Latest find is this early 60s Dawes Debonair with 4 speed Cyclo RD.
Has 21 1/2" frame & 27" wheels, 4 speed Cyclo derailler, Weinmann brake calipers/levers, Williams chainset & Wrights Olympian saddle.
Looks good to me for the year, & it's getting 'treatment' now.
This one is looking all original except for the bars & levers. (Drops originally)
As found it has these MTB flat bars.
Intention is to get it riding & see what it's like. Some of these period Dawes are great riders & if this one is good it'll get some more attention. Fitting a pair of alloy rims currently & keeping the rear 4 speed hub for now. The original Cyclo RD needs a 'service' & it has a Simplex 5 speed temporarily.
I've fitted a pair of period Allez drop bars & aero Shimano brake levers for a neat front end.
It is now 'under construction' & will be updated here anon.
Alloy wheels make all the difference with this type of machine. Lighter, better handling, decent braking & no rust.
Not ridden it yet but I know it is a little small for me... And, I just found another Dawes (1982 Galaxy 531ST) that looks to be a little too big at 65cm: (
I do like Dawes though, at least their Birmingham made machines. Both often let down by poor finishing/prepping before painting. I've had several Dawes from 1950s/60s & many suffer from this affliction.
Current intention is to clean up the frame/alloy, etc & Turtle Wax it for now. Pity it's too small for me.
I think a bit of yellow in the barwrap will improve the look. Plus the original yellow cable outers.
Here it still has the Halfords Sport tyres that came on it. Looking like 1990s, if not earlier, but still in good shape actually. The 27" 630 rims are big for this small frame, but look good to me. (Originals were 26" I believe)
