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uforgot
08-21-2008, 05:09 PM
Mc Stay

A kickstand manufactured by McDonalds?

elk
08-21-2008, 08:41 PM
Cannondale calls this (http://gb.cannondale.com/bikes/08/ce/model-8VS.html) a mixte.

whatever you call it...it's DAMN cute!!!!!

extra-vert
08-22-2008, 07:02 AM
Btw,

is it pronounced mix-tee:confused:, (with a pronounced 'e' on the end)???
I always pronounced it without the e on the end, but when I was buying mine, the guy called it a mix-tee.

extra-vert
08-22-2008, 07:04 AM
Also, I want to get a front rack for groceries, anyone know where I can find one that will fit the era of the bike? I would like for it too look more or less original. I can trade for the back double rack that came with the bike, but those back racks make the ride really wobbly.

oxysback
08-22-2008, 02:07 PM
Zee mixte...she is finis!

:::said in worst fake French accent:::

My 1974 Peugeot UO-18 Mixte before...

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/bike/Mixte02.jpg

...and AFTER!!! Introducing Bonnie!

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/mixte/mixte01.jpg

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/mixte/mixte03.jpg

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/mixte/mixte04.jpg

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/mixte/mixte05.jpg

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/mixte/mixte06.jpg

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/mixte/mixte07.jpg

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/mixte/mixte08.jpg

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/mixte/mixte09.jpg

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/mixte/mixte10.jpg

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/mixte/mixte11.jpg

Here's Jess taking her for a spin!

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/mixte/mixte12.jpg

Frankie the Pug doesn't look very enthused. :rolleyes:

http://www.footeco.com/ellen/mixte/mixte13.jpg



This was truely a labor. Of love? Maybe...depends on who you ask. If you ask me, then definately yes...but DH? Not so much. I did the parts shopping and he did the wrenching. There were only a few parts that went on with no issues. I think the bar tape and kickstand are the only two I can recall!

Stem: Nitto DirtDrop (and 2 hours of sanding!!!)
Handlebars: Nitto Moustache Bars (tan cork tape with amber shelac)
Brakes: Sheesh...I forgot, but the first pair I bought didn't work.
Saddle: Brooks B12 Ladies (hella comfy, btw!)
Pedals: MKS Touring Shorts (from Rivendell)
Rear Derailer: Simplex S001 Short Cage
Front Derailer:Simplex 102 Front FDF102
Shifters: Silver Shifters (from Rivendell...LOVE them!!)
Brakes: Dia-Compe Mod 750
Wheels, freewheel and chain: I don't know what brand, but City Bikes in Portland hooked me up. Neat shop, btw!
Tires: Bontrager, but I might get some knobier Shwalbe ones later.

She rides real nice and smooth. It's so nice to be able to get on a bike once in a while without having to 'dress up.' I've been commuting to work on her for the past few weeks (when it hasn't been raining!) and she's really fun to ride!

Hope you enjoyed the pics!

uforgot
08-22-2008, 02:14 PM
Wow! Bonnie looks terrific. And personally, I think Frankie is enthused, she's just trying to give the camera her (his?) best profile. Notice how the head is tilted "just so".

oxysback
08-22-2008, 07:14 PM
Wow! Bonnie looks terrific. And personally, I think Frankie is enthused, she's just trying to give the camera her (his?) best profile. Notice how the head is tilted "just so".

Thanks!

I didn't include the picture that happened right after I snapped this shot. Frankie (yes...she's a girl) layed down and yawned. :p

sgtiger
08-22-2008, 07:33 PM
oxysback, votre velo est magnifique!:cool::D:D

bikerchic
08-22-2008, 07:35 PM
oxy that is a beaut!

Fantastic job on the restoration. How does it ride? Looks comfy to me.

I recently got one of these Suede (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/1271/29322/) from Giant. I wanted a cruiser or a cross bike just to kick around on and so I wouldn't have to get geared up to ride my road bike. I fell in love with the feel of this little gem, never thought I would like anything but my Serotta, he,hee. Surprise, surprise!

KnottedYet
08-22-2008, 08:20 PM
Wow, Oxy, nice job! She's lovely!

sgtiger
08-22-2008, 09:53 PM
Any suggestions for the kind of frame I need where the bike is lightweight and high quality?

There are high quality bikes similar to that Vanilla but none of the ones that come to mind are particularly light.

Imported Dutch bikes. This one is an internally geared 8-speed. Very fun to ride! Alas, even the smallest frame was just a bit to big for me.:( Even with the seat all the way down my feet didn't completely stay in contact with the pedal on the bottom stroke (but I have really short legs so YMMV). Boohoo! Maybe I just need to do what the European women do and ride in heels.:rolleyes::D:p
http://www.dutchbikeseattle.com/html/bikes/oma.html

Electra has several models from which to chose so I'd recommend playing on their site. I've never had a chance to ride any, but they seem to be well loved by their owners. Here a just a couple of models that they have available and the Townie is available in anything from a single speed to a 21 speed depending on the gearing you want:
http://www.electrabike.com/townie/
http://www.electrabike.com/amsterdam/

Giant - Wow, I didn't realize until now how affordable they are!
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/

Darn! I saw one carried on the back of someone's car, that I just couldn't stop admiring every time it came into view, when I was driving down here for my move. I can't remember the name of the manufacturer though. I'm going senile already.:o

malkin
08-23-2008, 06:43 AM
Ooo Oxy!

<font = wolf whistle> wrrrrit wreeeoooow!

oxysback
08-23-2008, 06:13 PM
oxysback, votre velo est magnifique!:cool::D:D

Thanks! I think she's great, too. :D


oxy that is a beaut!

Fantastic job on the restoration. How does it ride? Looks comfy to me.

I recently got one of these Suede (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/1271/29322/) from Giant. I wanted a cruiser or a cross bike just to kick around on and so I wouldn't have to get geared up to ride my road bike. I fell in love with the feel of this little gem, never thought I would like anything but my Serotta, he,hee. Surprise, surprise!

The ride is really solid and comfy. I like that Suede. I think it's a great thing to have a bike that you can just get on and ride.


Wow, Oxy, nice job! She's lovely!

Thanks!


Ooo Oxy!

<font = wolf whistle> wrrrrit wreeeoooow!

:D:cool::D

ASammy1
09-01-2008, 04:57 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/PEUGEOT-LADIES-CARBOLITE-TUBE-SPECIAL-103-BIKE_W0QQitemZ290256400513QQihZ019QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

uforgot
09-01-2008, 05:07 PM
I saw that one. I was drooling over this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=280260277501). I'm glad it sold. It sure was tempting. I love how that stepover tube swoops! Sandra has a mixte just like it.

ASammy1
09-01-2008, 05:58 PM
OMG!!! Gorgeous... I'm glad I missed that one b/c I would have had the credit card in hand.

ASammy1
09-02-2008, 08:54 AM
http://detroit.craigslist.org/bik/819995630.html

:eek:

BleeckerSt_Girl
09-02-2008, 10:31 AM
Oxy- why do you have that zip-tie pulling your brake cables together? :confused:

oxysback
09-02-2008, 10:40 AM
Oxy- why do you have that zip-tie pulling your brake cables together? :confused:

It was a simple fix to a headache of a problem. The straddle wire would pop out of the little notch after a few pulls of the brake lever because of the angle the brake is at. We tried mounting the brake upside down so gravity wouldn't be working against us, but the brake didn't work that way. I know it's ugly, but after the hassle we went through to get the darn brakes working I was willing to do almost anything!

If anyone has any other suggestions that are better, I'm all ears! :D

malkin
09-04-2008, 07:16 PM
How about a blue zip tie?

http://www.computercablestore.com/images/products/No%20Manufacturer/3-ZTFB.jpg

oxysback
09-05-2008, 06:23 AM
How about a blue zip tie?


Ha!! I'll have to check those out! :p

uforgot
11-08-2008, 01:31 PM
I was coming home from St. Louis and I thought I would stop in at my local flea market. Tucked back in the corner was this mixte. Grand Touring Motobecane. I did a little research, dated the components and it's one of Motobecane's 1978 mid to upper range touring bikes. It's in great shape, just needs cleaning, and I'll probably grease the hubs and bottom bracket. I don't think it's been ridden much. No visible scratches. It had a black seat, but I put the brown brooks on to see how I liked it. I like brown and blue together, but I'm not sure about this. Otherwise I haven't touched it yet. I really like how the top tube is one tube and then divides to make the third seat stay. Not sure if it was really worth the $12 I spent on it!:D No, I'm not divulging the whereabouts of my flea market. Giant bike (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=27638) for $18, this one for $12, Raleigh Gran Sport with Campy components last year for $10. I think I'm in the middle of a gold mine.

oxysback
11-08-2008, 05:19 PM
Oh, that's nice, Claudia! I have some spare downtube cable stops if you're going to move your shifters. That Brooks looks great!

badgercat
11-08-2008, 09:59 PM
uforgot, I haven't even been around here for that long and I saw your post and was instantly like "she found ANOTHER amazing deal?!?!"

