Classic & Vintage - Dawes Galaxy Owners Unite!

Mornin' to you all,

I am in the process of compiling a complete model description of vintage (pre-1980) Dawes Galaxy and Dawes Super Galaxy. I have been scouring the internets for a few days now searching for information. I have sent over quite a few PMs and e-mails to people hoping to get some photos and info on their bikes.

so my question to you all is if you have a pre-1980s Dawes Galaxy, or Dawes Super Galaxy; please post up your pictures and a little info if you like.

To make the cyclo-genealogy easier I have noticed that there are a few key areas that have changed over the years. I more than understand that your bike may not be 100% original, but there are some key frame changes that will help show the progression throughout the years.

-If you re-painted the frame, or removed all of the decals; I am sorry but your photos will not be helpful :( -

- The Steerer tube badge
- The seat tube decal
- The decal/sticker placement
- The serial number placement

Thanks for all of your help in creating a working lineage of the Dawes Galaxy

More than a couple of Galaxies on here in different threads.
Few more here.
http://flickr.com/groups/dawes_galaxy/
Which you may have seen already!

Gaxies? Is that a popular nickname for galaxies?

:innocent:

yep, that is why I am trying to find out what the different color/sticker/badge/serial placements mean. (the amount of times that i typed Galaxies made my mind all mushy like..)
here are mine :)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1278/3270544196_af5c6880b1_b.jpg

Stickers don't make the bike. Dawes did!

I have a nice rebuild and respray. Won't post pics as it seems the sticker placement is of paramount importance.

Mine rides great and is increadibly light weight.

Fast too

Oh, I almost forgot, great looking!

Silly me... I figured the title was a typo and corrected it.

Here's a late 70s or early 80s Galaxy that I bought as a frameset, and built up/sold off as a 3-speed:

http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bikes/Dawes1.jpg

http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bikes/Dawes3speed1.jpg

And here's an earlier Galaxy that I was going to sell off as a single speed speed but instead sold the frameset to BF member wahoonc:

http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bikes/DawesGalaxy2.jpg

And here's my latest, what I think is a late 70s/early 80s Super Galaxy tourer. The downtube decal is a replacement:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_GmYBBzTzcVQ/SYyvldan-sI/AAAAAAAADTQ/cAa-35GT5M4/s800/DawesTourer1.jpg

Neal

True true that stickers don’t make the bike, but it will help give a better definition of what year the bike was made; so no more 70sish it will be a concrete 75 or 71.
like nlerner i am positive that your bike was from the 70s because of the front head badge, it is the Dawes torch. the 80s headset badges were round with leaves.

True true that stickers don’t make the bike, but it will help give a better definition of what year the bike was made; so no more 70sish it will be a concrete 75 or 71.
like nlerner i am positive that your bike was from the 70s because of the front head badge, it is the Dawes torch. the 80s headset badges were round with leaves.


Actually, I thought the torch headbadge was from the 1960s, and the wreath one shown in my third pic was mid 70s. And then this one below is late 70s/early 80s. That's just a guess, really.

Neal

http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bikes/Dawes2.jpg

Actually, I thought the torch headbadge was from the 1960s, and the wreath one shown in my third pic was mid 70s. And then this one below is late 70s/early 80s. That's just a guess, really.

Neal

http://web.mit.edu/nlerner/Public/Bikes/Dawes2.jpg

I think the badge in Neil's post was also used into the 90's.
http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l363/awprice/Dawes/badge.jpg
http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l363/awprice/100_0430.jpg

Silly me... I figured the title was a typo and corrected it.

Sorry Sixty Fiver, I couldn't resist repeating the Gaxie typo:D (It got attention and responses though, didn't it?)
But nevertheless it is an interesting excercise to try and nail the dates that Dawes changed their badges.
Very little real info of this on the net and it has irked me for ages, and pooling info might make it clearer.

My knowledge coincides with nlerners.
I've got a Galaxy with the oval plain badge believed, but can't prove it, to be 1982.
On Flickr is a Dawes with the wreathed round type and this is definitely 1978 because it was bought from winnings on the Football Pools! (You gotta remember that date!)

http://flickr.com/photos/chris531/2631788830/in/pool-dawes_galaxy

I also had an early Realmrider with the cool torch badge, but that was from the early 60s and I won't bore you with more pics of it here.
And it doesn't help nailing the changeover date.
Reputedly Dawes changed the torch badge after the factory fire to the wreathed version.
Sounds right to me.

