Sometimes you just need a bike to get you from A to B in comfort. With classic-looking frames taking over from fixies in the fashion stakes, a stylish, practical model is a great idea, and the Dawes Cambridge Mixte women's specific bike hits the mark at a great price.
It might lack some of the finer details of more expensive restored classics or ‘mixte’ bikes from the likes of Pashley, but for the business of riding the Dawes does it all.
The brilliant blue finish and tidy frame with matching mudguards look the part, and with a comfortable swept-back bar and plush padded saddle the riding position is steady, upright and comfortable.
The V brakes offer plenty of power, the fat tyres are comfortable over bumpy Tarmac and the kickstand is useful when loading up the basket.
The 7-speed Shimano thumbshifter is clunky and a bit on the plasticky side, but gear changes are smooth and the range of gears – the 38-tooth chainring combining with a 14-28 cassette – coped with local hills easily.
We love the Cambridge. It’s simple, practical and comfortable to ride. As a day-to-day utility bike it’s everything you need. That it’s so pretty and cheap is the icing on the cake.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.