What's your secret? Care to share it with any of us who have thousands of dollars of student loan debt? Wait, does your bargain-radar work on finding... apartments? Or insurance plans? Maybe I should concentrate on that sort of thing instead. :cool: :D

anyway. To keep this more topical, I also think the brown saddle looks lovely. :)

uforgot
11-08-2008, 11:58 PM
It's probably location. There aren't a lot of people cycling around here, and no one, even my lbs is interested in classic bikes. They are dusty when I find them and the only name that means anything around here is "Schwinn". Oh, wait, and Trek. When I had my Trek Navigator several years ago I got all kinds of comments on my "fancy" bike. Now I have a Surly Cross Check and the name means nothing.lol I have, however, found more deals and fixed them up and given them to a few of my students. One is now at Brigham Young university, another (a $5 Schwinn) turned one of my senior students into an avid cyclist (he just took the parts, the bike and a book and restored it himself!) and I hope to finish another today which will go to a former student at UMR. I enjoy it and I tell them that they have to give the bike away to someone who will use it when they are finished. Hopefully cycling will become more popular around here in my corner of Missouri.

I definitely don't make money on my "deals", the bikes are all well used and loved. Maybe that's part of it? Although that Motobecane is MINE!:D

uforgot
11-09-2008, 12:10 AM
Oh, that's nice, Claudia! I have some spare downtube cable stops if you're going to move your shifters. That Brooks looks great!

Thanks Ellen, that's very nice of you. I'm going to keep the shifters there. They work great, so I'm not messin' with them. I will, however, take the pug. :)

xeney
11-09-2008, 04:03 AM
Oh, how pretty. I tried to buy a very similar Motobecane with that kind of top tube for my first mixte, but I got outbid. My husband still wishes I'd gotten that one because he really liked the look.

Now that I am "commuting" again (working at coffee houses 2-3 days a week while my husband watches the kid) my mixtes are actually being ridden. My Puch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/57531023@N00/2136261664) is so much fun to ride. (I need to get a newer photo, now that it has a different saddle, bar tape, and the brakes moved to the ends of the bars. Uforgot, that is your saddle in the photo.)

Biciclista
11-09-2008, 05:39 AM
Hey, I had a Puch once! we called it a PUKE. :cool: it was a 3 speed but only 2 of them worked. It was too big for me though, I couldn't straddle the top tube.

YOURS is cute though.

badgercat
11-09-2008, 08:16 AM
I have, however, found more deals and fixed them up and given them to a few of my students. One is now at Brigham Young university, another (a $5 Schwinn) turned one of my senior students into an avid cyclist (he just took the parts, the bike and a book and restored it himself!) and I hope to finish another today which will go to a former student at UMR. I enjoy it and I tell them that they have to give the bike away to someone who will use it when they are finished. Hopefully cycling will become more popular around here in my corner of Missouri.

I definitely don't make money on my "deals", the bikes are all well used and loved. Maybe that's part of it? Although that Motobecane is MINE!:D

I think the "used and loved" aspect is the best part! That's so awesome that you've given bikes to students and spread the joy of cycling. You're like your own personal Red Bikes Project (http://www.danenet.org/bcp2006/redbikes/)! :D

I should point out that before TE, I had never heard of or noticed a mixte before... now, whenever I see one, I exclaim "mixte!" Well, I don't usually do it out loud, but I do if I happen to be with my boyfriend who appreciates my quirks.

[Sorry, one more OT question... UMR=Rolla? My boyfriend went there for an engineer-y conference once, and was considering applying there for grad school, so we drove around town once so he could show it to me. We happened to be passing through on a Winter Break road trip to Arizona (where we're both in grad school now :p).]

jdubble
11-09-2008, 02:17 PM
You know, in studying (read: drooling over) that Vanilla Mixte...it really isn't a mixte, either. It does have the sloping twin top tubes, but there's no seat stay that goes from the area where the seat tube goes into the frame.

I still think it's cool, though. Looks kind of like a thug bike!


i know the vanilla discussion was awhile ago, but i feel compelled to point out that this bike was built by sacha for his 8 year old daughter, which is why the geometry on it looks a bit different. lucky girl, no?

i'm glad i found this forum and this thread in particular. i'm in the process of having a Sweetpea mixte made and it's giving me lots of ideas :)

malkin
11-09-2008, 02:55 PM
That's a sweeeet Moto!

sgtiger
11-09-2008, 06:44 PM
i know the vanilla discussion was awhile ago, but i feel compelled to point out that this bike was built by sacha for his 8 year old daughter, which is why the geometry on it looks a bit different. lucky girl, no?

i'm glad i found this forum and this thread in particular. i'm in the process of having a Sweetpea mixte made and it's giving me lots of ideas :)

Welcome, jdubble! Yes, that is a very lucky girl. So is his wife - I believe the blue step-through commuter bike on his site is his wife's. Congrats on your Sweetpea too.:cool: We want pics when it's ready, pretty please.

sgtiger
11-09-2008, 06:46 PM
Uforget, nice score! I'm a little envious but mostly happy for you too.:p:D

jdubble
11-09-2008, 07:32 PM
Welcome, jdubble! Yes, that is a very lucky girl. So is his wife - I believe the blue step-through commuter bike on his site is his wife's. Congrats on your Sweetpea too.:cool: We want pics when it's ready, pretty please.

Thanks for the welcome!

And yup, the blue step-thru is his wife's, though I see him on it as often as not. It's a beautiful bike.

And definitely I will post pics of the Sweetpea, one of these days. I put in my deposit at the Oregon Handmade Bike show last November, and have been patiently waiting (and breaking in a Brooks B-68s for it) ever since. But Natalie said we're getting close to fabrication, so hopefully by spring, I'll be tooling around town on my new ride. I've been seeing more and more mixtes around lately and it's driving me crazy with jealousy. But delayed gratification will only make me love mine that much more, right?

jj

xeney
11-13-2008, 05:05 AM
I think this fits our "is it a mixte? or is it not?" discussion, but I am currently trying to buy a mixte-style Schwinn Pixie (http://cgi.ebay.com/Schwinn-Pixie-Bicycle-S-Seat-Chrome-Fenders-Nice-Cond_W0QQitemZ180304854084QQ). I've seen a couple of these in person and they are adorable, but I didn't buy because I didn't have a kid yet. We want one for Penny, but I am trying to buy one now because my niece is coming to visit and would like to ride while she's here.

I'm trying to figure out what on earth they've done to the seat post there, though.

oxysback
11-13-2008, 06:17 AM
i know the vanilla discussion was awhile ago, but i feel compelled to point out that this bike was built by sacha for his 8 year old daughter, which is why the geometry on it looks a bit different. lucky girl, no?

i'm glad i found this forum and this thread in particular. i'm in the process of having a Sweetpea mixte made and it's giving me lots of ideas :)

Lucky daughter...it's a beautiful bike!

And lucky you for getting a Sweetpea! We'll be awaiting pictures when she's done!

uforgot
11-14-2008, 02:14 AM
I'm trying to figure out what on earth they've done to the seat post there, though.

I looks like it's jammed on the springs of the saddle. Weird. You could always ask, but if they took a pic like that, chances are good that they don't even know the term "seatpost".

xeney
11-14-2008, 03:39 AM
My husband thought they'd just tried to make it fit a kid it was too small for, and he thought the seat post might be installed backwards. (I've seen that on eBay and Craigslist fairly often!)

I won the auction so we'll figure it out when it gets here. Only two stays so maybe not a mixte, but it sure is cute. (But of course, by the time my daughter is old enough to ride it, she'll refuse to ride anything that is not pink.)

ms pepperpot
12-11-2008, 11:20 AM
I don't need another bike and don't have space for one but this thread has made me want a mixte. i've just seen this for sale and am very tempted, waiting to find out how big it is though. It's a Raleigh

Zen
12-11-2008, 11:42 AM
I think it was Extra-vert who wanted one of these? (http://www.velo-orange.com/racks.html)

uforgot
12-11-2008, 11:42 AM
I don't need another bike and don't have space for one but this thread has made me want a mixte. i've just seen this for sale and am very tempted, waiting to find out how big it is though. It's a Raleigh

You need to think about this one. While a Raleigh mixte is nice, you would have to buy wheels and components. I'd wait for one that is complete. They aren't very expensive.

ms pepperpot
12-11-2008, 12:21 PM
That was my thought too about needing to buy the rest. One of the reasons I'm tempted is I'd like to do up a bike myself someday and a frame would take up less space until i'm ready to build it up.

I don't think there are as many mixtes available over here, I have seen some around and for sale on ebay/gumtree but not that many.

It's a 52cm frame though which is possibly a bit big for me. I may go and see it then decide and maybe see if they'll reduce the price.

Evenstar
03-03-2009, 05:23 PM
I am a novice rider, and bought my first bike for commuting to school in August. It is a cruiser, and I enjoy riding it, and it works for me because I live in a very flat town. But, I find my eye strays when I see a bike with gears, and I practically fawn over older model 10 speeds, and I love the mixte flair. The pictures on this thread have solidified my desire for just such a creature.

A few days ago I saw a bike on craigslist (a women's Gitane Gran Sport Deluxe, probably from the mid 70's) and almost bought it for $150. But, after speaking with my LBS and reading about older french bicycles online, I decided it was too much investment for my needs/budget. I really want a cute, reliable bike that I can ride in town and maybe a ways out of town when the mood strikes. Again, as much as I love my cruiser, sometimes I need a bit more speed!

I found this forum to be helpful and inspiring, and it is nice to finally read some comments by women about cycling. I am wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a reliable place to buy a used mixte near Sacramento or the Bay Area?

Any thoughts are appreciated!

sandra
03-03-2009, 05:27 PM
I bought a great mixte from ebay. It is gorgeous and I dearly love it.

Blueberry
03-03-2009, 05:30 PM
I bought a great mixte from ebay. It is gorgeous and I dearly love it.

Sandra!!!!! You're back!!!!!! We've missed you!!!!!!

sandra
03-03-2009, 05:31 PM
I can't resist the mixte thread! I still have my love affair with mixtes.

THANK YOU for the kind comment. :cool:

Blueberry
03-03-2009, 05:35 PM
I still want one, but haven't found *the* one yet. Maybe the new Riv. I need a job first:rolleyes::rolleyes:

Biciclista
03-03-2009, 05:48 PM
I rode mine downtown last friday. It was fun for a change. Sandra, it's me, Mimitabby ..

sandra
03-03-2009, 05:51 PM
Ahhhh, Mimi, thanks for telling me! You've changed. :D

BleeckerSt_Girl
03-03-2009, 07:32 PM
Ahhhh, Mimi, thanks for telling me! You've changed. :D

Yeah, Mimi got all embarrassed-like because she accumulated over 20,000 posts on TE, so she changed her user ID figuring no one would remember just how many posts she's made. Some of us won't let her off that easy though. :D

ms pepperpot
03-04-2009, 07:30 AM
I've carried on looking (not that i can justify getting one yet) and found that they turn up relatively regularly on e-bay sometimes very cheap. I currently have a bit of a crush on this one although it's probably too big for me.

Biciclista
03-04-2009, 07:59 AM
Yeah, Mimi got all embarrassed-like because she accumulated over 20,000 posts on TE, so she changed her user ID figuring no one would remember just how many posts she's made. Some of us won't let her off that easy though. :D

20,000 INDEED. :mad::cool: I can assure you i never went over 10,000.

Zen
03-04-2009, 12:57 PM
I want to like a mixte but I just can't.
i like leaning my knee on the TT but I have trouble with hip/pelvis ROM and it's not easy to swing over a standard TT

That's why the FX series appeals to me so much...it's kind of in between.


http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Trek76FX2009.jpg

IvonaDestroi
03-05-2009, 08:16 PM
:D

I just bought it today for $65... I'm super excited! (keep in mind I live in the bay area where bikes are always ridiculously overpriced). All it technically needs are tubes, tires, pedals, and probably new cables/housings. This will be my very first complete restoration project. Gonna take it all apart including cranks/hubs and de-rust everything, and repaint it properly custom style (gonna have a auto shop sand blast it for me and buy replica decals). Hubs and cranks are the only mystery parts left for me, so I'm looking forward to it.

It's got nice rims and breaks, cool shifters, and the handlebars he gave me (new) are pretty nice too. It weighs 26 pounds and it's got the original plastic brake levers (which the guy I bought it from was super excited about cuz they're always broken at the tips). yey!

here is slideshow:)
http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd241/IvonaDestroi/new%20project/?action=view&current=d6b09676.pbw

uforgot
03-05-2009, 11:51 PM
Congratulations! What a great project. You will learn so much. I used bicycling magazine Bicycle Maintenance and Repair Book for my mixte. Park Tool website is good, as is their repair book and bicycletutor.com. You will not believe how nice it will clean up. I love those classic mixtes!

Tri Girl
03-06-2009, 03:58 PM
Neat bike, Ivona. Very cool classic! :)
Just a question: can you make non QR wheels into QR wheels? I would ride my mixte more if I could change the tires more easily. I guess I could just put a wrench in the saddle bag, huh? It just takes sooooo much more effort, tho. I'm being lazy...

Biciclista
03-06-2009, 04:30 PM
congrats on a really nice mixte! I think you got a great deal.

IvonaDestroi
03-06-2009, 05:36 PM
Neat bike, Ivona. Very cool classic! :)
Just a question: can you make non QR wheels into QR wheels? I would ride my mixte more if I could change the tires more easily. I guess I could just put a wrench in the saddle bag, huh? It just takes sooooo much more effort, tho. I'm being lazy...


I believe you can but you have to buy the whole quick release skewer, and replace the axle you have with it. I'm not sure about how the sizing works, but i think you might need to take apart the hub... once again I'm not sure though, hubs are pretty new to me!

In any case I know it's possible somehow and you have to replace your axle with the skewer. I'm sure your LBS would help you find the right size and give you a thorough explanation of how to, or do it for you if you asked!

(hehe ask me in a couple weeks after I've played with mine, then I'll know how!):D

Tri Girl
03-06-2009, 05:48 PM
Thanks! Do tell when you find out. :)

Kitty Gatita
03-11-2009, 03:21 PM
I am looking at this tomorrow and it will most very likely become a new sistah!

Please tell me whachu think!

uforgot
03-11-2009, 03:43 PM
Depends on what you are going to pay for it. The french mixtes are sometimes hard to find parts for, especially the bottom brackets. Trek has one, but I stay away from them since I like to tinker on them myself. I had a Motobecane and stripped all of the paint off and that's where it stands today because of parts. I recently found another one at a flea market, for $12 and it needed no work, but I still worry about servicing it. My Nishiki was $40, but I can grease the bearings in that thing very easily.

Therefore, if you aren't concerned about the bottom bracket, and love the bike I say ENJOY! Just wanted to give you some food for thought.

Kitty Gatita
03-11-2009, 05:48 PM
hmmmmmmmm. She is SOOOOO pretty! And I have wanted a mixte for the longest time!!! The CL ad said that she has new tires/tubes and was just serviced...

IvonaDestroi
03-11-2009, 06:22 PM
I'm gonna chime in on the part warning... I just got a new project (posted right before you) and it's been pretty interesting. 70's gitane mixte. It had no pedals when I got it, now it has one! French threading... it's a pain to find parts for! I went to recycle bicycle down the street from me and foraged through their part drawers for a few hours. One of the guys was awesome in explaining the differences in french threading and what to look for. I brought home a big bag of borrowed possibly french threaded pedals (mostly my picks, a few of his) and came out of it with one fitting right pedal out of 15. the rest were all rights, and I got 2 lefts but they were both standard threads... oops! I will now have to return and see if I can dig out that matching pedal...

The whole bottom bracket is french threaded. I am planning to take it apart and clean the thing out but I have been thouroughly forewarned-DO NOT mess up those threads cuz you will go through hell and high water finding a replacement. I plan on being very, very, careful and having the shop take care of the cautering pin removal for me, for fear of thread damage.

So far nothing fits properly, not even the seat post and handlebars! (seatpost on there when I got it sucked, but new seats are set up differently, I had to special order) and some nice handlebars came seperately with the bike). Gonna have to do some trading in of parts, but I'm still stoked on it. French parts make it unique I think, and I think I'll be proud of the extra effort later. France did this until the 80's, and they were the only ones who did it:rolleyes:


btw the bike is adorable!

Challenge-yey!:D

Andrea
03-12-2009, 05:05 AM
I love looking at all these bikes! I think the classic mixte is sooooooo cool looking, and I dream of finding one some day. For now, I'll post up the Free Spirit that I found in someone's trash a couple of days ago. I spent all day yesterday cleaning her up...

Before:
http://blog.brickhouseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dsc_8089.jpg
http://blog.brickhouseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dsc_8088.jpg
http://blog.brickhouseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dsc_8085.jpg

After:
http://blog.brickhouseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dsc_8091.jpg
http://blog.brickhouseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dsc_8093.jpg
http://blog.brickhouseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dsc_8092.jpg
http://blog.brickhouseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dsc_8087.jpg
http://blog.brickhouseracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dsc_8096.jpg

Now I'm just waiting for a set of tires to arrive from Harris. The rim size is 26 x 1 3/8, which won't take a standard 26" MTB tire (or else I'd be riding it already!). I'm gonna attach some wire baskets or milk crates or something to it and use it for grocery shopping!

Tuckervill
03-12-2009, 05:16 AM
You can check the serial number (on the bottom bracket or on the inside of one of the chain stays) and date that bike. It looks just like the '85 model I bought at a garage sale last summer.

http://www.oldroads.com/sh_sn.asp

Karen

oxysback
03-12-2009, 09:03 AM
I am looking at this tomorrow and it will most very likely become a new sistah!

Please tell me whachu think!

Wow...that's some bright shiny bar tape!

oxysback
03-12-2009, 09:06 AM
I'm gonna chime in on the part warning... I just got a new project (posted right before you) and it's been pretty interesting. 70's gitane mixte. It had no pedals when I got it, now it has one! French threading... it's a pain to find parts for! I went to recycle bicycle down the street from me and foraged through their part drawers for a few hours. One of the guys was awesome in explaining the differences in french threading and what to look for. I brought home a big bag of borrowed possibly french threaded pedals (mostly my picks, a few of his) and came out of it with one fitting right pedal out of 15. the rest were all rights, and I got 2 lefts but they were both standard threads... oops! I will now have to return and see if I can dig out that matching pedal...