Question is when did the changeover from the wreathed to the oval plain type occur?
Seems to be between 78 and, possibly, 82.
Anybody got an oval badge confirmed from or before 82?

I think the badge in Neal's post was also used into the 90's.

Similar, but different font, and all caps.

-Kurt

Similar, but different font, and all caps.

-Kurt
Absolutely right. There are at least two versions of the oval plain badge.
Later - I presume - were also stickers?
No experience here of the post Birmingham lugless Dawes.

Absolutely right. There are at least two versions of the oval plain badge.
Later - I presume - were also stickers?
No experience here of the post Birmingham lugless Dawes.

The post birmingham bikes are a different animal all together. I still think I have one fo the last few actual "Hand Built In England" bikes.

Too bad, the oddities to ech build is really interesting.

awesome info on the head badge nlerner, and the more pictures I find the more chukk's torch removal idea in 1975 makes all the sense. When I get home this evening I will date the brakes so that way i can get a better guess as to what year it is, but form the look of the serials they might make sense.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1043/3270545536_9faecf400c.jpg
1972 - bottom bracket serial # R 8213, or 8273

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1385/3269724007_80c995255d.jpg
19(66-74) - dropout serial # MS 5695


if they all kinda follow the same progression the 2nd number might be the key to finding out what year they were made. What are your serial numbers and their placements?

The post birmingham bikes are a different animal all together. I still think I have one of the last few actual "Hand Built In England" bikes.

Too bad, the oddities to each build is really interesting.
Really interesting...

Dawes are so interesting, but so frustrating....
Yours does look like an English, rather than a Taiwanese, or whatever, built machine.
In any case I would say that a proper Dawes can only ever be an English built machine.
(nothing what ever to do with me being English, you understand...)

so any of you check what your serial number is yet?

This may not help because it's not a Galaxy, but the serial number of my Double Blue is ES2???, with the first question mark likely a 3 6, or 8. The number is on the rear non-drive-side dropout. Wiser heads than mine have deemed it to be from the twilight of the teddy boy era--maybe 1963 or so. It has the torch head badge.
JV

and so the mystery continues... anyone else taken the time to look at their serial?

My old Galaxy (1982) has this SN.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/duktig/GalaxySN003.jpg
AF5 202. No numbers hiding under the cable guide.

The date is within a year.
Has reynolds stickers denoting 531 ST (Super Tourer)

I just dug my Dawes Galaxy out of the attic. I am going to look into the serial numbers and such. I got it when I was in college ... pre 1980 ... used it to rehab my knee from surgery. It was the fastest bike around <G>. it had to be 6 to 10 years old at the time. I am looking to get it restored but keep it original. It is in pretty good shape, needs tires and a seat, some cables but all is there. It is all original at this point. Any ideas?

just to add to the database my 84 dawes has a S/N that appears to be C3121 preceded by a sideways Z

I am trying to get a read on this Dawes Galaxy in terms of year, etc. Anyone seen one in these colors that might help with the vintage? Anything on this bike I should be particularly worried about inspecting beyond the normal?

http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b257/Fallen86/Bicycles/?action=view&current=dawesgalaxy63.jpg

I am trying to get a read on this Dawes Galaxy in terms of year, etc. Anyone seen one in these colors that might help with the vintage? Anything on this bike I should be particularly worried about inspecting beyond the normal?

http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b257/Fallen86/Bicycles/?action=view&current=dawesgalaxy63.jpg

Given the font on the downtube, I'd guess 1980s if that fade paint scheme is original. They were all the rage in the late 80s. Can't tell much else without detailed pics of the seat stay area, headbadge, and fork crown. I think this thread documents those differences pretty well.

Neal

Neal-

Thanks, I am going to see the bike tomorrow. I hope it turns out to be in good shape. I will do the best I can to look it over, and I might try to get some photos of it.

Alex

I've learned all the componentry is Simplex, which I understood to be not so good. Should that affect the value and or my interest in this bike?

I've learned all the componentry is Simplex, which I understood to be not so good. Should that affect the value and or my interest in this bike?

no not at all. if you can find it for under say... 100; take it

134163
(i dont know why the picture doesnt show up but just click it)
heres my 1966 galaxy
its got the 531 reynolds tubing.
"new shimano shifters" even though theyr not new thats just the name
rigida chrome rims made in france.
??sunshine hubs??-ive never heard of this make.
weinnman center pull brakes.
dia compe levers and pads.
super old brooks saddle.
GB hanbdle bars with awesome embroidered flowers and other designs.
stronglight cranks.
AFA pedals and accessories.
...thats about all i can remember
and i got it all for 12 bucks:thumb:

134163
(i dont know why the picture doesnt show up but just click it)


It still doesn't work.

It still doesn't work.

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo263/hwdxbassist/DSC08721.jpg
mmmm weird i just posted it on photo bucket its not a great pic but i can take more if u want more detail

This is an older thread, but worth adding to for posterity. The 1950s/early 1960s Dawes Windrush was a predecessor to the Galaxy. I think the first year for the Galaxy was 1962, but could be off by a year or two. The Double Blue with Campagnolo deraileurs was above the Windrush in the Dawes model line-up at that time. The 1959/1960 Windrush came with a Reynolds 531 frame, Benolux deraileurs, Weinmann side pull brakes, Williams cottered steel crank, Rigida Chromolux steel rims, GB engraved alloy handlebars, white contoured brake hood covers and white lever covers, Brooks leather saddle, and a boss on the right fork blade where a head lamp bracket could be bolted on. The white plastic covers (brake levers, DT shifters) had the "Dawes" name on them. There where oiling ports on the bottom bracket and also on the head tube. Bike without add-ons probably weighed about 28 pounds (just guessing). The add-ons would include fenders, wire rack, and a Miller generator light set.

Dawes Echelon, one step below auchencrow's in the pecking order, and apparently he is a fellow vinyl addict, as well

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j13/shrinkboy/Dawes%20Kapu%20Vista%20%20January%202010/DawesKapuVista001.jpg

This is an older thread, but worth adding to for posterity. The 1950s/early 1960s Dawes Windrush was a predecessor to the Galaxy. I think the first year for the Galaxy was 1962, but could be off by a year or two. The Double Blue with Campagnolo deraileurs was above the Windrush in the Dawes model line-up at that time. The 1959/1960 Windrush came with a Reynolds 531 frame, Benolux deraileurs, Weinmann side pull brakes, Williams cottered steel crank, Rigida Chromolux steel rims, GB engraved alloy handlebars, white contoured brake hood covers and white lever covers, Brooks leather saddle, and a boss on the right fork blade where a head lamp bracket could be bolted on. The white plastic covers (brake levers, DT shifters) had the "Dawes" name on them. There where oiling ports on the bottom bracket and also on the head tube. Bike without add-ons probably weighed about 28 pounds (just guessing). The add-ons would include fenders, wire rack, and a Miller generator light set.

Thanks for the useful info--there seems to be not a whole lot known about the older Dawes models. My Double Blue appears to be from 1963 or so. I know it's supposed to be a fairly high-end model, but I've always been puzzled by the absence of chrome on the rear stays, when the lower-end Galaxies apparently WERE chromed. No Reynolds decal, either, or any trace of where one used to be. It has Campy NR derailleurs, which I suspect are an upgrade. Any idea what might have been on there originally? Gran Sport, maybe?

Thanks for the useful info--there seems to be not a whole lot known about the older Dawes models. My Double Blue appears to be from 1963 or so. I know it's supposed to be a fairly high-end model, but I've always been puzzled by the absence of chrome on the rear stays, when the lower-end Galaxies apparently WERE chromed. No Reynolds decal, either, or any trace of where one used to be. It has Campy NR derailleurs, which I suspect are an upgrade. Any idea what might have been on there originally? Gran Sport, maybe?

Don't know. I also found it difficult to find information. I found some photos of other similar bikes, which were about the most help. Anything you can post would therefore be a help. You can also try posting on other websites, in addition to B.F., to get information. I got the following comment from another original owner (I got mine from an original owner) in regard to the Windrush:

" Memory Lane! I had one of these new and still have it, though much has been changed. This was actually an 8-speed design with benelux touring wide ratio gears – problem was that when I was pedalling hard in low gears the rear wheel would regularly shift in its brackets and jam against the frame/mudguard. Only solved by a total refit with new gears and wheels. Recognise the gorgeous white brake and gear handle covers – they looked so cool in the bike shop! All the cables etc were white originally. Nice to see another Windrush in such good nick."

bumpity bump.

before:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4643283884_417a1282db_b.jpg

after:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5006765007_4c6981cbb1_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4961804785_ee9363843a_b.jpg

Here's some very useful pics of headtube badges.
http://velobase.com/ViewBrand.aspx?BrandID=99d4df7f-ab2a-4f33-8e95-029679edad78&From=T

My Dawes Galaxy or Super Galaxy has the first badge pictured, oval badge, wreath and w/o torch. I actually lost track of which model it is.

