 The new high-end Galaxy |
 Should be comfy |
Touring on titanium; that’s the big news from the venerable British firm of Dawes for 2009. There’s more from Dawes for lovers of the lustrous grey metal: sportive riders, addressed for the first time by the Castle Bromwich outfit, get a titanium machine to go alongside two new steel models aimed at devotees of the discipline. Elsewhere in the ’09 range there’s a single speed machine in the current vogue for urban stylists while Dawes have not ignored full-on road bikes with a new leader for the four-model Giro range. Adding flexibility to the Dawes catalogue, several of the road and touring models will be available as frame and fork only options.
One of the best-known and most respected names in cycle touring, the Dawes Galaxy is one of a burgeoning range of touring machines topped last year by the Ultra Galaxy. This year there’s an even more luxurious addition in the shape of the titanium-framed Ultra Galaxy Ti, which like its predecessor at the top of this particular pile features a double-butted cro-moly steel fork, Tubus steel rear rack and Shimano Deore XT transmission actuated by R600 dual-control STI shifters. Price for the Ultra Galaxy Ti is £2,999.99 and for the frame and for the frame and fork £1,999,99. Sizes run in 3cm increments from 48cm to 60cm.
 Versatile spec for Sportif Ultra Ti |
 All-day comfort a given |
The Dawes Sportif range, which is aimed at both sportive and Audax riders, comprises three models, starting with the Sportif Comp at £849.99. More exciting, however, is the Sportif Ultra Ti, which with a titanium frame and carbon-bladed fork, Shimano Ultegra compact transmission, RS-20 wheelset and both mudguard and rack mounting bosses will tackle anything from fast touring and Audax to full-blown sportives. Available like the Ultra Galaxy Ti as a frame and fork option at the same £1,999.99 price point, the complete cycle also matches the titanium tourer on price but in sizes 51cm to 60cm.
 Steel still has a place |
 Pleasing finish and real-world specification |
While titanium is widely regarded as the ultimate material for touring and sportive cycles, steel still has its adherents thanks to lower initial cost and a reputation for a comfortable ride. Two steel frames join the Ultra Ti to form the Dawes Sportif range, with the Comp using Reynolds 520 cro-moly steel tubing and a steel fork. With carbon-bladed fork and Reynolds 853 steel tubing, however, the Sportif Elite may well be the pick of the bunch at £1,699.99 for the complete cycle and £649.99 for frame and fork. Sizes are as for the Ultra Ti.
 Dawes racing history recalled |
 Carbon back end should sharpen things up |
The adoption of a carbon-fibre rear end to go with last year’s carbon bladed fork should give the ‘09 Giro 500 serious appeal for the entry-level racer. A full Shimano Tiagra groupset, RS 10 wheels on Schwalbe tyres and a red, white and blue livery add up to a good looking machine with a list price of £1,199.99.
 Ticks the usual boxes |
 Hours of fiddling ahead |
Wearing mudguards and equipped with rear wheel positioning adjusters, the Mono is a new concept for Dawes. Offering a choice of fixed and freewheel transmissions and geared as standard to 72”, the Mono is aimed squarely at the bubbling ‘single-speed’ scene. The Sugino Messenger chainset, bottle cage and brakes front and rear makes this a serious contender in a crowded market. Expect to pay £649.99.
