Having bought a bike to keep up with my son and take him for rides I now want to cycle more often and go faster. I am getting fed up with the compromises I made when choosing my current bike (I wanted something at a reasonable price that I could throw down tow paths and the like).
I am attracted to the idea of audax riding and am looking for something fast (drop handlebars) but practical (mudguards, possibility of fitting a rack). Budget is probably up to £800 but I would prefer to spend £600-700 to leave space in the budget for the inevitable accessories. My questions are:
• I can pick up a Dawes Audax 2004 for £640 (rrp £800). Any views on the quality of this bike.
• Alternatively I live within reasonable distance of several smaller operators such as Orbit, Hewitt Cycles and Bob Jackson. Most of these will do me an Audax-style bike for £700-800 – in what way are these worth the premium over the reduced price of the Dawes?
• Any other suggestions?