Dawes Wildcat

[marge602]

Hi folks. Saw this on eBay and couldn't resist. I'd just sold my 70's Raleigh and made a small amount on it, and wanted to plough some of the cash on something else. I think it dates from 1991, cos I remember a mate having one back then.

I believe it's completely standard and original, and hasn't seen a great deal of use. It's got almost a complete 300 LX groupset, including the dreaded Biopace. It's made from gaspipe Reynolds 500, but doesn't ride too badly considering.

I bought it as a general use bike, and to take camping. My Cinder Cone's looking like it's gonna end up a bit too valuable to be left lying around various campsites, but this fits the bill quite well.

It does need a few bits; desperately needs a saddle, the original tyres are a bit scary, and the comedy stem has to go. It feels a bit like riding a chopper, compared to the ride positions I'm used to. Looking forward to getting it sorted though. Although I'm beginning to see how hard it is to find decent amber wall tyres.


Regards

Marge

 

[imperial21]

I have Dawes Switchback from a similar time, Dawes are very under rated ! I think its a good ride

 

[ishaw]

If you don't mind non-retro tyres, charge splashbacks are all over ebay for about £25 a pair. I bought some recently from a bike shop for around the same price. Not used them yet, but cheap as chips for amber walls.

 

[raidan73]

+1 for the Splashbacks. I've not ridden mine either but they look pretty good and at £25 for a pair including postage you can't go wrong http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/m5b0s120p ... yre_-_Pair

 

[marge602]

Just checked out the Charge tyres on eBay. Definitely gonna be buying a pair. Thanks for letting me know about them.

Imperial21: I also think Dawes bikes are very underrated. This one is my fourth, although one is currently a frame and collection of parts.

Regards

Marge

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

I had a Wildcat way back in 1987. Bright yellow it was. Yours looks more evolved with the sloping top tube.

Envoy it!

 

[whtk]

Re:

I think I just bought this very frame to build a tourer with. Might be *too* gaspipey though..