my first road bike was a dawes lightening something or other, and while it was very inexpensive, that is reflected in the components. has resulted in several hi speed dropped chains, one resulting in a crash.

when i got really serious about riding, abotu 2 months later, i bought a raleigh and havnt looked back. i stuck some bmx platforms on the dawes and use it as my beater when i dont feel like riding the fixed gear.