It is a respray with a new rear brake bridge for 700c wheels & Tufo tubulars. Total Campy Record. Its a large frame (62 ish), ESSG fenders, Brooks Pro and weighs in at 25 pounds. 53/41 SR crankset with a seven speed 12 -28.

Here'a question re the frame: My Dawes has the Dawes encribed drop-outs front and rear. But It also has drop-out adjuster screws. I've not seen this detail on others. Does any else have the Drop-out adjusters?

Steve

Yes my Dawes has the Dawes scripted rear drop out with the adjuster screw. Can't say what model it is cause it came to me sans any decals except the Dawes handbuilt one on the downtube.286471 Unfortunately, it doesn't have a Dawes fork, it came with a chrome akisu branded one, dated 1980.

Really interesting...

Dawes are so interesting, but so frustrating....
Yours does look like an English, rather than a Taiwanese, or whatever, built machine.
In any case I would say that a proper Dawes can only ever be an English built machine.
(nothing what ever to do with me being English, you understand...)

Hi Viscount, Good to see you on here. Thanks for the info - interesting about the wreath being added after the factory fire. I'd agree, the only real Dawes is an English built one!

Seeing as this thread keeps popping it's head up I should get my Dawes on here for future reference.
It's a 1977 Galaxy GT in as found condition and still rides great. It was blue and the rear rim has been replaced but otherwise it's original. I have put off restoring it because the top tube is way to long for me so should be passed to a new owner.

http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad345/kdionb/1977%20Dawes%20Galaxy%20GT/IMG_0970.png
286510286511286512286513286514286515286516286517286518286519

Here are some pics of my Dawes Galaxy frame . I bought the complete bike from the original owner. He bought it in 1972 in Bryan , Texas. Used it for daily transportation when he went to A & M. Maybe these will help folks to determine the year of their bikes. So, this headbadge, decals, lugs, ect are from a 1972 Dawes. This one will get a repaint and rebuild/ major upgrades towards a touring bike in the next couple of months.

I bought a mid '80s Super Galaxy yesterday that the prior owner outfitted with a very nice grouping of Nuovo Record throughout, a nice Brooks B17, nice Honnjo fenders, and he threw in 3 wheel sets (all campy Record hubs) with it. :) I'm in the process of tearing it down to rebuild it with new calbles, grease, etc. It's Reynolds 531ST frame and fork. Should be a fantastic ride. It's dark maroon. Pics to follow.

I briefly had a Super Galaxy frame several years ago, traded it off to get my PX-10.

I think I might eventually find myself one of the green 70's Galaxys with the contrasting lugs.

Here's my Super Galaxy finished up.

http://i744.photobucket.com/albums/xx81/mgwantob/IMG_1098_zps4d06dc6e.jpg

Here's my Goodwill find Dawes before I sold it. Wish it fit me!
296431

I love that this is still moving with more cycles! Sad that you had to let her go, and thank you for posting a photo!

I love that this is still moving with more cycles! Sad that you had to let her go, and thank you for posting a photo!

Yea to that^.

Here's a slightly more recent photo of my Dawes, with a few cosmetic updates from the previous as-found photos. It's a sweet-riding bike.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh117/auchencrow/Dawes%20Atlantis/DawesAtlantisOct20113.jpg

[QUOTE=auchencrow;15238142]Yea to that^.



Lovely bike!

I have an early Galaxy which i am finding impossible to date other than generally 'mid 70's'. I've had a couple of very similar bikes before and looked at buying one new in the late 70's (ended up with a Carlton instead) and my recollection is that all were different in terms of decals, length of chroming on fork legs, etc. One particular variation i can recall is that some seemed to have the 'Galaxy' decal on the top tube whilst others did not and some seemed to have more fork rake than others...very strange! My bike has no top tube decal and fork rake more like a period 'racing' bike than a tourer....but is definitely completely original in both respects.....

My current bike is about 50% original...frame and forks, all paintwork, decals and chrome, bars, stem, seat and seat stem, brakes, headset... but the rest has been upgraded to higher quality parts from the early to mid 80's. It's a lovely bike to ride and much more lively than some newer Galaxies i have owned.

300429

Looks like there's one coming in the mail. i can't wait.

Hi folks, just what the doctor ordered, a thread on dating Dawes :thumb:I have just aquired one, I think its mid 60s - early 70s, not got any photos on me at the mo but i can post some soon along with the Serial Number. Hopefully one of you may be able to date / model it.....

Jim