Dawes Sardar / 1-Down?

[Grover]

Hey ho

Just seen an interesting looking bike in the form of a Dawes Sardar

Anybody got one or seen one (or wouldnt touch one with a barge pole!)
Its a 631 framed tourer, 26" rather than 700c and its previous incarnation was the Dawes 1-Down

Any informed comment would be appreciated

Nice one

[MichaelW]

I saw one in my local shop, and was underwhelmed. It seems a heavy frame, with crude welding and dodgy assembly. Dawes wheelbuilding is not always as good as it should be.
You can find better versions of the 26" touring bike, in expedition, utility, or sport versions from Orbit or Thorn, or even your own local bike shop, Avons' Caribou.

[Grover]

Yeah, Ive long hankered after a Caribou, but theyre a little outside my price bracket

I see some fair-weather commuter with a dura-ace equipped version most (dry) days.

Perhaps the best way to go about it, might be to build my own.