YoKev

I have a new to me ~52cm Dawes 531 frame

The seller said that it was mid 1960's, and certain aspects of the frame match frames from that era that I've seen on ebayuk. It came with a set of SR Apex cranks, with a "76" stamped in to both arms. He said that the cranks were original to the bike. The head badge also appears to be newer, but the seat stays say otherwise to my novice eye.

So, any idea what vintage and model this is?

Many thanks to JunkYardBike for picking this up and holding it for me until I could get to NJ!

-Kevin





Taped head badge on for the photo:








Set of really narrow GB bars included with sale also. Nicely engraved with DAWES. Also, Dawes lugged stem I picked up on ebay last week.

wahoonc

The head badge and downtube sticker match the ones on my 1975/6 Galaxy. I think that is closer to the true age of the frame set. IIRC they used a different headbadge in the 1960's.

Aaron

YoKev

Do the lugs and seat stays match as well?

wahoonc

They are identical, mine is a good bit taller than yours though (25.5" frame)


Aaron

YoKev

Well, I guess that pretty much settles it 1975ish it is. Thanks.

YoKev

Oh, I see you have chromed fork ends and stays! I wonder why mine doesn't have that

wahoonc

Different model? What does your tubing sticker say?

Aaron

YoKev

Tubing sticker says "Reynolds 531 Frame Tubes".

Also worth noting that there is no lamp boss on the fork, never has been. If it wasn't a Galaxy, what other model could it be?

Thanks,
Kevin

YoKev

maybe the weekday crew knows a little?

wahoonc

Here is a website with some Dawes Catalogs on it.
There is another one somewhere but I can't find the link at the moment.

Aaron

nlerner

Here are some shots from the CR site of a Dawes thought to be from the 1960s:

https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Bri...60s/index.html

Very similar lugs and look to yours, Kevin. I also think the lack of a lamp boss might just mean it was an export model, rather than for the UK market.

Neal

wahoonc

Notice the different headbadge, to me that is the telling detail. Somewhere around 1978-80 or so the headlight boss on the fork went away. The shop I was working in at the time sold Dawes, but it was one of our slower moving brands, so we didn't keep very many on hand.

Aaron

YoKev

Wow, looks like the only thing that has changed from the 60's to the 70's is the head badge!

Aaron, would you call my bike "Pacific Blue"? Based purely on color, how about the Echelon? Also, the SR Apex alloy cranks that came with it fit the description and the tooth count...I just can't see the lugs clearly.
https://bulgier.net/pics/bike/Catalogs/Dawes-77/a2.JPG

wahoonc

I would say that is a fair guess, but it is a 1976 or earlier model, based on the down tube decal. I have some Dawes catalogs somewhere, along with a fair collection of Bicycling and Bike World magazines running back to the mid 70's. When I get the chance I will dig thru them and see what I can find.

Aaron

YoKev

Beautiful!

Can't wait to see what you uncover.

YoKev

Any luck Aaron?

Ranger63

That certainly looks to be an exact copy of the 1978 Dawes echelon I had.
The Reynolds decal should say "531 Main tubes" The Front Forks had a decal on them I believe it sad cro-mo steel.
The beadg is identical to the one I had on my echelon but that badge may have been on all Dawes models.
The decorative lines on the seat stays are identical to what I had.
The only difference (and this might be a upgrade with a later model )was mine had the screw style adjusters in the rear dropouts.
The SR Apex carnkset is what was on mine. SR stem and Engraved SR Bars
The brake bridge looks about the same. Mine had Weinman Centerpulls.
If you want to send me a off line E-Mail addy I can send you a dawes flyer showing the echelon.
52CM is too small for me,otherwise I'd be making an offer.)
The Blue is the tip off.
Dawes offered the Echelon in that color only.
I don't believe any other Dawes model came in solid blue.

wahoonc

Not yet...been working out of town. Dad called and wants my junk out of his storage building and that is where the catalogs are

Aaron

YoKev

Nice, thanks for the follow up here and via PM. It's great to finally know what it is

Kevin

KARLZ

hello Wahoonc,

You wouldn't happen to want to sell your frame. I have the Identical bike but in green.
Sadly some australian guy open the door on me whilst I was under way and the front forks are completely bent.
Its a 1970's Dawes Galaxy 25.5" and it breaks my heart that I can't ride it any more!

Take care.

Karl

rhm

Welcome to the forum, Karl! Reviving a four year old thread is a rite of passage for all new members, so you're right on track.

Is everything else on your Dawes okay? Especially the frame, that is? 'Cuz if the frame is okay, you can get replacement forks that look pretty good. The nice ones are all chrome, but there are all kinds of less fancy ones that wouldn't be too bad, such as this:

https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=415875

I'm not sure that's big enough for your bike. But my point is, a fork is replaceable and your bike will be as good as new.

YoKev

Luckily, I'm still around after 4 years. I know you directed your comment at wahoonc, but I still have my frame as well. I've been piecing it together for a fixed gear build, but hey, GOOD RIDDANCE! I'm hopefully moving soon so I wouldn't be sad to see it go. Drop me an email if interested: kjyoun01 at gmail since you can't PM yet.

It takes me a few days to get to emails sometimes, so have no fears.

Best,
Kevin

wahoonc

Not interesting in selling mine, it is finally moving towards the front of the project line. I plan to build a Clubman style bike with it. Right heritage...

Aaron

Lenton58 

My 2 cents — not an Atlantis. But ... very nice! Do it!

Ranger63

If anyone out there has a link to a 9 out of 10 55/56 cm dawes echelon in the atlantis blue (with the weinman centerpulls ) give me a shout.
I've decided I need to have one again. It was one of the nicest light touring bikes I ever owned.