The whole bottom bracket is french threaded. I am planning to take it apart and clean the thing out but I have been thouroughly forewarned-DO NOT mess up those threads cuz you will go through hell and high water finding a replacement. I plan on being very, very, careful and having the shop take care of the cautering pin removal for me, for fear of thread damage.

So far nothing fits properly, not even the seat post and handlebars! (seatpost on there when I got it sucked, but new seats are set up differently, I had to special order) and some nice handlebars came seperately with the bike). Gonna have to do some trading in of parts, but I'm still stoked on it. French parts make it unique I think, and I think I'll be proud of the extra effort later. France did this until the 80's, and they were the only ones who did it:rolleyes:


btw the bike is adorable!

Challenge-yey!:D

Interesting story about finding pedals. I think that's one of the only things that went on without an issue on my mixte restoration project (pictured on pg. 17 of this thread if you haven't already seen it). I ordered them from Rivendell, and prayed they would fit!

DebW
03-12-2009, 12:04 PM
Neat bike, Ivona. Very cool classic! :)
Just a question: can you make non QR wheels into QR wheels? I would ride my mixte more if I could change the tires more easily. I guess I could just put a wrench in the saddle bag, huh? It just takes sooooo much more effort, tho. I'm being lazy...


I believe you can but you have to buy the whole quick release skewer, and replace the axle you have with it. I'm not sure about how the sizing works, but i think you might need to take apart the hub... once again I'm not sure though, hubs are pretty new to me!


You do have to replace the axle, but also note that QR axles are of larger diameter than non-QR axles, and the frame dropout may have to be spread or filed out to fit the QR axle.

IvonaDestroi
03-12-2009, 12:36 PM
Interesting story about finding pedals. I think that's one of the only things that went on without an issue on my mixte restoration project (pictured on pg. 17 of this thread if you haven't already seen it). I ordered them from Rivendell, and prayed they would fit!

I couldn't find your project on page 17... where is it?

IvonaDestroi
03-12-2009, 12:38 PM
You do have to replace the axle, but also note that QR axles are of larger diameter than non-QR axles, and the frame dropout may have to be spread or filed out to fit the QR axle.

good to know... thanks!

IvonaDestroi
03-12-2009, 12:42 PM
[QUOTE=Andrea;410013]I love looking at all these bikes! I think the classic mixte is sooooooo cool looking, and I dream of finding one some day. For now, I'll post up the Free Spirit that I found in someone's trash a couple of days ago. I spent all day yesterday cleaning her up...

awwwww its cuuuuute! I love the fenders and the step through :D

oxysback
03-12-2009, 06:20 PM
I couldn't find your project on page 17... where is it?

Here's a link to the post...

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showpost.php?p=354424&postcount=505

Zen
03-12-2009, 06:23 PM
Bonnie?!
Mais non!
Yvette!

oxysback
03-12-2009, 06:24 PM
Bonnie?!
Mais non!
Yvette!

What's wrong with Bonnie?

Kitty Gatita
03-12-2009, 07:30 PM
Wow...that's some bright shiny bar tape!

Yeah, it is! If the little gal I bought it from (CL) had used enough of it I would rewrap it. But, it was wrapped a bit skimpy.

Seems to be in pretty much good shape. Needs a bath, though. Brakes seem to be good. New tires...still have the little hairs! Very few chips in the paint. Has the potential to be a real looker!! :-)

Yup. A new sistah. I envision a honey Brooks saddle and tan handlebar tape... Maybe the guilt I felt because I really can't afford it right now is what caused my back to totally go into spasms when I took it for a very, very brief ride... just as I got on...instant pain. Couldn't let that on to the cute little gal, tho...

Geez. I hate getting old...

Zen
03-12-2009, 07:36 PM
What's wrong with Bonnie?

Well, it's not a Scottish bike. I am once again...just sayin'.

Kitty Gatita
03-12-2009, 07:44 PM
Well, it's not a Scottish bike. I am once again...just sayin'.

:) You are the best!

IvonaDestroi
03-13-2009, 07:08 PM
Here's a link to the post...

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showpost.php?p=354424&postcount=505


cute... you did a great job! I was looking at your fenders, I couldn't see where you attached them, it kind of looks like the rear brake?

I was looking at mine, and where the pannier rack attaches the little hole goes forward/backward not up and down, which wont work for fenders.

I found these adorable little old mini fenders at recycle bikes by my house, but I think they attach the same way as a normal fender.

It looks like your bike has the same set up as mine, how did you attach those to your seat stays?

oxysback
03-13-2009, 08:45 PM
Well, it's not a Scottish bike. I am once again...just sayin'.

She may have French heritage, but she's American through and through. My manly looking Schwinn is named Clyde...so I thought Bonnie was appropriate for the feminine looking mixte. :cool:

oxysback
03-13-2009, 08:50 PM
cute... you did a great job! I was looking at your fenders, I couldn't see where you attached them, it kind of looks like the rear brake?

I was looking at mine, and where the pannier rack attaches the little hole goes forward/backward not up and down, which wont work for fenders.

I found these adorable little old mini fenders at recycle bikes by my house, but I think they attach the same way as a normal fender.

It looks like your bike has the same set up as mine, how did you attach those to your seat stays?

The fenders are just normal fenders. They attach at the brakes, I believe.

newfsmith
03-29-2009, 09:04 AM
New Mixte frames are showing up if you are in the market, this one comes in 4 sizes
http://somafab.blogspot.com/2009/03/buena-vistas-have-arrived.html

As opposed to GP's condescending attitude (statisically the average height of American women is still 5 feet 4 inches, which means that 1/2 of American woment are less than 5 feet 4 inches. Bicycle manufacturers seem to expect that they should build for the fashion model population 5'9" to 5'11" (http://www.modelingadvice.com/FashionSize.html ). Sorry GP, my money will never thicken your wallet, but for those of you that are tall enough here is his offering
http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/bicycle_models#product=50-685

Mike Flannigan is making his offering as a step-thru, but a full-on transportational bike, you have to scroll down the page to see the ladies frame http://antbikemike.wordpress.com/boston-roadster/

The VO Madame Mixte is a city bike made to measure by Ahren Rogers, principal of Banjo bicycles.
http://www.velo-orange.com/vomamifr.html

Mixte's may be making a come-back.

uforgot
03-29-2009, 09:59 AM
And let's not forget the Masi Soulville Mixte. (http://commutebybike.com/2008/02/20/masi-soulville-mixte-the-stepthrough-version/)

divingbiker
03-30-2009, 11:00 AM
As opposed to GP's condescending attitude (statisically the average height of American women is still 5 feet 4 inches, which means that 1/2 of American woment are less than 5 feet 4 inches. Bicycle manufacturers seem to expect that they should build for the fashion model population 5'9" to 5'11" (http://www.modelingadvice.com/FashionSize.html ). Sorry GP, my money will never thicken your wallet, but for those of you that are tall enough here is his offering
http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/bicycle_models#product=50-685

Not sure what the attitude is all about, but I'm 5'7" and comfortably ride a 58 cm Rivendell mixte, so 52 and 58 cm frames probably would fit most women except the very short or very tall.

Zen
03-30-2009, 11:26 AM
52 is way big for me.

divingbiker
03-30-2009, 03:32 PM
52 is way big for me.

58 is way big for me, too, but I ride it and it fits fine. A mixte's sizing is different.

newfsmith
03-31-2009, 02:58 AM
Not sure what the attitude is all about, but I'm 5'7" and comfortably ride a 58 cm Rivendell mixte, so 52 and 58 cm frames probably would fit most women except the very short or very tall.

The attitude is that the bicycle industry has totally bought into the fashion industry's standard of normal. As I said, google for height charts of American women, the average is still 5 ft 4 inches. This isn't personal but at 5'7" you are not "average" for anything except the purchase of clothes. My objection is entirely that GP made the future appearance of smaller frames entirely dependent on the demand for these mid to large sized frames. This is a market that is well supplied with other possibilities. In other words, for the 49 % of us that are shorter than 5'4", the logical choice of a mixte frame is being made dependant on the sale of frames too large for us. With all of the WSD revolution that is an archaic sales approach.

HillSlugger
03-31-2009, 06:36 AM
The attitude is that the bicycle industry has totally bought into the fashion industry's standard of normal. As I said, google for height charts of American women, the average is still 5 ft 4 inches. This isn't personal but at 5'7" you are not "average" for anything except the purchase of clothes. My objection is entirely that GP made the future appearance of smaller frames entirely dependent on the demand for these mid to large sized frames. This is a market that is well supplied with other possibilities. In other words, for the 49 % of us that are shorter than 5'4", the logical choice of a mixte frame is being made dependant on the sale of frames too large for us. With all of the WSD revolution that is an archaic sales approach.

I'm confused, who's "GP"?

divingbiker
03-31-2009, 06:48 AM
I'm confused, who's "GP"?

Grant Petersen (Rivendell)

uforgot
04-05-2009, 10:08 PM
Nishiki Mixte (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/1108714574.html)on the St. Louis craigslist.

badgercat
04-05-2009, 11:11 PM
...and here's a Centurion for sale in Arizona. :p
http://tucson.craigslist.org/bik/1108134631.html

I'd never even heard of a mixte before I joined TE, and now every time one pops up on craigslist I covet it. GOSH. :cool:

Cataboo
04-06-2009, 09:15 AM
tall people one on DC's craigslist:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/1109651863.html

mayanorange
04-06-2009, 09:37 AM
Nice Peugot in Boston:

http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/bik/1109531889.html

sgtiger
04-21-2009, 10:04 PM
Here's my new (to me) Masi mixte. Isn't he smashing! I just put the burgundy Brooks B18 on him yesterday. The stock saddle was killing me. Way, way, way too narrow! When I went to measure the indentation left by my sit bones on the B72 saddle for my Rodriguez, it was ~150mm from center to center of the impressions. The top of the Masi saddle is only 140 mm, so I basically had a saddle wedgie going on.:eek: The internal gears are great for toodling alongside my kids and for taking the dog out. The coaster brakes took a bit of getting used to as they are way more responsive than the coasters on my Sears cruiser. The basket is not staying. It keeps tilting down and putting pressure on the fender which makes the fender rub the tire.:( I guess I could use a bag support to fix that but since it just looks too big for the bike anyway, it'll have to go. BTW I'm having so much fun on it!:D Thanks again, Claudia!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Yo_Ms_wipD4/Se6gLBNATMI/AAAAAAAABAI/IgdF0ZRrcok/s640/IMG_0440.JPG

More photos here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/sgtiger3/Masi#

uforgot
04-22-2009, 02:35 AM
Looking good! I like the basket and the brooks! Axiom has a few front baskets with supports. I have one on my $40 mixte I can't seem to give up. The coaster brake was hard for me too, and when I got on my road bike, I'd find myself back pedaling. I'm glad it found a loving home.

Zen
04-22-2009, 03:44 AM
I spent a few hours last night perusing ebay and craigslist for a steel touring bike or frame (preferably lugged).

I gotta say the pickins' are mighty slim for us shorties.

reddDesign
04-22-2009, 04:12 AM
here's mine :)

Picked her up off the side of the road for free some 6-7 years ago.

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/3095_505418645905_108400085_30092404_3741442_n.jpg

I'll get a better pic when I go to my parents next :)

oxysback
04-22-2009, 05:45 AM
Here's my new (to me) Masi mixte. Isn't he smashing! I just put the burgundy Brooks B18 on him yesterday. The stock saddle was killing me. Way, way, way too narrow! When I went to measure the indentation left by my sit bones on the B72 saddle for my Rodriguez, it was ~150mm from center to center of the impressions. The top of the Masi saddle is only 140 mm, so I basically had a saddle wedgie going on.:eek: The internal gears are great for toodling alongside my kids and for taking the dog out. The coaster brakes took a bit of getting used to as they are way more responsive than the coasters on my Sears cruiser. The basket is not staying. It keeps tilting down and putting pressure on the fender which makes the fender rub the tire.:( I guess I could use a bag support to fix that but since it just looks too big for the bike anyway, it'll have to go. BTW I'm having so much fun on it!:D Thanks again, Claudia!


I have the B18 on my mixte, too, and I love it! It looks great on your Masi. :)

sgtiger
04-22-2009, 02:39 PM
Thanks for the compliments, uforgot and oxyback. I was originally going to go with a B67 but I saw the burgundy B18 with matching grips on sale and decided to go with that since the color matches so nicely with the paint scheme. I haven't installed the grips yet because I'm on the fence about changing out the handlebars. I prefer the feel of the handlebars on my cruiser which is similar to the Nitto albatross bar, but I'm not sure if I want to swap them at the moment. I think I'll ride the Masi as is for now to see if I get used to the current one. The Sears cruiser is going to get donated to a local bike co-op soon since the Masi fills the same purpose.

Zen, it's a matter of being patient. I know I've seen some great smaller framed classic touring bikes on ebay in the past. Good luck on your search.

reddDesign, that is a beautiful mixte. Looks like a classic. I can see that it has a crowned fork. Hubba hubba! Does it have lugs too? I look forward to seeing some close-up shots of it!

reddDesign
04-22-2009, 03:42 PM
explain lugs :)

Zen
04-22-2009, 04:14 PM
explain lugs :)

See the photo of Jobob's bike in this thread (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=30447)
The pieces used to join the seat tube, top tube, steering tube and bottom bracket are lugs.

reddDesign
04-22-2009, 04:19 PM
ah...well if memory serves me correctly then yes :)

uforgot
04-22-2009, 06:29 PM
I spent a few hours last night perusing ebay and craigslist for a steel touring bike or frame (preferably lugged).

I gotta say the pickins' are mighty slim for us shorties.



Here is a great site for craigslist and ebay (http://www.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/mash.cgi?cat=cpbike&itm=bridgestone&loc=&fil=&ys=&ye=&submit=++++go++++). Maybe you can find something that's a few hours away? Just go to the drop down box and surf for different bikes.

Zen
04-22-2009, 06:49 PM
Well that makes things a little easier, doesn't it? :D
Thanks so much.

Jones
04-23-2009, 04:03 PM
I really, really want a mixte and have been searching ebay, Craig's list and local thrift stores, I haven't found one yet but I hope to soon. I was wondering if I find a mixte with drop bars can I put different bars to sit more up right on the bike? Also how do I know what size bike to get? Do I just guess based on my road bike size?
Please Help. Thank you, Jones.

mayanorange
04-25-2009, 03:46 PM
Fern's little sis in on Ebay and she's a mixte with all original parts including the aluminum crankset- Fern is green with envy! Except the Brooks saddle. Thanks to Sheldon's Retro Raleigh page, she's a 1976 and the same size as Fern (21.5 in). Somebody's got to get her!

Raleigh Super Course MkII Mixte (http://cgi.ebay.com/Raleigh-Womens-10-Speed-Super-Course-MKII-Bicycle-Bike_W0QQitemZ180349572345QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item180349572345&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50)

http://auctionwagon.s3.amazonaws.com/G2SMaf0578ba-d86b-4f2c-831c-181696872591-10920.jpg

Jones
04-26-2009, 02:49 AM
That bike is beautiful. I wonder why they won't ship?

mayanorange
04-26-2009, 04:59 AM
Dunno, but I'm tempted to find someone in the area willing to pick her up and take her to the LBS to pack her up! Not that I need another one, but she's way too cute.

Jones
04-26-2009, 11:07 AM
I looked up the name of the lbs, I was thinking about calling them and asking if they could pick up and ship the bike for a fee. It seems like such an odd thing to do and if you have plans to bid on the bike I won't, after all you found it first.

mayanorange
04-26-2009, 02:07 PM
I looked up the name of the lbs, I was thinking about calling them and asking if they could pick up and ship the bike for a fee. It seems like such an odd thing to do and if you have plans to bid on the bike I won't, after all you found it first.

No, please- I was just hoping she'd go to a good home. If no one else wanted her, I might have tried.

Jones
04-27-2009, 11:07 AM
So I called the lbs and they shut me down and fast. I'm bummed.

Cataboo
04-27-2009, 11:08 AM
Maybe you can email the auction lister and see if they're willing to deliver the bike to a local bike shop?

Maybe the shop would be willing to package it & mail it to you if they didn't have to pick it up?

uforgot
04-27-2009, 11:24 AM
So I called the lbs and they shut me down and fast. I'm bummed.

Jones, you are in California. Tons of mixtes where you are. Do a search on your local craigslist or on ebay. A lot of people don't call them mixtes, they just call them ladies or women's bikes. That's how I find them.

Jones
04-27-2009, 03:37 PM
Jones, you are in California. Tons of mixtes where you are. Do a search on your local craigslist or on ebay. A lot of people don't call them mixtes, they just call them ladies or women's bikes. That's how I find them.

I've been looking, it's just this bike is such a pretty color...oh well the hunt goes on.

Tri Girl
04-29-2009, 02:28 PM
Check out this mixte. It's got such a cool curve to the frame. I don't want it or need it (so I tell myself), but it's very cool looking.

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/bik/1146466987.html

uforgot
04-29-2009, 02:52 PM
That shape looks like Sandra's Legnano. I can't find the pic she posted, but here is the pic of it before bigbossman on bikeforums built it up for her.

Zen
04-29-2009, 03:39 PM
I like that too. I just wish sellers knew how to describe things:mad:

ZenSojourner
04-29-2009, 05:03 PM
I really, really want a mixte and have been searching ebay, Craig's list and local thrift stores, I haven't found one yet but I hope to soon. I was wondering if I find a mixte with drop bars can I put different bars to sit more up right on the bike? Also how do I know what size bike to get? Do I just guess based on my road bike size?
Please Help. Thank you, Jones.

