Hi list, regarding the Dawes debate I think it is important to keep a sense of perspective. They were obviously not Colnago's or Gillott's or even close. In the 70's in rather Provincial British Columbia, Canada, they seemed a step up from the universal UO 8's, Apollos and Raleigh Firebirds of my friends. They provided a good starting point for a young cyclist who could then decide if a move up to a PX10 {Or International or Pro if you were a Raleigh fan} level bike was warranted . I found mine quite satisfactory once I replaced the rear dropouts with a pair of Campys, ditto the derailleurs for a pair of NR's and the crankset for a PX 10 surplus Stronglight setup. The wheels ; Campy tipo's, Fiame yellow label clinchers were from a otherwise clunky Crescent. All in all a reasonable bike with a budget price. And it was a good education on bike mechanics . I still own it , and still enjoy riding it. I even preferred it on casual rides to the Competition GS that replaced it as my "good" bike.
Greg Lone Langley B.C. Canada
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