http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Bike for audax? en Wed, 13 May 2026 05:16:39 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=4#post-147422 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 18:45:07 +0000 crowriver 147422@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oh the sellers of the Brevet are very nice. They showed me another bike they are trying to sell, which has essentially never been ridden. It is an even better bike than the Brevet, slightly higher price (still a steal), but I dd not like the paint job or I'd have bought it instead.</p> <p>I said I would tell folk about it because it is really a rare, interesting and high quality bike. I don't know the sellers at all but they seem very genuine folk (I'm not getting a commission either). Anyway it's a custom built steel frame, Columbus tubing. Geometry copied from the Thorn Brevet for comfort. Apparently built in <strike>Glasgow</strike> Houston, Renfrewshire* by A.J. Rickett, a frame builder who used to build Flying Scots! Lovely cut outs on the lugwork, chrome chainstay.</p> <p>Mid/late 1990s Shimano group set: Ultegra transmission (I think); RSX shifters and (I think) brakes. All basically as new. Paint job apparently by Roberts, very good finish, nice detailing around the lugs but a bit too 1990s for my taste: reminded me of Global Hypercolour t-shirts. However might appeal to another rider. If not, always an option to strip the frame, and send to Roberts/Mercian/Jackson/Yates for a respray.</p> <p>Total bargain anyway. <a href="http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/hand-built-53cm-touring-bicycle/1054514861">Still on Gumtree</a> so I presume still for sale as they pulled the ad for the Brevet immediately after I bought it. Photos don't do it justice: go and see it because it's a really nice bike.</p> <p>* - I just did a quick Google on the frame builder and turned up <a href="http://cyclingforahealthybodyandmind.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/right-stuff.html">this blog post from the owner of an A.J. Rickett 'PBP Special'</a>. It seems this was an Audax bike specialist. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=4#post-147421 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 18:40:03 +0000 algo 147421@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That is a very fine bike indeed. Thanks for the pics... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=4#post-147420 Tue, 01 Apr 2014 18:20:34 +0000 crowriver 147420@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Serious case of n+1 today. Had my birthday recently so was perusing various classified ads for bikes. As you do, you know, when you are mulling over the idea. Spotted a nice Thorn Brevet on Gumtree, in Edinburgh. Went to see it, just my size, good condition, not expensive, perfect. </p> <p><a href="http://s101.photobucket.com/user/crowrivernet/media/IMG_20140401_162940_zps347b30e2.jpg.html"><img src="http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m55/crowrivernet/IMG_20140401_162940_zps347b30e2.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://s101.photobucket.com/user/crowrivernet/media/IMG_20140401_162951_zps8c491d60.jpg.html"><img src="http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m55/crowrivernet/IMG_20140401_162951_zps8c491d60.jpg"></a></p> <p>(Click for full image) </p> <p>That's it after riding from the buyer to Eastside Bikes, where I've put it to get the main bearings overhauled. Apart from dry grease and a few rust bubbles and a slow puncture on the rear tube, it's in very good nick. Been hanging upside down in a garage for 15 years apparently after not a lot of use judging by the tyres and drivetrain. Even the RSX shifters are working, which is a pleasant surprise. Brooks saddle comfier than I expected: may keep it. Frame is a nice metallic racing green.</p> <p>Some may recall I bought a Thorn Brevet SE frame over a year ago, which I have yet to build up. Fancier than this, but with a lot more use. Must say that based on a short ride across town the Brevet seems a very comfy bike, and the setup as bought is just right for me, incredible. So I probably will build up the other one too. Eventually. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=4#post-119601 Sat, 27 Jul 2013 21:44:30 +0000 crowriver 119601@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>So I have made a few wee changes to the Dawes Audax. </p> <p>Changed:<br /> - saddle, now a Selle Italia FX gel instead of the Viscount that came with the bike.<br /> - stem, removed the short 40mm high stem and put in a rather racy 120mm SR stem that was deemed too long for the single speed.<br /> - brifters, took the wingpig acquired Soras for my other Dawes 'project bike' and replaced with near identical, but newer Sora brifters sourced from fleaBay.</p> <p>Took it for an extended test ride today. Saddle slightly firmer but still comfy, power transmission through legs seems better. Riding position more stretched out now, I seem to go faster! Also with hands 8cm further forward seems more natural to come out of the saddle on climbs. Easier to get up hills with weight further forward. Gear changes have a slightly more positive click in both directions.</p> <p>Will have to see how the new setup suits on longer distances. Doing the Saltire 200k perm next week so there's my opportunity...</p> <p><img src="http://imageshack.us/a/img12/6464/0u37.jpg"> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=4#post-98907 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 18:34:11 +0000 crowriver 98907@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oh the new (to me) STIs are shifting well, after quite a bit of fettling with cable tensions, limiter screws, etc. Front mudguard still damaged at the leading edge, will try to repair with Araldite and strips of old credit card. Otherwise just needs a saddle bag, toe clips and I'm almost ready to roll. Wish I'd had time to take it for a proper spin today, hopefully later in the week... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=4#post-98906 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 18:18:01 +0000 kaputnik 98906@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>(click for larger image) </em></p> <p>can't even see a smaller image?</p> <p>EDIT - now I can! Looking handsome, good match on the bar tape to the frame. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=4#post-98905 Sun, 03 Feb 2013 18:16:12 +0000 crowriver 98905@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Finally got a chance to finish re-cabling the Dawes Audax this afternoon. Also took a snap of the bike at last. Currently sporting the original 25c tyres, which I may swap out for 28c with a bit more p******e protection. Should finally manage a proper test ride some time this week!</p> <p><a href="http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/39/dsc00896wx.jpg/"><img src="http://imageshack.us/scaled/thumb/39/dsc00896wx.jpg"></a></p> <p>(click for larger image) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=4#post-97429 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 21:30:40 +0000 Blueth 97429@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I haven't read all pages so this may have been posted already.</p> <p>I wondered about the carbon forks on a new acquisition but this link solved that problem.</p> <p><a href="http://http://www.pinkbike.com/news/santa-cruz-bicycles-test-lab.html">Frame and fork destruction tests</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=4#post-96131 Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:29:48 +0000 crowriver 96131@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>a classy paintjob too.</em></p> <p>That seems to be the 'Special Edition' element (I think).</p> <p> <em>Most handsome and I hope rides superbly.</em></p> <p>Thanks, I hope so too. They have a rep as a comfy bike.</p> <p><em> Nice to see the headlamp bracket and low-rider brazeons on the fork.</em></p> <p>I think the bracket is for a bottle dynamo, but a lamp could be fitted too I guess: would keep the wiring neat! I might try using the low-rider points to attach twin lamps, as I doubt I'll actually put any racks on the front.</p> <p><em> If you're thinking of putting larg-ish tyres on this (say 32mm) I can recommend an excellent long-read double-pivot from Tektro which has a special double-jointed quick release to allow you to get a fat inflated tyre on and off without letting the air out.<br /> </em></p> <p>That's a good tip, will look out for these. You don't know the model number off hand? I've still to try a set of wheels in the frame: I will soon, and measure the drop for the brakes. Then I'll know what clearance there is, but I imagine it should manage 32mm tyres with guards, unlike the Dawes which will manage 28mm maximum (32mm without guards, possibly, at a push). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=4#post-96129 Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:22:24 +0000 crowriver 96129@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Tom, there seem to be a few around. I've seen a couple of full bikes on fleaBay, <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/140902290611">this one's still available</a> and the price is good. A later model, with threadless steerer, by the looks of it more similar to Thorn's current Audax Mk3.</p> <p>I've been lurking on YACF and the CTC forum, quite a few nice bikes, frames, and parts are advertised: sometimes for very reasonable prices, but you have to be quick replying! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=4#post-96006 Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:52:46 +0000 Cyclingmollie 96006@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You found a Thorn Brevet? Nice. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-95978 Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:59:11 +0000 kaputnik 95978@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oh that's well good, and a classy paintjob too. Most handsome and I hope rides superbly. Nice to see the headlamp bracket and low-rider brazeons on the fork. If you're thinking of putting larg-ish tyres on this (say 32mm) I can recommend an excellent long-read double-pivot from Tektro which has a special double-jointed quick release to allow you to get a fat inflated tyre on and off without letting the air out.</p> <p>Great buy. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-95973 Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:05:39 +0000 crowriver 95973@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The bars are too low (for my liking). Over an inch below the saddle height, nearly two. So, once I've completed a DIY audax tomorrow I will be converting the Raleigh back to North Road bars (with thumb shifters, all the bits, cables etc. are still attached to the bars) and swiping the higher rise stem from the Raleigh's current drop bars (it has an ahead type two bolt bar clamp). That will allow me to ease the bars on the Dawes up an inch or two to a comfortable height. I can then fit the STIs, bar tape, etc. Hopefully I'll get that done, new tyres, and so on in time for some test rides before the ToEL next month.</p> <p>The drop bars and brake levers from the Raleigh will be transferred to the frame below, which I took delivery of today. An old Thorn Brevet SE in pretty good nick. I'll use the quill stem that's currently holding the Dawes bars. Some bar end shifters will work with the 8 speed triple drivetrain I'm planning. I have most of the parts I need, though I have to source a few bits like brakes, guards, chain, tyres, possibly a seatpost too though I may have one lying around.