Dawes galaxy or Claud Butler Sovereign

[owene]

Hi, i am considering two bikes on ebay for conversion to single speed/fixie but i am new to retro bikes and not sure what to go for.
One is a Claud Butler Sovereign
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Clau ... 3825680707

The other is a Dawes Galaxy
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Dawe ... 3466507132

Any advice/opinion will be much appreciated.

 

[twolegs]

Re:

too pricey

 

[owene]

Re:

Hi twolegs, thanks for your reply. Not intending to pay asking price, just not sure which one (if any) to make an offer for.

 

[CTK]

I prefer the CB and its £100 cheaper.

& 1kg lighter. I think its a lovely bike actually!

 

[Peachy!]

Both good frames, although the Dawes has slightly prettier lugs and nice chrome forks.
If you are stripping and selling the parts I’m guessing some of the kit on the Dawes is possibly worth a couple of quid more? Do your research first by looking on Vellobase before listing in the bay (or here)

 

[owene]

Re:

Hi, thanks all for the replies. Just to clarify, I am considering buying one of these bikes for myself to convert to a single speed/fixie. I like to ride in relatively upright position so I am currently looking at tourers rather than racers as I was under the impression that tourers might have a bit more relaxed/upright geometry. Please correct me if I am wrong as I am a relative novice to vintage/retro bikes.
I am converting for myself, so not going to sell any components, and I am not very sensitive to price. Obviously would not like to overpay or buy a very expensive bike for my first project, but would pay extra for the bike that is more suitable to my needs. I am 6’1 so I think these are the correct size for me.
Also, these are just examples that I came across. Any suggestions for other makes/models would be welcome.
I ride mainly on park roads and well maintained tracks.
Thanks.

 

[Peachy!]

Re: Re:

Hi, thanks all for the replies. Just to clarify, I am considering buying one of these bikes for myself to convert to a single speed/fixie. I like to ride in relatively upright position so I am currently looking at tourers rather than racers as I was under the impression that tourers might have a bit more relaxed/upright geometry. Please correct me if I am wrong as I am a relative novice to vintage/retro bikes.
I am converting for myself, so not going to sell any components, and I am not very sensitive to price. Obviously would not like to overpay or buy a very expensive bike for my first project, but would pay extra for the bike that is more suitable to my needs. I am 6’1 so I think these are the correct size for me.
Also, these are just examples that I came across. Any suggestions for other makes/models would be welcome.
I ride mainly on park roads and well maintained tracks.
Thanks.

Cool, if you’re looking a relaxed ride I’d suggest a Claud Butler Majestic. Very similar to the Sovereign but many many more were made, so you can normally pick up a good one really cheap. Check mine in my signature below. Cost £87 and is my go to for plodding around town and the odd gravel track.
I’m 6’1” but with a 34” inside leg so my 25.5” Majestic is by far my most comfortable bike (& I’ve got a few :facepalm: )

 

[owene]

Re:

Can’t find a suitable majestic at the moment. Is there any disadvantage to the Sovereign? I found info about both models here http://www.nkilgariff.com/CBcats/Cat_81/1981Cat.jpg
But I cannot understand the difference. Is the geometry the same?

Very interesting collection of bikes you got. I started riding again recently when the kids started to ride and got addicted. I started by buying a Calibre MTB, then retro Knight 531 fixie (which I ride the most at the moment) but after riding it for a while I discovered it is too small for me.

A bit off topic, but also just bought this bike and expecting delivery any day now
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dawes-Wildca ... 3840249413
This will be my first project. I dont yet have any tools, so any advice on starting kit would be much appreciated.

 

[Peachy!]

Re: Re:

Can’t find a suitable majestic at the moment. Is there any disadvantage to the Sovereign? I found info about both models here http://www.nkilgariff.com/CBcats/Cat_81/1981Cat.jpg
But I cannot understand the difference. Is the geometry the same?

Very interesting collection of bikes you got. I started riding again recently when the kids started to ride and got addicted. I started by buying a Calibre MTB, then retro Knight 531 fixie (which I ride the most at the moment) but after riding it for a while I discovered it is too small for me.

A bit off topic, but also just bought this bike and expecting delivery any day now
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dawes-Wildca ... 3840249413
This will be my first project. I dont yet have any tools, so any advice on starting kit would be much appreciated.

Correct, the frames are the same... but the Sovereign came with a Campagnolo rear mech (gone from that ebay one) and a Brooks B17 saddle.
Oh, and that odd bronze paint job, it didn't sell well so was dropped.

As for tools. Buy the best you can afford. parktool do some of the strongest, but there are other brands and of course some tools are a little harder to find.
I'd suggest as you come across a need but not sure what to buy, post a question on this forum as most here are very helpful and will either sell you something or point you in the right direction.

 

[owene]

Re:

What would you say is a fair price for the CB?