Dawes Galaxy and Dawes Super and Ultra Galaxy Touring Bikes: A Short Review

A first impression review of the Dawes Super Galaxy and Dawes Ultra Galaxy
Specifications, geometry and more about these adventure touring bikes

Update: Unfortunately the Galaxy series has been discontinued by Dawes in 2020, bringing an end to a legendary bike.

• Price: £1,200
• Weight: 15.0 kg
• Frame and Fork: Steel
• Wheel Size: 700c
• Max Tire Clearance: 45mm
• Drivetrain: Shimano Sora
• Brakes: Mechanical Disc

Dawes as bicycle brand started in 1906 when Charles Dawes went into business in a partnership known as Humphries & Dawes with the Humphries side of the business making motorcycles.

By 1926 Dawes Cycles Limited had been formed in its own right and the business hasn’t looked back since. The Dawes factory made bikes for the armed services during the war and has supported a whole host of British racing cyclists over the years both on and off-road.

Always operating from the Birmingham area, they offer a great blend of British cycle manufacturing heritage and reliable performance.

The Dawes Galaxy has been around since about a decade and has brought cycle tourers everywhere around the world. Let’s have a quick look at the 2019 models, the Dawes Ultra Galaxy and the Dawes Super Galaxy.

Dawes Ultra Galaxy 2019 Touring Bike (+/- €1,500)

If you are looking for a workhorse to carry you from one end of the country to the other, then this is a rig you should consider.

Touring bikes are a Dawes specialty and the Galaxy is world-renowned for its quality and reliability.

Dawes have bought back the 631 framed Galaxy, the Reynolds 631 frame makes for a very comfortable ride whatever you use.

Coupled with a plethora of quality, branded components such as the SKS mudguards, Alex AT450 tubeless ready rims, puncture resistant Schwalbe Marathon tyres and Shimano Claris hubs, the Ultra is ready to take on whatever challenge you throw at it.

The Dawes Galaxy has a classic and proved geometry, with the raised stem giving a more upright riding position. Compared to the previous versions it features a sloped top tube, a great all-terrain touring bike.

Dawes Ultra Galaxy 2020 Specifications

• Frame: Double Butted Reynolds 631
• Fork: Dawes Chromoly, 1 1/8″ steerer, low-rider mounts
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora FD-R3030 3spd
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT RD-M771 9spd
• Shifters: Shimano Sora STI Levers ST-R3000 27spd
• Number of Gears: 27
• Chainset: Shimano Alivio FC-T4060 170mm Cranks / 48-36-26T Chainrings
• Brakeset: Shimano BR-CX50 Cantilever Alloy
• Rims: ALEX AT490 Double Wall Alloy CNC Sidewalls Tubeless Ready
• Front and Rear Hubs: Shimano Claris HB-RS300 36H Quick Release Alloy
• Tyres: 700x32C Schwalbe Marathon with GreenGuard
• Accessories: Alloy Rack, SKS Chromoplastic Mudguards

Dawes Super Galaxy 2019 – Touring Bike (+/- €1,200)

The disc version of the Ultra Galaxy mentioned above, it stays very similar in specs to its sibling. The Super Galaxy has been completely revamped for 2019.

Featuring world-renowned Reynolds 520 Chromoly frame tubing, Chromoly fork, Shimano Alivio 27 speed gears, Shimano BR-R517 mechanical disc brakes, Shimano Deore hubs, and Alex Draw 1.7P tubeless-ready rims.

The Super is designed to be strong, comfortable and the mile eating workhorse that everyone expects from a Dawes touring bike.

Every detail has been meticulously examined to ensure our Classic lives up to its name… right down to the leather toe clips, you’ll find no corners have been cut.

Using a Shimano Alivio 27spd drivetrain, ALEX DRAW 1.7P Double Wall Alloy Tubeless Ready rims, and Schwalbe Road Cruiser tyres, Dawes has created another bike that will see generations come and go.

Dawes Super Galaxy Specs

• Frame: Reynolds 520 Double Butted Chromoly
• Fork:Dawes Chromoly, 1 1/8″ steerer, low-rider mounts
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Sora FD-R3030 3spd
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Alivio RD-T4000 9spd
• Number of Gears: 27
• Shifters: Shimano Sora STI Levers ST-R3000 27spd
• Chainset: Shimano Alivio FC-T4060 170mm Cranks / 48-36-26T Chainrings
• Cassette: Shimano 9spd CS-HG300-9 11-34T
• Brakeset: Shimano Sora Mechanical Disc Brakes BR-R317 160mm rotors
• Brake Levers: Dia-Compe Touring Levers with Gum hoods
• Handlebars: Dia-Compe ENE Touring Drop Bars, 390mm (19″ Frame), 410mm (21″ and 23″ Frame)
• Stem: Classic Quill Style, 80mm (19″ Frame) and 100mm reach (21″, 23″ Frame)
• Headset: FSA Duron
• Rims: ALEX DRAW 1.7P Double Wall Alloy Tubeless Ready
• Hubs: Dia-Compe ENE Touring 36H Quick Release
• Tyres: 700x32C Schwalbe Marathon with GreenGuard
• Accessories: Ping Bell, Alloy powder-coated rack and chromo plastic mudguards
• Weight: 15.4 kg

Dawes Galaxy 2019 [+/-] $700

The Galaxy is designed to open a whole new world of touring for those on a budget. With a 6061 alloy frame and chromoly fork you’ll experience a quality ride and still be able to carry your kit on board. The Galaxy AL is ready for anything with its Shimano 24 speed gears, Schwalbe tyres, luggage rack and mudguards. An ideal starter bike for long jaunts.

The Dawes Galaxy is great entry level touring bike for those who like drop bars.

Dawes Galaxy – Specs

• Frame: 6061 Alloy
• Fork: Chromoly
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Claris FD-2303 3spd
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Claris RD-M360 Acera 8spd
• Shifters: Shimano ST-2400 STI Levers 24spd
• Chain set: 170mm Crank / 48-38-28T Chainrings
• Cassette: Shimano 8spd Cassette 11-32T
• Brakeset: Tektro Alloy Cantilever brakes
• Handlebars: 380mm wide (43cm), 400mm wide (48cm), 420mm wide (53cm), 440mm wide (58cm) Stem: A-Headset Stem, alloy, 80mm reach
• Rims: Double Wall Alloy, with CNC braking surface
• Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon with GreenGuard 700 x 35C
• Accessories: Alloy rack, Full Chromoplastic Mudguards
• Weight: 14.0 kg

Looking for a touring rig? Check also

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18 great adventure bicycles under 1,000$
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Ribble Adventure 725 – Overview and first impressions
Salsa Fargo 2019 Bikepacking and Adventure Bike – A Quick Overview

Got no budget?

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