There's a Trixie on the Terry forum For Sale By Owner forum, it says 50cm but they actually didn't make a 50cm, 48 and 52 are the closest.

http://www.terrybicycles.com/trade/browse/sell

Here's a picture and some geometry info from Sheldon Brown's website - this is an old webpage from 2001. It looks like it was sized based on the seat tube length so I'm not sure how meaningful those numbers are according to what we commonly think of as a 50cm frame.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/terry/trixie.html

Did you ever get any information on what size mixte frame to look for?

badgercat
05-01-2009, 05:31 PM
http://tucson.craigslist.org/bik/1149348371.html

I'm going to see this bike on Sunday afternoon, and the guy I talked to said he had a "little wiggle room" on the price. Thoughts? I've never looked at a used bike before, but $100+ seems pretty par for the course for mixtes I've seen listed before. I probably shouldn't spend the money, but I would just adore having this old 10-speed to cruise around town...

Feel free to encourage or discourage me from this at your will...:confused:

mayanorange
05-02-2009, 04:48 AM
Badgercat- she's adorable! I say go for it! Note that the Grand Prix usually had steel wheels, but you can find a set of aluminum rims and she'll be nice and light. Price sounds really good for a Raleigh. And if you need any parts, email me- I have a old school Raleigh bits source.

TxDoc
05-02-2009, 05:36 AM
Hey for $100 I'd say go for it, it's a good deal :)

uforgot
05-02-2009, 07:27 AM
Anyone near KC wanting a mixte (http://kansascity.craigslist.org/bik/1150518469.html)? A Puch no less. l'm tempted to drive it. Pathfinder is kind of low end, but Puch...

badgercat
05-02-2009, 08:37 AM
Badgercat- she's adorable! I say go for it! Note that the Grand Prix usually had steel wheels, but you can find a set of aluminum rims and she'll be nice and light. Price sounds really good for a Raleigh. And if you need any parts, email me- I have a old school Raleigh bits source.

I found this picasa album (http://picasaweb.google.com/martymchugh732/RaleighGrandPrixMixte#) of a Grand Prix of what appears to be the same year, that someone put different bars (with bar-end shifters) and a Brooks saddle on. It's gorgeous :eek: and if the local one looks half as nice I don't think I'll be able to resist!

Thanks for the tips. :D


Hey for $100 I'd say go for it, it's a good deal :)
It's listed at $125, and I'm hopeful that I can talk him down to $100. (I'm planning to use the fact that I saw the same bike listed over a week ago and he clearly hasn't had any takers yet. fingers crossed that it's just a price issue or something and not something seriously wrong with the bike :( )

I can't wait for tomorrow! I was busy last night, he was going to be out of town today, so we had to leave it for Sunday afternoon. Hopefully he didn't sell it out from under me last night or something...

mayanorange
05-03-2009, 05:44 AM
PS- sheldon's Retro Raleighs (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/index.html) site is really helpful for aging and figuring out what's stock on them. So excited for you- let us know how it goes!

badgercat
05-03-2009, 12:57 PM
I GOT THE RALEIGH!

I'll be eating frugally for a while, but with the help of DBF who is a much more assertive negotiator than I, we took it home for $100. A couple minor things need some attention... the brakes are rubbing a bit, the exposed shifter and brake cables have some light surface rust, and some of the decals seem very dried out and might be worth just removing the rest of the way. That, combined with the fact that the guy said he replaced the tires before he listed it implies that it probably sat outside for some time. But, it seems to be in very nice shape overall. Based on the serial number and some research online it was manufactured in Nottingham, England around March, 1977.

:D :D :D

Pics soon! My boyfriend has the nice camera (mine is on the fritz anyway) so... hopefully I can do that tonight when I get home from work.

badgercat
05-03-2009, 01:38 PM
I GOT THE RALEIGH!

I'll be eating frugally for a while, but with the help of DBF who is a much more assertive negotiator than I, we took it home for $100. A couple minor things need some attention... the brakes are rubbing a bit, the exposed shifter and brake cables have some light surface rust, and some of the decals seem very dried out and might be worth just removing the rest of the way. That, combined with the fact that the guy said he replaced the tires before he listed it implies that it probably sat outside for some time. But, it seems to be in very nice shape overall. Based on the serial number and some research online it was manufactured in Nottingham, England around March, 1977.

:D :D :D

Pics soon! My boyfriend has the nice camera (mine is on the fritz anyway) so... hopefully I can do that tonight when I get home from work.

ETA: here are the specs from the Retro Raleighs page on Sheldon's site (which I had looked at earlier but thanks for the reminder, mayanorange): http://www.sheldonbrown.com/retroraleighs/catalogs/1977/pages/05-77-grand-prix.html
The "gents" frame pictured there is the same color scheme as mine. I think it might have all the original components! And oh, one more thing I want to do is replace the bar tape... it's a bit funky, and unfortunately not in a cool-and-worth-preserving sort of way, but in a "I feel like I need to wash my hands right now" sort of way. :rolleyes:

ETA again: I meant to edit my earlier post, and inadvertently just quoted myself in a new reply so... sorry for the double post.

HillSlugger
05-03-2009, 01:58 PM
Congrats!

mayanorange
05-03-2009, 02:21 PM
Yay! Congrats. I'm sure you'll love her!

Jones
05-04-2009, 02:27 AM
Congrats, Badgercat on your new mixte.

Thanks Zen S for pointing me toward the article on fit. I haven't read it yet but I will. My mixte hunting continues and is kinda fun. Friday at a local thrift store I found a 1973 Schwinn Continental that was dusty but looked brand new, so I bought it. A friend is coming to look at it today, so at least if I can't find the perfect new old bike someone is.

badgercat
05-05-2009, 07:22 PM
Finally, as promised, some pictures!

here she is:
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z272/tastee_wheat/Raleigh%20Mixte/DSC_5434.jpg

head badge etc... check out those lugs! yum:
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z272/tastee_wheat/Raleigh%20Mixte/DSC_5438.jpg

these and a handful more pictures, all taken by my boyfriend, can be found here. (http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z272/tastee_wheat/Raleigh%20Mixte/)

:D

amartha
05-05-2009, 07:25 PM
I've owned this mixte for 25 years. It was almost a part of me, but tomorrow a buyer's coming to look at it.

http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/achristinemartha/My%20Bikes/?action=view&current=RaleighUKClubmanLady001.jpg
http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/achristinemartha/My%20Bikes/?action=view&current=RaleighUKClubmanLady001.jpg

http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/achristinemartha/My%20Bikes/?action=view&current=RaleighUKClubmanLady003.jpg
http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/achristinemartha/My%20Bikes/?action=view&current=RaleighUKClubmanLady003.jpg

http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/achristinemartha/My%20Bikes/?action=view&current=RaleighUKClubmanLady004.jpg
http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/achristinemartha/My%20Bikes/?action=view&current=RaleighUKClubmanLady004.jpg

Look at all the things vintage Raleigh lovers lust -- carved lugs, Reynolds 531 tubing, the R on the seat-stay, the unique R seat-post clamp, leather covered toe-clips, Campy headset, Campy Athena crank with 52-40-30 chain-rings, Campy Record down-tube shifters (prettiest ever).

I've put over 15,000 miles on this bike, and it has miles to go.

oxysback
05-05-2009, 07:31 PM
Nice find, Badgercat. Looks almost new! :D

creativadiva
05-05-2009, 08:12 PM
http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt257/surly-gurl/248420658_o.jpg


Might be selling it if anyone is interested.

HillSlugger
05-06-2009, 05:48 AM
I've owned this mixte for 25 years. It was almost a part of me, but tomorrow a buyer's coming to look at it.

http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/achristinemartha/My%20Bikes/?action=view&current=RaleighUKClubmanLady001.jpg
http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/achristinemartha/My%20Bikes/?action=view&current=RaleighUKClubmanLady001.jpg

http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/achristinemartha/My%20Bikes/?action=view&current=RaleighUKClubmanLady003.jpg
http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/achristinemartha/My%20Bikes/?action=view&current=RaleighUKClubmanLady003.jpg

http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/achristinemartha/My%20Bikes/?action=view&current=RaleighUKClubmanLady004.jpg
http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb201/achristinemartha/My%20Bikes/?action=view&current=RaleighUKClubmanLady004.jpg

Look at all the things vintage Raleigh lovers lust -- carved lugs, Reynolds 531 tubing, the R on the seat-stay, the unique R seat-post clamp, leather covered toe-clips, Campy headset, Campy Athena crank with 52-40-30 chain-rings, Campy Record down-tube shifters (prettiest ever).

I've put over 15,000 miles on this bike, and it has miles to go.

Why are you selling her?

jdubble
05-06-2009, 06:32 AM
ok, so several months ago i posted in here saying i was waiting for a sweetpea and as of last friday, i finally have it. so i figured i should come back and share 'cos i'm really really happy with the way it turned out. Natalie really went above and beyond and it totally exceeds all my expectations! And man, it's so light and fast (especially when compared to my previous 'round town bike, an old old trek hybrid, so i guess it's not *really* a fair comparison!)

