Dawes Cycles History and Facts – Frugal Average Bicyclist

Dawes Cycles Ltd was founded in Wharf Dale, Tyseley England in 1926.  The brand has a good reputation for quality bikes and is one of the few English brands that has survived till the present day.

Dawes was mostly known for touring bikes but also made some good racing bikes and have sponsored many pro racing teams throughout the years. 

The Galaxy is the most well-known model and was considered one of the best touring bikes of its time.  This model was first offered in 1971 with high quality Reynolds 531 tubing. 

Production

During the 1970s they produced about 1,000 bicycles a week.

Ownership

Charles handed the business over to his son Wilfred P. Dawes in 1930.  In the 1970s his son Richard Dawes took over the company.  Starting in the late 1970s ownership was passed around between different venture capital companies.  ATAG of the Netherlands purchased the company in 1990, closed down the factory, and moved production to Asia.  Grove Industries purchased the company in 1998 and sold the company to its current owner, Tandem Group, in 2001.  Tandem also owns Falcon Cycle. 

Models

Chevron – entry level road bike

Courier – touring bike

Double Five – mid-level road bike

Flair – cruiser bike

Flambeau – mid-level road bike

Fleur – ladies road bike

Galaxy – quality touring bike

Kingpin – small wheel, unisex cruiser bike

Mirage – top of the line road bike

Red Feather – kids road bike

Star Celeste – entry level road bike

Streak – teen road bike

Gallery

Dawes Super Galaxy Early to mid 80s

Links

Tandem Group Cycles

List of vintage bicycle manufacturers and brands

Vintage bicycle component companies