So its been a week since I got home and got my Dawes SST Al put together, I've seen a few reviews around the internet but thought I could throw mine out there too. I fail at taking pictures so oh well.

When I got home I checked the box out only a minor puncture from the front wheel bolt. Everything went together really easily, wheels mostly true, bottom bracket greased everything perfect. I replaced the factory seat with a selle I picked up on ebay for 45 dollars.

Pedals: Factory pedals suck but I decided to send my SPD-SL back in favor of some SPD compatible pedals so I could get a pair of shoes I could wear all day for commuting.

Seat: Its really squishy my son likes to play with it and chase the dogs around with it....so its great for that

Cranks: FSA Cranks only trouble I have with them is they are fluted(is that the right term?) So I had a hard time getting my cateye strada cadence installed ended up returning that as well.

Wheels. Alexis wheels no complaints a rough but it'll be ok I suppose

Frame: As noted ugly welds my only real complaint is the chainstays are pretty thick and caused issues installing the cateye on them as well (which is what lead to returning it) Going to try and find a front wheel speed sensor. Only a headbadge and decal on the seat tube

Seat post: Leave s a lot to be desired I may pick up a marked down carbon post for a personal choice

Handle Bars: Stock bars feel fine brakes and levers are fine (tektro brakes) mine came with a fixed gear installed and a free wheel in the box (have not installed yet)

Fork: Pretty generic carbon fork nothing fancy


Over all I'd recommend it for someone looking for a commuter fixie


My only complaints are I did not like the way my cateye fit on the bike the sensor were almost rubbing and I had issues with the cadence not detecting so I need to look into something else

Over all its a good bike for what I will be using it for (commuting/fitness) has 2 water bottle mounts

Nice review. I've been looking for a new aluminum FG and this fits the bill.

I almost bought a 725 from Retrogression but wimped out (sorry Scrod!) and a Visp from cc, but I don't want to build a bike on my own...

I own one as well...been riding it for 1 year now.

I'd add that the geometry sucks for fixed gear. The bottom bracket is too low, so pedal strike occurs on the regular (especially with the wide stock pedals). I'd recommend this frame be used for single speed only.

I haven't had any pedal strike issues but I've been pretty mindful on corners I can see it being an issue if you hit a corner fast but hasn't been an issue here yet

I've ran into pedal strike once or twice, luckily it wasn't terrible.

Great review, you hit on the three things that need replaced for sure. The seatpost is ugly and scratches terribly easy, the seat is just ugly, and the pedals are meh. But I've yet to replace any of it. haha

Your son chases the dogs around with the stock saddle? Lol, that's awesome

yeah hes 15 months and with as padded as it is it seems harmless hes falled on it a few times and just bounces up laughing. He enjoys it at least as much as his toys