More pictures on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52346770@N00/sets/72157617611394766/), but here's one. I'm waiting for my rear rack to come in, and then I'll be outfitting the bike with the Bobike rear seat for my 3 year old and hooking up the Follow-Me Tandem for my 5-3/4 year old. Seems almost a shame to do it, but that's what the bike was designed for (hence the loooong wheelbase) and since all I want to do is ride this bike, I have to be able to bring the boys along.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3494652333_37b8710365.jpg

the nitty gritty details:

• 50/34 170mm Shimano Ultegra crank
• 11x34 IRC Elite cassette
• Shimano XT M771 long cage rear derailleur
• Shimano 105 10-Speed front derailleur
• Velocity Synergy 650B wheels
• Nitto B603 handlebar, Velo Orange stem, Rivendell Woodies
• Dura Ace bar end shifters + Paul Thumbies
• Chris King bottom bracket and headseat
• Tektro 556 long-reach brakes
• Brooks B68s saddle
• Velo Orange touring pedals
• Honjo fenders

mayanorange
05-06-2009, 07:26 AM
She's gorgeous Badgercat! I'm sooo jealous (don't tell Fern). Great find!

amartha
05-06-2009, 02:23 PM
Buyer can't buy it! I think I'll be keeping her just to ride once or twice each year for the "bring out your dead" event at Halloween and an occasional mixte only ride.

At times I think this bike is too beautiful to sell.

mayanorange
05-06-2009, 04:49 PM
Ann- you should definitely keep her- she's way too precious! Good for grocery and library runs I bet...

Creativa- Gorgeous! What year is that?

Jdubble- Sweetpea is the perfect term for that bike! She's cute as a button.

HillSlugger
05-06-2009, 04:58 PM
Buyer can't buy it! I think I'll be keeping her just to ride once or twice each year for the "bring out your dead" event at Halloween and an occasional mixte only ride.

At times I think this bike is too beautiful to sell.

Have you owned it since it was new?

Tri Girl
05-06-2009, 05:15 PM
badger- AWEOME find! I love that color blue

diva- your yellow mixte is eye-catching. Love it!!!

jdubble- holy smokies!!!:eek: That sweetpea was worth the wait!!! Gorgeous.

oxysback
05-06-2009, 07:30 PM
jdubble - LOVE the Sweetpea!! Gorgeous!

jdubble
05-06-2009, 08:07 PM
amartha, i vote for keeping her. she is definitely a beauty, and you have history with her. you can never have too many bikes, right? :)

and that the blue of that mixte, badger, is perfect!

badgercat
05-06-2009, 09:35 PM
Thanks, all, for the compliments on my new ride. :) That royal blue color was part of what drew me to it in the first place.

I'm intending for the mixte to be my to-from campus commuter and grocery bike. I already have a black rear rack (hand-me-down from DBF, who now uses a BOB trailer for haulin') and black Wald folding grocery baskets (bought to match the rack and the all-black components and wheels on my Trek 7.2 FX). I was worried that all that black stuff would look out of place, since the components are just plain metal. But the combination doesn't look bad at all! I'm thinking that black bar tape would make it all come together very nicely, but I'm concerned that might wind up being too much black. I'll have to see.

mayanorange was right... this bike definitely has steel wheels, and is a bit of a tank, especially once i add several pounds of rack and baskets on the back. If I swap out anything major-ish, it'll definitely be for lighter wheels, but that won't even be on the table until I see if I can find another job for the summer. :rolleyes:

I'm sure I'll have more pictures once I get it all cleaned up and tricked out. :D So many pictures of fabulous mixtes have been shared in the last few days!

mayanorange
05-07-2009, 05:33 AM
this bike definitely has steel wheels, and is a bit of a tank, especially once i add several pounds of rack and baskets on the back. If I swap out anything major-ish, it'll definitely be for lighter wheels, but that won't even be on the table until I see if I can find another job for the summer. :rolleyes:

Badger, you should keep the normandy hubs (so snazzy!)- just swap out the rims when you can. If I find an old school rear for mine with a normandy, I can pass on the set of Windsors I have- they're nice and light. And it looks like you have an aluminum crank?

badgercat
05-07-2009, 08:14 AM
Badger, you should keep the normandy hubs (so snazzy!)- just swap out the rims when you can. If I find an old school rear for mine with a normandy, I can pass on the set of Windsors I have- they're nice and light. And it looks like you have an aluminum crank?

Yeah, I believe the crank is aluminum.

I do very much like the look of the hubs, so I would like to keep those. I've done some minor tinkering on my bikes, but taking apart a wheel seems scary, so not only would i have to find rims, I'd have to pay the lbs to swap them out for me. There is a bike co-op in town, though, so I should look into whether or not that's something I could learn to do there... hmm... maybe they would have some rims that would work for me...

Alas, it's final exam time, with a separate comprehensive end-of-year exam in a month, so this is on the back burner for the next few weeks. If you decide to unload your Windsors, though, do let me know. :o

I'm also trying to figure out what it means, from a practical standpoint, to have 27" wheels. I saw your thread here (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=30012) that touched on some of those issues, but I'm still a little confused... can I use a 700c tube on it, or is it only the other way around (that 700c wheels can take a 27" tube)? There are tons of folks on older bikes around town so I can think of at least a couple lbs's that would likely stock stuff for 27" wheels, but I'm just trying to research my options.

mayanorange
05-07-2009, 09:47 AM
Badgercat- 27s are slightly bigger than 700s, but most of the tubes have enough play that they sell them interchangeably- I think if you want to be really picky, you'd have to adjust for width, but if we're talking 1/8in it'll be fine. Officially, the no no would be to put a 27 tube on a 700.

You could switch to 700s- just need to move the brake pads down a bit on the arms to reach the wheel. I just figured if I did that, I'd need a new freewheel and have to think about chainline etc. And Harris's is about 4 miles from me and stock lots of nice options for 27s. So it was more a decision of inertia.

Ride her as is and keep an eye out for parts. I just happened to find a guy near me that had tons of old parts so we swapped a few things out (mostly back to original or as close as we could get). I am still hoping to find a period correct aluminum crank someday, upgrade the front derailleur, etc. but for now she's fine. You're sitting on much better components since yours is slightly younger. (And she's a mixte which makes her 3 times as cute!)

badgercat
05-07-2009, 10:54 AM
Thanks again for all the info, mayanorange.

Zen
05-07-2009, 05:53 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380121928418&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RSCC_Pr8_PcY_BID_Stores_IT&refitem=380120272928&itemcount=8&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&usedrule1=StoreCatToStoreCat&usedrule2=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m183&_trkparms=algo%3DDR%26its%3DS%252BI%252BSS%26itu%3DISS%252BUCI%252BSI%26otn%3D7

Cataboo
05-07-2009, 06:15 PM
I've been debating driving down to buy the bianchi in this:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1159465386.html

It needs a front wheel, and I have those spare 'cause I only wreck rear wheels, and it needs brakes, but I've got a set of xtr mountain bike brakes that look like maybe they'll work...

It's not one of the super cute mixtes with the split top tube all the way back....

Except... I have 5 bikes and I'd have to drive 26 miles each way to get this.

Tuckervill
05-07-2009, 07:29 PM
Make sure that fork's not bent. It looks like the wheel was taco'd or something. The seat/post looks whacked, too. Could just be put on weird. I'd make sure that you can get that seat post out.

I think it's a cute bike, though.
Karen

Zen
05-07-2009, 07:37 PM
I'd drive down with you but if the bike was any good we'd then have to have a fist fight and that would be most unladylike.

I think i could take you on reach, though.

Cataboo
05-07-2009, 07:56 PM
Oh, I'd let you have it... I'd just make you put in your will that I get it when you die :)

All I'd do with it is smash its rear wheel up, probably at the rate I'm going...

I'm thinking that the front wheel is so warped just 'cause it's been sitting so long leaning against a wall or something. Least my bf's got a mountain bike with a front wheel that looks like that and I don't think that bike has moved in 10 years and there's a few bikes in the bike rack at work that haven't moved in a year (I've watched) that have warped wheels as well.

If I had a pair of bolt cutters, I'd totally steal one and make myself a hipster singlespeed.

I've got the guy's name, address & phone # if you want it. Sounds like I'm heading down that way tomorrow evening anyways...

Zen
05-08-2009, 01:14 AM
Nah, it's all yours.

Cataboo
05-08-2009, 03:56 AM
So much for being a good forum friend that throws herself under a bus to make sure I don't unnecessarily buy a bike that I don't need by buying it herself.

Zen
05-08-2009, 04:18 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/Raleigh-Olympian-Mixie-Road-Bike-Bicycle-502-CROMOLY-50_W0QQitemZ180349594361QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item29fdac6af9#ebayphotohosting

uforgot
05-08-2009, 07:31 PM
Love that Raleigh, but did you get a look at his rules and disclaimers? Yeesh. My favorite: "I won't be responsible for the condition on arrival because filing a claim is too much trouble, and also because of this the item may not look like the one pictured"? Too much baggage attached to this auction. I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole.

Certified UBI bike technician. Yet he calls it a mixie (throughout) and I'm still not clear on what his basic tune-up is. Quote: "this one is sold as Basic Tuned ~ meaning that this bike is between it's nortmal maintaince cycles".

