Mudguards - Long
Garmin Edge® Explore 2 Touring Computer, NVO F2 +7/-7 Stem (spacer-free), Crane Bell Suzu Brass Bicycle Bell with sleeve mount
Shimano Deore LX T670 V-brakes, Clarks 72mm (long) shoes with Kool Stop (salmon) inserts, Tubus Logo Classic Rear Rack
Ritchey Comp Ergomax - 40cm Handlebar, Origin8, Classique Sport Drop, drilled Brake Levers, Cinelli Gel Cork Tape (natural)
Shimano Dura Ace 7700 9-speed, Bar-end Shifters, Shimano DH-3N72 Dynamo Front Hub, Shimano Deore FHT610 Rear Hub, Mavic A 719 Rims (36h), Continental GatorHardshell, black/black, 700 x 32C Tyres
Additional Accessories: Brooks B-17 Classic Saddle (top image), Zefal HPX - Frame Pump, FWE - 40 Lumen & Fenderbot Tail Light(s), Blackburn Black Logo Road Bike Handlebar Mirror (top image), PDW Owl Cages (2), Carradice Nelson Long-flap Saddlebag & Arkel Handlebar Bag (top image)
Full Component List (as of 2023)
El Camino
When I moved to the UK, most cyclists were running 700c rims on their "road bikes" (as they are now called) and at that time, the selection of 27" tyres was very limited. This consideration, along with the age of my TREK 412, I thought it wise to purchase a new touring bike.
For years I had heard of the Dawes brand as the "best British-made touring bicycles". They are legendary and the Dawes Galaxy has a vibrant cult following (see: Dawes Cycle Heritage) . After much research, I found the size and spec I wanted at the equally legendary Spa Cycles and in January of 2012, I ordered online my 2011 Dawes Ultra Galaxy.
Today, after 12 years, I can say with utmost honesty that she has performed flawlessly and done everything (and more) of what I've asked of her. This is my "do-everything and go-anywhere" bike. She's my commuter, my daily-rider, my winter bike, my gravel bike, my randoneur, and my touring bike. I have no qualms about taking her almost anywhere. She's a tough old girl.
I'm currently on my third set of rims, fourth crankset, second set of front and rear derailleurs, countless chains, cassettes, and tyres. I replaced the stock "brifters" with bar-end shifters and Origin8 brake levers in 2015 and some might question my replacement of the Avid "Shorty" cantilever brakes with Shimano V-brakes, but I love 'em. I upgraded the handlebars to the Ritchie Ergomax in 2020.
I had no idea at the time that this bicycle would become such a workhorse for me. She's absolutely amazing. Comfortable, reliable, sturdy, and after nearly 70k miles, she is still going strong. And despite all my component changes and modifications, Dawes nailed it with the frame geometry and fabrication. I cannot say enough good things about this girl. She ROCKS!
For years I had heard of the Dawes brand as the "best British-made touring bicycles". They are legendary and the Dawes Galaxy has a vibrant cult following (see: Dawes Cycle Heritage) . After much research, I found the size and spec I wanted at the equally legendary Spa Cycles and in January of 2012, I ordered online my 2011 Dawes Ultra Galaxy.
Today, after 12 years, I can say with utmost honesty that she has performed flawlessly and done everything (and more) of what I've asked of her. This is my "do-everything and go-anywhere" bike. She's my commuter, my daily-rider, my winter bike, my gravel bike, my randoneur, and my touring bike. I have no qualms about taking her almost anywhere. She's a tough old girl.
I'm currently on my third set of rims, fourth crankset, second set of front and rear derailleurs, countless chains, cassettes, and tyres. I replaced the stock "brifters" with bar-end shifters and Origin8 brake levers in 2015 and some might question my replacement of the Avid "Shorty" cantilever brakes with Shimano V-brakes, but I love 'em. I upgraded the handlebars to the Ritchie Ergomax in 2020.
I had no idea at the time that this bicycle would become such a workhorse for me. She's absolutely amazing. Comfortable, reliable, sturdy, and after nearly 70k miles, she is still going strong. And despite all my component changes and modifications, Dawes nailed it with the frame geometry and fabrication. I cannot say enough good things about this girl. She ROCKS!