</p> <p>I'm looking at the Dawes as a light, quick bike to take me around rides up to 200k, and the Thorn as a slightly sturdier beast for longer distances, with a bit more of a tourer spec, though not as heavy or limited in gears as the Raleigh.</p> <p>Once both those bikes are running smoothly, hopefully that'll be me set up for a while, with two audax bikes of slightly different spec, plus the single speed for training. I might have to dispose of a bike or two to make space...</p> <p><a href="http://imageshack.us/f/838/screenshot20121208at220.png/"><img src="http://imageshack.us/scaled/iphone/838/screenshot20121208at220.png"></a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-95332 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 13:28:26 +0000 Cyclingmollie 95332@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes, 120mm. Replaced with 110mm. That made a big difference. The bike is a bit of a gate. I would go for a smaller frame now but the Bike Co-op were notorious for recommending larger frames than nesessary. The original bars had a central ferrule which creaked. Very stable going downhill compared to jittery aluminium and super comfortable. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-95330 Mon, 31 Dec 2012 12:15:44 +0000 crowriver 95330@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Aye that stem has quite a long reach: 110mm? 120mm? Did you not feel the weight on your hands a bit? The bars look very similar to the ones on the Dawes, I note you have angled them up a bit, I might do that too for a bit more comfort on the hoods.</p> <p>I prefer to have the bars closer for a more upright riding position. 40mm to 60mm reach stems are more my style.</p> <p>My single speed has the bars slightly lower than the saddle, and is fine. Then again I've never ridden it for 100km in one go. let alone 200km. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-95328 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 23:35:36 +0000 Cyclingmollie 95328@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Here's the set-up on the bike I had:</p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/44681630@N02/8327762330/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8079/8327762330_f5dbb29153.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/44681630@N02/8327762330/">Edinburgh Continental</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/44681630@N02/">Cycling Mollie</a>, on Flickr</p> <p>I struggled with the stretched out position and raised the quill stem as far as it would go. That was the Mollie of Cyclingmollie (from the Cromoly sticker on the frame). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-95323 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 17:26:01 +0000 crowriver 95323@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well, I tried the tall stem again, to no avail. This particular stem will just not get around the sharp bend in the bars.</p> <p>I looked out another quill stem that I have, which is not as tall as the one I failed to get on. I got it on the bars with no hassles at all, plenty of clearance for the bends. Very strange. Clearly the taller stem is a tighter fit around the clamp, though both are nominally the same size clamp. Both the same width too. </p> <p>The bars are now in more or less the same position as with the ahead converter/riser setup, maybe 0.5 cm higher, which kinda puts me back at square one. The bars are still a bit lower than I would like (ie. just less than an inch approx. below the saddle height). The quill stem looks much nicer though.</p> <p>So my options appear to be:<br /> 1. Put up with it like this, at least for the time being, ride it, and address any discomfort issues if and when.<br /> 2. Bung the ahead/quill converter back on, and find a longer. higher riser stem.<br /> 3. Try and find another, taller quill stem (like hen's teeth) and hope it fits the bars.<br /> 4. Find some drop bars that fit the tall quill stem.</p> <p>Sigh... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-95313 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 13:07:04 +0000 crowriver 95313@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@wingpig, Tom, thanks for the generous offers. </p> <p>I am going to try and persevere with the quill stem again today, and if it really won't budge round the drops with renewed efforts then I'll be in touch. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-95303 Sun, 30 Dec 2012 00:09:34 +0000 Cyclingmollie 95303@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I think I've got the original quill stem from my Giro 400 and the one I replaced it with. You can have them if you think they'll fit. Pair of drop bars too - I can see if they work together. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-95301 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 23:09:05 +0000 wingpig 95301@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've two sets of drops in my box of spare bits, one of which was extracted from a single-bolt quill stem, though not without some scoring. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-95298 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 21:20:43 +0000 crowriver 95298@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Arelicat, I have some bar end levers, and I also have Sora 8 speed STI levers (courtesy wingpig) to replace the RSX duds. </p> <p>However, that's not the issue. The bars need to come up a few centimetres and there just is not the adjustment in the quill/ahead converter on there just now. Hence the new quill stem.....which I can't get past the top of the drops. