Updating my 1970s Dawes Galaxy for touring
 

So I have this gorgeous Dawes Galaxy and would like to do a few small tours around Ontario this summer, like just up the Bruce Peninsula and maybe the near north a bit. Eventually I'd like to do some extended tours too.

Here it is now, as a ten speed.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/...7c67cd7ef9.jpg

I'm thinking some 36 spoke (or 40 rear?, I'm ~200lbs) 700c wheels, long reach dual pivots. It only has single eyelets for fenders or racks though, I'd need some way to rig up fenders to the racks I guess. The frame has a reynolds 531 sticker on it. I like the retro-looks of the polished velo-orange rims, are they suitable for extended touring or should I stick with some of the more recommended Mavics or other big names? I have to go with dual-pivots as there aren't any mounts for other brakes... would dual pivots really be of concern on an extended tour? I'd definitely get koolstop pads as well.

I think I'd like to spread the frame, and get an 8 or 9 speed rear and a triple in the front... wider, aluminum bars too... probably randonneur bend, as I'm a fan of those.

I'm also not 100% set on using this bike but I've heard good things about them as tourers, so it doesn't seem like a bad starting point, does it?

New rims, spokes, rear hub, brakes, bars, cassette, rear derailleur (I wouldn't expect the original derailleur to work with 8 or 9 cogs), bottom bracket, crankset, front derailleur... You're not going to have much left of the original bike, are you?

I would keep the bike as is, because it looks awfully cool that way and should be a great bike for day rides, commuting, etc. If you want to tour with it, get a Carradice Nelson or a Carradice Camper saddlebag and a good handlebar bag, and maybe an adaptor if the saddle doesn't have bag loops. Maybe a Brooks saddle just to complete the retro look.

If you want to tour on a modern bike, get a new or used LHT or something like that. That bike is way too cool the way it is, and all the parts you want to replace could easily cost as much as a good used tourer.

I wouldn't go messing with that that very nice old road bike. Get yourself a dedicated touring bike and leave the Dawes original. If money is a little tight, look at the Windsor Tourist for $600. If $$$s are plentiful, Trek 520 or LHT. Or just build out a Nashbar frame. Lots of options.

You could probably tour on it just as it is after a good overhaul...BUT! There are some minor improvements that would make it better. New alloy rims wouldn't hurt.

FWIW I tour on a 20 year old MTB that still has the original Suntour XCM drivetrain on it, only upgrade was a new freewheel from IRD and a change out of the handle bars to butterfly bars.

I routinely do light tours (100 miles over 3 days) on my 38 year old Raleigh Superbe that has no upgrades other than new tires and brake pads on it.:eek:

To me touring is a state of mind rather than the equipment that it is being done on.

Aaron:)

I love this site... yeah, why ruin it by changing it. I will continue to think about newer acquisitions and save this bike for nice day rides or maybe a buddy I know that wants a retro bike.

I have a nineties dawes galaxy. It has served me well but now am considering a 26 inch wheel bike, and maybe will try for a trek 520. The only problem is, do they have braze ons and also able to carry rack and panniers...would like someone knowledgeable about this to let me know

Trek 520's come with all the necessary braze ons. But they run 700c wheels stock. You can get a Surly Long Haul Trucker with 26" wheels as an option or find an older steel rigid MTB and convert for touring.

Aaron:)

+1 on ride it the way it is. If you want modern bike stuff, get a modern bike to hang it on.

wow nice bike dude i have a galaxy also xcept mines seen better days. but it rides like no other.:beer: