Cycling UK Forum

Hello all-
To extend my reach, I'd like to fit S&S couplings to my Dawes Galaxy. This would open up all sorts of avenues to me, as I could use the coach network, which is far cheaper than the train and I believe in this country is terribly underrated.
I have heard of a framebuilder in America who sells a case that you can put your S&S coupled bike into, but also use attached to a trailer, a bit like the Bike Friday. This seems like such an elegant solution - arrive where you're going, have lunch at a cafe, then build your bike up and go wherever, using the case instead of panniers. Obviously, with 700c wheels it's technically bigger than the case you're allowed to stow as luggage on a National Express coach, but I reckon you'd get away with it.
I know some amongst you will think doing such an expensive conversion on a Galaxy is like putting lipstick on a pig, but I like my bike and have no other reason to "upgrade" it. It's a good friend, that already does everything I want.
So what do you guys think? Would it be a workable solution, or do I need my head looking at? Should I just bite the bullet, flog my Galaxy, and get a folder?
Cheers.

You really need to compare the cost to buying a frame with S&S couplings. A folder won't ride the same, and I don't know of any folder that can be loaded up like a Galaxy.

I'd much rather stick with a diamond frane; I always admired folders, but just find them too weird.
So I guess from what you're saying, my conversion makes financial sense.
But is it practical? Would the case that could swallow up my collapsed bike be too big to use as a trailer box?

chris667 wrote:I'd much rather stick with a diamond frane; I always admired folders, but just find them too weird.
So I guess from what you're saying, my conversion makes financial sense.
But is it practical? Would the case that could swallow up my collapsed bike be too big to use as a trailer box?

So you arrive at your destination with a large box, a trailer and some method of containing the contents of the box when the bike is taken out....

You then open the box, take the bits out, assemble the bike frame, adjust the cabling check the brakes and gears function correctly. Redistribute your possessions within the trailer box which might be greasy/dirty from the bike unless it was wrapped in some polythene sheeting or similar. Couple up the trailer and your ready for the off.

Compare with:

Arrive at destination with bike and panniers. Unship the bike, unship the panniers. Attach the panniers. Start tour.

Is the expense of splitting your frame and fitting S+S couplings really justified for the amount of subsequent hassle that they introduce?

How many coach journeys would you have to make to recoup the cost of the trailer and S+S couplings?

I take your point, but AFAIK, I'm not allowed to take my bike onto a coach. And as for the price difference between train vs. coach, I reckon it'd pay for itself in short order, if I made several trips per year, like I do now.

It would likely cost around £300 for retrofitting S&S couplers to a bare frame without a repaint, around £500 for retrofitting to a complete bike with a repaint and ready to ride.

Only you can work out if it is worth it for your current bike.

Once you have S&S couplings then, rather than a hardcase/trailer, you could use a soft case/backpack to put the disassembled bike into for public transport, then strap the empty backpack on the bike for riding.

I have a Thorn Nomad, and if set up properly then Disassembly / Assembly is quick and easy.

In my case, the click box from the geas comes odd and unclips from the frame, and a small connector atthe brake undoes - SORTED

Assembly is the opposite, less than 2 minutes including the S&S themselves!

I'd endorse the soft case route. A two wheeled trailer is a bit of a bore on a get up and go type of trip - which the S&S couplings are supposed to enable in the first place. Trailers also remind you of their presence by compromising handling and emitting a constant sulky (g)rumble.

I'm going to give a couple of framebuilders a call, and have a look at my options. It's a lot of money to spend on an ordinary frame, but it would still work out far cheaper than a new custom built one.
Are there any off the peg frames that have s&s couplings already?

Tends to be a custom build, the only "off the peg" I know are St John Street who have the Nomad with fitted S&S or offer it as an option on some of their other bikes.

I see Surly does an s&s equipped version of their crosscheck, which I'm going to have a look at. As soon as I find a shop that has one.
But really, I think I'm going to have a look at changing my Dawes.

chris667 wrote:Hello all-
To extend my reach, I'd like to fit S&S couplings to my Dawes Galaxy. This would open up all sorts of avenues to me, as I could use the coach network, which is far cheaper than the train and I believe in this country is terribly underrated.
I have heard of a framebuilder in America who sells a case that you can put your S&S coupled bike into, but also use attached to a trailer, a bit like the Bike Friday. This seems like such an elegant solution - arrive where you're going, have lunch at a cafe, then build your bike up and go wherever, using the case instead of panniers. Obviously, with 700c wheels it's technically bigger than the case you're allowed to stow as luggage on a National Express coach, but I reckon you'd get away with it.
I know some amongst you will think doing such an expensive conversion on a Galaxy is like putting lipstick on a pig, but I like my bike and have no other reason to "upgrade" it. It's a good friend, that already does everything I want.
So what do you guys think? Would it be a workable solution, or do I need my head looking at? Should I just bite the bullet, flog my Galaxy, and get a folder?
Cheers.

Chris the CTC mag did a piece on travelling by coach in one of this years issues. It would seem they are quite happy to take a fullsize bike bagged or boxed and may be even without. The only stipulation was that there is room. If you used your Charm and provided you didn't get grease over evrybody elses luggage probably could get away with one of the CTC polly bags. Have a look back through Cycle or contact National express or the Coach company you would like to use.

Really? I'll have to give it a go. You might have saved me £500 there!

I happen to have a bicycle bag (smart, blue, huge, and foam lined for a little rigidity and protection, Condor cycles branded, with two wheel bags) I could sell you to assist with your quest but it is big. However, with a couple of bamboo poles, some woven polypropylene cord and a bit of ingenuity I am sure it could make an excellent bivouac!