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-95297 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 21:13:08 +0000 Arellcat 95297@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Crowriver, for what it's worth there are some 8-speed bar end levers in the EBC sale at the moment. Nice and reliable. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-95296 Sat, 29 Dec 2012 20:43:26 +0000 crowriver 95296@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>So I got around to removing all the fixings from the handlebars yesterday: the rotted bar tape, the dud brifters, the quill/ahead converter and the short reach riser stem. There were signs that the original stem had been replaced: on one side of the bars there was an extra layer of different tape holding the brake cables in the bar ferrule/groove. </p> <p>All fine, except when I tried to fit a new quill stem (conventional single bolt bar clamp) I could not get it around the tight angles of the drops where the brake hoods fasten on. Bummer!</p> <p>I have a quandary now. </p> <p>1. I could just refit the old quill/ahead/twin bolt riser stem. However it is not quiet high enough, not much scope for adjustment, and is a bit ugly: shims inside the stem, big black plastic bung in the top, bar clamp bolts rusty...</p> <p>2. I could buy some drop bars to fit my stem, or nick the nice randonneur bars off my single speed (which will transfer the problem to that machine...).</p> <p>3. I could get another quill stem with two bar clamp bolts (ahead stylee) or nick the one off my Raleigh (which will transfer the problem to that machine...).</p> <p>What to do? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-94510 Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:08:54 +0000 crowriver 94510@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I think the issue with the RSX levers is they've hardly been used, and thus not maintained. The grease inside has probably dried, hardened and is stopping the ratchets from working properly. I may try squishing some WD40 in there, but I'd rather just have something that works... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-94498 Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:53:25 +0000 Cyclingmollie 94498@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The Dawes Giro 400, rebadged, was sold by EBC as the first of their Continental road bike range in 1999. It had Sora kit mainly and Rigida wheels. I had one, frame number: YF99K00931 and I still use the Sora levers. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-94452 Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:14:42 +0000 wingpig 94452@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ahem.<br /> They're old-style Sora STIs without the indicator dial the newer ones allegedly have but are definitely 3*8 and were functioning when I removed them in the spring... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-94449 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 23:57:55 +0000 crowriver 94449@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@DaveC, yeah that's what I was saying only last month! Look where it got me...</p> <p>@kaputnik, I managed to track down a Dawes catalogue scan of the exact model, seems it's an Audax Giro 600 from 1999:</p> <p><img src="http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/iceblinker/Bike_Tips/DawesAudaxGiro6001999.jpg"></p> <p>So that's what the bar tape's supposed to look like! ;-)</p> <p>Oh, if anyone has any spare 3 x 8 speed STI shifters kicking around, I'm currently in the market for a pair... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-94446 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 23:41:52 +0000 DaveC 94446@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>[must not buy another bike, must not buy another bike.......] </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-94445 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:46:00 +0000 kaputnik 94445@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@crowriver yes I have sora 8 speed STIs on mine shifting a mix of Sora 8-speed, 105 and Ultegra 9-speed components. All works just fine, Sora shifters are clunkily reliable and pretty much indestructible in my experience. Who wants nice, subtle shifts when you can have some POSITIVE FEEDBACK that you've changed gear! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5021&page=3#post-94443 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:13:36 +0000 crowriver 94443@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yeah the bike's nice and light and rides well. I couldn't find a model number on the frame as yet, maybe I didn't look hard enough. It does say "Handmade by Dawes UK" on the rear stays.</p> <p>I've just been for a short test ride, everything seems to be fine, except the RSX STI shifters (not RX100 as I thought). I shifted okay with the outer levers (the brake levers) until I was on the biggest chainring and the biggest rear sprocket. But the smaller inner levers just don't seem to work at all, I could not get the gears back to a smaller chainring or a smaller sprocket. I did a search online and it seems this is a common issue with these old RSX shifters due to grease drying out. I don't think it can be fixed easily.</p> <p>Disappointing, and I've contacted the seller to complain. If I can't get them working then probably I'll need to replace these with some other 8 speed STIs (2200? Sora?) for a triple chainset, or put bar end shifters on and some aero brake levers.</p> <p>Seems to be the only major issue, but I'm sure there'll be a few other wee ones that come up: whole thing needs some grease and lube too I think. </p>