Feb
9
Review Of The Dawes Vantage – A Great Entry-Level Touring Bike
The Dawes Vantage is the entry-level tourer that deserves to be at the top of anybody’s list. If you want a bike that will do anything – multi-day trips, fast commuting, outings to the shops or just getting out and about for a couple of hours at the weekend, the Vantage could be just what you are looking for.
What is it about the Vantage that’s so special?
First of all, Dawes have chosen to build it around an aluminium frame. Unlike the majority of tourers that use steel – steel will stand up to any amount of hard treatment. However, modern manufacturing techniques mean that aluminium frames can be built cheaper. In reality, for most users, alloy will handle all the situations they may face. Steel would perhaps win out for those who are thinking of taking a fully-laden bike into severe terrain, otherwise it’s not really an issue. The Vantage comes in four different sizes and the deep red finish on the frame looks superb.
The choice of gear components is similarly practical. There are 24 gears, produced by combining mountain-bike and road-bike elements from Shimano’s entry-level ranges. The Acera rear derailleur is an MTB model that will withstand pretty rough use. Both front mech and the shifters are road-bike components, so you will feel comfortable operating the gears from the drop handlebars. The smallest chainring may be a little large at 28t, but it’s only on the worst terrain with the heaviest loads that this would be a problem.
The cantilever brakes are strong, simple to adjust and maintain and have plenty of power – important for any touring bike. Just as important are the mudguards and luggage carrier. The front fork also has fittings for a pannier if you wish. The saddle is a very deeply-padded Dawes touring model, which should enable you to spend many hours out on the road.
The Vantage certainly delivers on versatility – and for this sort of price it’s hard to think of a better option. It may not be as fast as a lightweight road bike, or be able to take to the hills like a mountain bike, but if you only wanted to buy one bike, for touring, commuting or just sheer enjoyment of cycling, the Dawes Vantage could well be the one.
Freeride Mountain bike world tour final – Red Bull District Ride – Nuremberg, Germany 2011
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