Dave's Travel Pages

Bicycle Touring and Travel Blog

Adventure Travel Blog

  • Greece Travel
  • Greek Islands
  • Europe
  • Asia Travel
  • Americas
  • Bike Touring
  • About

Last updated on October 7, 2020 By Dave Briggs Leave a Comment

Dawes Sardar Touring Bicycle

Bike touring from Alaska to Argentina, I used a cheap touring bike from the UK. This bike was a steel framed Dawes Sardar. Read on to find out how I got on with it.

Dave Briggs cycling in Colombia with a Bob Yak trailer

Steel Frame Touring Bike

I used a steel framed Dawes Sardar bicycle on my 2009 cycling trip from Alaska to Argentina. I somehow managed to find an older version of the Sardar bike (although new), with a steel frame.

A steel frame, although heavier than aluminium, is more robust and durable – it's also easier for someone to spot weld it back together if the frame breaks in the back of beyond.

Dawes Sardar
Dawes Sardar

26 Inch Wheels and Drop Handlebars

I had the back wheel handbuilt, using tougher components than those that come as standard, hoping it would prevent too many problems in the long run.

The bike had drop handle bars, as I prefer the variety of riding styles that they enable, and I fitted SPD pedals, as using clips is a more efficient way of cycling, meaning that you can pull up as well as pushing down.

Using the bike on the trip

I made the following updates during my Alaska to Argentina bike tour:

— I've used the bike for about three months now, and I really love it. The only logistical problem that I have remaining, is how to actually get the bloody thing to Alaska !!

— A month into my cycling trip, and the Dawes Sardar is proving to be a good choice in bike. My only minor criticism, is that the front fork is too narrow to take a 2 inch tyre, meaning I can't fit a Schwalbe marathon XR on the front. Other than that, the Dawes is performing admirably.

— Three months into my cycling trip, and the Dawes Sardar bicycle is still performing very well. I've tried to contact Dawes for some sort of retrospective sponsorship, but so far to no avail. Its a pity, because if I had the ear of anyone at Dawes, I would try to persuade them to resume remaking this steel framed bicycle. I've seen a lot of Surly's out there, and so its obvious there is a market for them.

— Seven months into my cycling trip, and the Tiagra gear shifters for the rear derailleur failed. It got to the point where I needed two hands to change gear, which obviously is not ideal! The Dawes Sardar is a lower end model in regards to some of its components, so that's something to keep in consideration . I had a cheapy two pounds gear shifter fitted in Mexico which now does the trick on the Sardar!

One year into the trip, and I can say that the Dawes Sardar has certainly proved great value. Its a tough bicycle, been through some challenging terrain, and looks like it will continue to do so !

Interested in more touring bikes? Check out my Stanforth Kibo+ Review.

More Bike Touring Posts

You might also be interested in these bicycle touring blog posts:

  • Bicycle touring tips
  • Bike touring gear reviews
  • Touring Bike Reviews
  • Brooks C17 Review | Is the Brooks Cambium C17 good for bike touring?
  • Brooks B17 Saddle – The Best Brooks Touring Saddle For Your Butt!
  • Butterfly Handlebars – Are Trekking Bars The Best for Bicycle Touring?

Filed Under: Touring Bikes

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Travel Posts

  • Naxos to Amorgos Ferry Information: Schedules, Ferries, Travel Tips
  • Naxos to Folegandros: Ferry Information and Travel Guide
  • Naxos to Mykonos Ferry Information: Travel Times, Schedules and Tips

Dave’s Travel Pages has a number of affiliate links placed within the travel blog. If you decide to buy items through these links, you will be helping Dave to fund this site and perhaps the next adventure. More importantly, it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Win win – we like that!

Dave’s Travel Blog Privacy Policy

Read our privacy policy here

You might also be interested in:

  • Travel by Bicycle
  • Travel Quotes
  • Travel to Athens
  • Greek Island Hopping
  • Dave’s Santorini Travel Guide

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

"Copyright Dave's Travel Pages (c) 2005- - 2020 "