I need a bit of a do it all bike, running to the shops, pub, cafe. I live on a boat so will need to cycle along the towpath (muddy track parallel to canals). I'd like to do some light bike packing/touring at a slow leisurely pace and probably not for more than 2-3 days at a time. It will have to be kept outside sadly due to space.
I can only have 1 so would love some opinions from the group, I know they'd both work just want to see what others would pick.
The Dawes Galaxy is 700c, seems in not bad condition but I will likely need a bit more work than the Claud. I would want to go flat bar or at least STI shifters, I'd also want to put some 35 cyclocross tyres on there.
The Claud has been properly restored, all bearings replaced, everything regressed, by a professional so much less to do up front.
They're about the same price.
I think my heart is saying Claud but my brain is saying Dawes! Any thoughts?
by saalaadin
12 Comments
Both 😂, Touring for longer distances and the MTB to blitz round town.
Both
Claud! Can play around with more over time and sounds like use it right away as well.
Will happily tour at a slower pace and take those canal paths with ease and can always add a drop bar if you wanted in future.
I’ve tried canal paths on a less grippy and narrow tire before (35c) and it’s fine for the dry and smoother paths but sucks after a while and doesn’t like the wet.
Dawes. Way more versatile and British cycling heritage. Classy
It seems like you’re in the UK? If so, I’d go Claud, simply because Dawes Galaxies are soooo common here that you’ll be able to easily change your mind in that direction, but decent old school MTBs are a bit harder to come by here. I think also if you’re not pushing it on speed or distance, you’ll find the bigger tyres more important than the touring-focused style of the Galaxy. (also the Claud is way prettier imo)
Either will work. Fatter tires may suit your travel path better, but you may also need fenders.
Short answer: whichever gets you “Into the Groove” faster is the right answer.
I love bikes like the Galaxy, but for the type of riding you describe I would pick the Claud every day.
Claud is the best option. Chuck some fenders on and ride! For “slow” riding and dirt that will be the best option.
I own a few retro MTBs and I’ve just built up my first touring bike (Dawes super galaxy) and I gotta say I have wwaaaaayyy more fun on the MTB’s.
So personally I would go with the Claud butler. It also fits perfectly with your use cases as it has rack mounts and mudguard mounts etc
Personally I would go for the CB. For example I have a 1995 Univega ATB. Originally used it for cycling around the forest roads in Argyll, started using it to access remote hills in the highlands, bikepacking (eg Tour of the Cairngorms, regular road touring (up to a week). Then it became my commuter/tourer with full mudguards rack etc. Now, where I live I have a lot of road/gravel/forest roads so this winter I decided to strip it back to basics and it becomes my do it all bike, allowing me to mix up road and off road. A flat bar gravel bike if you like.
all that, you have 2 great contenders – imho, the only thing that *really* matters is bike fit. get the one that fits you the best & you’ll be stoked to ride
Definitely the Butler for your use case. I’d take the Dawes for long distance rides on paved surfaces.