sparkybhp
Senior Retro Guru
Thanks, I’ve not had many Dawes bikes but I did have an Edge Comp a few years back, probably a similar era to yours. They seem to make a decent steel frame as a brand don’t they.
1986 Dawes Ranger
- Thread starter sparkybhp
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27motorhead
Old School Grand Master
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Lovely slacked angled beauty! 
I think you need more set-back on the seatpost adjustment
I think you need more set-back on the seatpost adjustment
sparkybhp
Senior Retro Guru
Yes! Very much home made, but to a decent standard to be fair.Just noticed your ranger even has a nifty chainset mudguard as well, phwoar
Looking forward to updates.
Won’t be going back on though as it looks a bit rough and ready, hopefully the rest of the bike will look fairly catalogue correct.
sparkybhp
Senior Retro Guru
Updates, managed to get a few hours to crack on with this. I’m always eager to get a project stripped down as you never know what issues you’re going to encounter. Only two minor issues on this one.
First off the stem wedge was stuck in the steerer tube (at a 90 degree angle where the bars had been turned for storage). Managed to get the forks off and after a liberal soaking with wd40 and putting the stem bolt in from underneath the crown, a few taps with the hammer - it came out, no drama.
Second issue was found when removing the forks. The headset had been fitted with one of those sh*tty washers with a notch in, there’s no notch on the steerer threads.. Great.
I had to spin that off carefully then put loads of thread cutting oil and back the threaded top nut/race off a little at a time to re-chase the steerer threads. Patience paid off, it all came off and cleaned up fine, headset is in great condition so I cleaned/re-greased it and put it all back together.
Everything else came apart nicely and once the bike was fully apart I gave the frame and forks a clean and polish:
Looking really nice, there’s a few paint chips - the ds chainstay being the worst area but some chainstay tape covers that nicely.
The rest of the components are all good and just need a clean, the chainset has a few surface scratches but they should polish out ok.
I can’t believe how good the original hand grips are - they look new despite being nearly 40 years old! No wear at all, must’ve been made from sturdy old rubber back in the day.
I was worried about the wheel hubs as the front especially seemed a bit notchy when turned by hand.
I stripped them and they are fine, no pitting on the nuts or hubs. I’ve ordered fresh bearings for them and the bb as a precaution. Also found a really nice 6 speed Suntour free hub in my spares so that will go on when I re-assemble the wheels. Rims are going to take some elbow grease but are otherwise good, spokes on the rear look stainless, fronts aren’t - perhaps it’s been rebuilt before?
Lots to do still but it’s shaping up as a nice project.
N.b: the wheel hubs are stamped JH so August 1985, the frame is a 1985 ‘burnt red’ colour. 1986 went to a more red instead of burgundy colour. Would this be a 1985 bike? I’d assumed 1986 as the hubs are stamped so late in 1985. Any thoughts?
First off the stem wedge was stuck in the steerer tube (at a 90 degree angle where the bars had been turned for storage). Managed to get the forks off and after a liberal soaking with wd40 and putting the stem bolt in from underneath the crown, a few taps with the hammer - it came out, no drama.
Second issue was found when removing the forks. The headset had been fitted with one of those sh*tty washers with a notch in, there’s no notch on the steerer threads.. Great.
I had to spin that off carefully then put loads of thread cutting oil and back the threaded top nut/race off a little at a time to re-chase the steerer threads. Patience paid off, it all came off and cleaned up fine, headset is in great condition so I cleaned/re-greased it and put it all back together.
Everything else came apart nicely and once the bike was fully apart I gave the frame and forks a clean and polish:
Looking really nice, there’s a few paint chips - the ds chainstay being the worst area but some chainstay tape covers that nicely.
The rest of the components are all good and just need a clean, the chainset has a few surface scratches but they should polish out ok.
I can’t believe how good the original hand grips are - they look new despite being nearly 40 years old! No wear at all, must’ve been made from sturdy old rubber back in the day.
I was worried about the wheel hubs as the front especially seemed a bit notchy when turned by hand.
I stripped them and they are fine, no pitting on the nuts or hubs. I’ve ordered fresh bearings for them and the bb as a precaution. Also found a really nice 6 speed Suntour free hub in my spares so that will go on when I re-assemble the wheels. Rims are going to take some elbow grease but are otherwise good, spokes on the rear look stainless, fronts aren’t - perhaps it’s been rebuilt before?
Lots to do still but it’s shaping up as a nice project.
N.b: the wheel hubs are stamped JH so August 1985, the frame is a 1985 ‘burnt red’ colour. 1986 went to a more red instead of burgundy colour. Would this be a 1985 bike? I’d assumed 1986 as the hubs are stamped so late in 1985. Any thoughts?
Guinessisgoodforyou
rBotM Winner
That's cleaning up very nicely, good score.
sparkybhp
Senior Retro Guru
Starting to slowly take shape now.
My favourite part of a project is cleaning the components and fitting them back to the frameset.
I’m still waiting on bearings to arrive but there’s more cleaning and polishing to be done on the rims and cranks so I’m not being held up.
My favourite part of a project is cleaning the components and fitting them back to the frameset.
I’m still waiting on bearings to arrive but there’s more cleaning and polishing to be done on the rims and cranks so I’m not being held up.
Guinessisgoodforyou
rBotM Winner
That looks near new 
sparkybhp
Senior Retro Guru
Had some time this morning to get this one all together. Re-greased and assembled the wheels and bb, put it all back together.
The rims took some polishing and in all fairness they’re good but not great. I’m sure with more patience and loads more time they’d come back around, but that’s not really my bag. I’m happy with the overall condition of the bike, the crankset came up great with some wet sanding and polish.
I took it for a shake down ride 12 miles or so, round trip for a bag of chips and a cold drink for lunch. From the first turn of the pedals I was impressed. It’s super smooth, the fat tyres and 531 frame dampen road vibrations noticeably. I love the wide handlebars and the saddle is the comfiest I’ve ever had (truely).
I thought a 22” frame would be too big for me (I’m 5’10”) but it’s fine.
Definitely a keeper this one, I love it.
The rims took some polishing and in all fairness they’re good but not great. I’m sure with more patience and loads more time they’d come back around, but that’s not really my bag. I’m happy with the overall condition of the bike, the crankset came up great with some wet sanding and polish.
I took it for a shake down ride 12 miles or so, round trip for a bag of chips and a cold drink for lunch. From the first turn of the pedals I was impressed. It’s super smooth, the fat tyres and 531 frame dampen road vibrations noticeably. I love the wide handlebars and the saddle is the comfiest I’ve ever had (truely).
I thought a 22” frame would be too big for me (I’m 5’10”) but it’s fine.
Definitely a keeper this one, I love it.
Guinessisgoodforyou
rBotM Winner
Very nice mate
