PART 1: THE FRAME
Now that my Dawes is twelve years old, I find myself asking; "What bike would I buy today? Could I replace my beloved Dawes Galaxy?" In this first part, I'll take a look at some of the frames that interest me today.
Most everything about bicycles has undergone some type of significant change since 2012. Most notably; frames are generally made of carbon fibre (as well as forks) and disc brakes are the factory-standard. In fact, most everything about my Dawes Galaxy is rarely seen today and most new components are completely incompatible with my current set-up. I'll be honest... it's sad & very frustrating.
Rim brakes, bar-end shifters, 9-speed gearing, and triple-cranksets — which were considered pretty cool back in 2012, are now "anitquated". Even 10-speed gearing is getting rare, whilst 11 and 12 speed transmisions are becoming the norm. Paddle shifters, hydraulic disc brakes, and even electronic groupsets are becoming the industry standard as well.
Even more shocking is that Dawes no longer makes a "Galaxy" bike. After 49 years, the new owners of the Dawes brand stated; "Over the past few years sales have declined to a point where they were no longer feasible." Considering all of this, what would this cranky old retro-grouch do?
Even more shocking is that Dawes no longer makes a "Galaxy" bike. After 49 years, the new owners of the Dawes brand stated; "Over the past few years sales have declined to a point where they were no longer feasible." Considering all of this, what would this cranky old retro-grouch do?
ALERT!!! Before I get too far, I want to include a link to the Velo ORANGE blog and their post about the 2024 Philly Bike Expo. Their photos and write-up captures the essence of what I'm trying to do. See: Philly Bike Expo Recap, part 1.
The Frame - Steel & Rim Brakes
The first issue I would need to address is the frame. I like steel. Anything else is just a poor substitute in my estimation; aluminium never felt quite right (the few times I've ridden alloy touring frames they felt very rigid and the ride harsh), and carbon fibre is just plastic (a "toy bike" for boy racers) — not at all suitable for what I want... I need to haul gear.
Next to consider are the brakes. I'm not interested in disc brakes, however rim brakes are completely out of fashion and getting very difficult to find these days. After 45 years, I have no desire (or need) to change. Without going into a lengthy explanation, I just like the simplicity and classic look.
Also to be considered is the type of steel frame; is it lugged or tig-welded? Does it require centerpull or cantilever brakes and finally, does it use a steel fork? (And is the fork lugged or welded? Carbon-fibre forks were not considered.) Just look at the lovely curves on the steel forks shown below. They are gorgeous. Plus, I want to be able to install a front rack and you guessed it — load up the gear!
The frames listed below are by no means the complete list of every steel frame available, these are just my personal favourites and gathered from the frames I know of today (February 2024).
Next to consider are the brakes. I'm not interested in disc brakes, however rim brakes are completely out of fashion and getting very difficult to find these days. After 45 years, I have no desire (or need) to change. Without going into a lengthy explanation, I just like the simplicity and classic look.
Also to be considered is the type of steel frame; is it lugged or tig-welded? Does it require centerpull or cantilever brakes and finally, does it use a steel fork? (And is the fork lugged or welded? Carbon-fibre forks were not considered.) Just look at the lovely curves on the steel forks shown below. They are gorgeous. Plus, I want to be able to install a front rack and you guessed it — load up the gear!
The frames listed below are by no means the complete list of every steel frame available, these are just my personal favourites and gathered from the frames I know of today (February 2024).
Brand: Rivendell
Top of my list and has been for nearly 20 years. The lugs, the geometry, the paintwork, the details... everything about this frame is perfect. Did I mention the details?
Brand: Crust
Number 2 my list and deservedly so... A few more frame mounts, a cool location for the pump peg, and look at those lugs!
Brand: Rivendell
A very close third. The lugs, the geometry, the paintwork, the details... everything.
Brand: Crust
The first frame in my lineup without lugs. Everything else matches up nicely, especially the Gran Trajet fork & crown!
Brand: Spa Cycles
Perhaps the most practical (and sexy!) touring frame available in the UK today. Loads of mounts and at an amazing price! I'd just need work out the fork details...
Brand: Soma
A fabulous frame from a leading independant Amercian/Asian fabricator. And again, I'd just need work out the fork details...
Brand: Brother
A fairly new UK brand with an amazing neo-retro Cro-moly steel frame. Plenty of mounts and details, plus the price is fantastic!
Brand: Velo Orange
Another amazing neo-retro Cro-moly steel frame. Plenty of mounts and some very unique details. Tough to consider outside UK...
Brand: Surly
A great neo-retro Cro-moly steel frame from an exceptionl US brand. Plenty of mounts and details. Get one while you can... no longer in production at this price, it's a great find!
Brand: Genisis
A fantastaic frame from a great UK brand. Last of these rim brake frames around too... only thing missing are cage mounts on the forks.
There is much to consider when looking at steel frames.
Of course, there are plenty of custom bike frame builders that specialize in touring frames where you can get everything your heart desires, but I've stayed away from those because primarily they are very expensive. There are three brands that offer bespoke frames which I considered adding to this list, but decided in the end to limit my choices to frames costing under £2k. But, Breadwinner Cycles, Thorn Cycles, and Co-motion Cycles are all exceptional frame fabricators with years of experience, some fabulous bikes, and many loyal customers.
Of course, there are plenty of custom bike frame builders that specialize in touring frames where you can get everything your heart desires, but I've stayed away from those because primarily they are very expensive. There are three brands that offer bespoke frames which I considered adding to this list, but decided in the end to limit my choices to frames costing under £2k. But, Breadwinner Cycles, Thorn Cycles, and Co-motion Cycles are all exceptional frame fabricators with years of experience, some fabulous bikes, and many loyal customers.
Part 2: The Frame - Disc Brakes
To most cyclists today, it would seem obvious to say that new bike frames use disc brakes for they are now the industry standard and what most consumers want on their bikes. For myself, it's a big change with a significant learning curve.
Disc brakes have required changes to the "old skool" design of bicycles, so it's important to understand what these changes are and how they have effected modern frame geometry. I had thought of including that discussion here, but it's rather extensive. I'll follow-up this article with an in-depth exploration on the specifics in my next feature for this series.
Meanwhile, for a great write-up about the introduction of disc brakes to road bikes, check out this article from 2013: road.cc - The disc brake revolution is coming + industry insider comment. Here's another interesting article from 2022: Pearson - Why Disc Brakes have taken over on road bikes. And another: Cycling Weekly - Road bike disc brakes: everything you need to know.
Disc brakes have required changes to the "old skool" design of bicycles, so it's important to understand what these changes are and how they have effected modern frame geometry. I had thought of including that discussion here, but it's rather extensive. I'll follow-up this article with an in-depth exploration on the specifics in my next feature for this series.
Meanwhile, for a great write-up about the introduction of disc brakes to road bikes, check out this article from 2013: road.cc - The disc brake revolution is coming + industry insider comment. Here's another interesting article from 2022: Pearson - Why Disc Brakes have taken over on road bikes. And another: Cycling Weekly - Road bike disc brakes: everything you need to know.
For a look at my last survey and review of touring bikes, see: 8 Off-the-Peg Touring Bikes for 2021