I'll watch to see if anyone actually qualifies for bidding and paying, and then is willing to pay those excessive fees! ($100 to MO). Nope, absolutely NO pickup.

Jones
05-08-2009, 07:54 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=160332765573

I have been looking at this one. The seller says he will drop it off at a bike shop and let them ship it if I make the arrangements. Does anyone know a good lbs in DC?

Zen
05-08-2009, 08:25 PM
www.proteusbicycles.com/
www.Capitolhillbikes.com
www.revolutioncycles.com/

That is a beauty!

uforgot
05-08-2009, 09:13 PM
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=160332765573

I have been looking at this one. The seller says he will drop it off at a bike shop and let them ship it if I make the arrangements. Does anyone know a good lbs in DC?

Nice! Love the color.

Jones
05-08-2009, 09:14 PM
Thanks Zen, have you ever used any of these shops?

mayanorange
05-09-2009, 04:46 AM
Jones, that Peugeot is great! And she's all geared up and ready to go!

The Raleigh Olympian is okay- she's not and English made Raleigh (mid 80s model) and I agree that he sounds a bit bizarre. Not sure she's really worth the 100 plus possibly 100 in shipping that might not even get her there well.

Zen
05-09-2009, 07:02 AM
Thanks Zen, have you ever used any of these shops?

Sorry but no, I can't help you there. I'm slightly outside of DC.

creativadiva
05-09-2009, 09:25 AM
>>Creativa- Gorgeous! What year is that?

Sorry for the delayed response, mayanorange, I haven't had a chance to check in here for a while.

I'm not sure what year the Bottechia is, I'm guessing early 80's (maybe late 70s?). I love the 1-piece handlebar/stem combo, don't think I've seen that before. I'm debating whether or not to put the money into really fixing it up or just selling it and starting from scratch. Tough decision, it's just so cute-I'm really torn.

HillSlugger
05-09-2009, 10:11 AM
Thanks Zen, have you ever used any of these shops?

Proteus bikes is great! I highly recommend it.

Jones
05-09-2009, 11:09 AM
Thanks MdHillSlug for the recommendation but not being familiar with the area and seller saying he would drop bike at a DC shop I kinda want to stick to bike shops with a DC address. I called Capital Hill Bikes and Revolution Cycles, Capital Hill said they would pack but not ship because they have been burned on the shipping rates before. It sounded like it was very difficult for her to say no. Revolution Cycles said they would pack and ship for $150. So now I just have to decide if the bike is worth the shipping costs.
I really like the color but I am leaning toward waiting and finding something closer to home.

Jones
05-09-2009, 05:02 PM
So I decided to just feel the water and bid $80.00 but was immediately outbid. How do I know how much this bike is worth? If it is worth 100+150 shipping to me than it is worth that much? So I decided while typing this it's not worth that much to me so I think one of you east coast girls should grab it. It sure is a purrty color.

uforgot
05-09-2009, 06:37 PM
So I decided to just feel the water and bid $80.00 but was immediately outbid. How do I know how much this bike is worth? If it is worth 100+150 shipping to me than it is worth that much? So I decided while typing this it's not worth that much to me so I think one of you east coast girls should grab it. It sure is a purrty color.

You know, I like to think I'm the queen of finding mixtes for people. After all, Sandra had THREE within a month. One of them she got from bigbossman on bikeforums.net. He flips mixtes all the time and he's located in California. If you pm me where you are located, I'll try to find one, or you can do it yourself on this site. (http://www.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/mash.cgi?cat=cpbike&itm=nishiki&loc=&fil=&ys=&ye=&submit=++++go++++) I don't think that $150 is worth the shipping, and with your $80 initial bid, that puts it over $200. Too much. You may as well put that shipping money into your bike. My Nishiki cost me $40 initially. I've since put baskets on it and turned it into a single speed. I definitely think you can do better! Nishiki is always a good find, Xeney has a bunch and that's where I learned about them. I'm currently looking for a Bridgestone one, with the shifters on the downtube. Of course I'm not paying much for it. You can search Raleigh, Bianchi (I had one of these, they are beautiful!, Nishiki, Bridgestone and Fuji made some good ones) Be patient, it will appear!

amartha
05-09-2009, 07:01 PM
Craig's List for Philadelphia this month lists this clean Peugeot 10 speed for $125.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/1162516442.html

It's a 21" frame (standard). Looks like it's from the late '70's.

I noticed that 2 members of this thread live within easy driving distance of Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Craig's List always seems to have a mixte for sale -- mostly bikes stored in houses and not ridden anymore.:(

uforgot
05-10-2009, 03:26 AM
Here's one in SF bay. (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/1161701338.html)


Four of them (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/1159984277.html) in Los Angeles


This one (http://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/1149642246.html) is in Fresno

This one is a little expensive (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/1158851352.html), but maybe they will come down?

There was one for $75 in Sacramento but the posting has expired.Darn!

Another one that is kind of high (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/bik/1160480646.html), but pretty!

This one isn't a mixte (http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1160109584.html), but I love it!

uforgot
05-10-2009, 04:04 AM
Did we already see this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-PEUGEOT-LADIES-MIXTIE-ROAD-BIKE-SMALL-BLUE_W0QQitemZ160333723190QQihZ006QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)?

Univega (http://cgi.ebay.com/Univega-Viva-Sport-Ladies-road-bike-black-Cro-Moly_W0QQitemZ130305140185QQihZ003QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Schwinn (http://cgi.ebay.com/SCHWINN-LE-TOUR-WOMENS-BICYCLE-NICE-ALUMINUM-SILVER_W0QQitemZ170330478690QQihZ007QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) - probably weighs a ton

Raleigh (http://cgi.ebay.com/1970s-Raleigh-Record-Ace-10-speed-Mixte-Frame-Bicycle_W0QQitemZ130305391633QQihZ003QQcategoryZ159000QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

mayanorange
05-10-2009, 04:10 AM
>>Creativa- Gorgeous! What year is that?

Sorry for the delayed response, mayanorange, I haven't had a chance to check in here for a while.

I'm not sure what year the Bottechia is, I'm guessing early 80's (maybe late 70s?). I love the 1-piece handlebar/stem combo, don't think I've seen that before. I'm debating whether or not to put the money into really fixing it up or just selling it and starting from scratch. Tough decision, it's just so cute-I'm really torn.

If it fits, I'd fix her up! She's adorable and really unique.

Jones
05-10-2009, 12:11 PM
uforgot, thank you so much for the help. Part of my problem is that my desire to own a mixte is strong but I own 4 bikes currently and really don't need anymore so I am trying to patiently wait for the perfect bike in the perfect color for the perfect price to show up. The problem with this theory is I don't know what the perfect bike is and every time I see a different mixte that one could become the perfect bike. I think I might bid on the bike in Carlsbad, Ca. it is almost the perfect bike, shipping is $22 but I think the stem is kinda funky. I'm sure my life would be completely enhanced if I could just make a decision.:D

amartha
05-10-2009, 04:43 PM
Hi Mixte Lovers,

Mixtes came in graduated sizes -- 17", 19", 21" and 23". The frames were mostly lower grade steel; however, upper end Raleighs used Reynolds 531 which was the best double butted cro-moly steel in the 80's.

A good vintage mixte has a lugged 531 frame and it will range in price from $150 to $300 depending upon the condition of its paint and its components. Good mixtes have original decals and the original paint is beautiful. The better the mixte, the better the frame and components. Great European mixtes used Campagnolo 980 or Record components. Other mixtes had cheaper cottered cranks and cheaper components. The best Raleigh mixtes were made between 1983 and 1985 when Raleigh tried to sell quality to discerning women who did not wish (or who were too small) to ride a man's diamond frame. The irony in mixtes being sold to women and not sold as a unisex frame comes out in name of the model I have -- Clubman Lady.

New mixtes will be made from welded aluminum. Examine the welds, because smaller beading in the frame commands a higher price.

A few mixtes were built by small custom manufacturers: Harry Havnoonian and Steve Bilenky in Philadelphia still make mixtes in Columbus steel for special orders. These bikes will top $4,000 because they're custom built.

The smallest size (17") is hardest to find, but it also will have the poorest grade in tubing and in components. !9" mixte frames are also hard to find (comparable to a 49 cm diamond frame); most mixtes were 21" frames.

By today's standards for bike geometry, the mixte is a long bike. The reach to the brakes will stretch most women. The steel mixtes by today's standards are very sluggish and heavy. Some will be too twitchy and very demanding to handle in long riding events. Raleighs from the 1980's had goofy velvet saddles. These were very uncomfortable (and who needs saddle discomfort) and the velvet wore off and blackened the back side of any garment except black cycling shorts -- LOL.

So, if you are debating the value of an old Peugeot or Raleigh or Motobecane or Gitane or Puch or Nishiki that you found on e-Bay or Craig's List, look up the vintage, the specifications of the components and find out the frame material.

uforgot
05-10-2009, 05:39 PM
Great post amartha! How on earth do you know all of that! Thanks for the terrific information. I've picked up bits and pieces here and there, but nothing as comprehensive as this. I think that most people here are using these as ride around town bikes. I have a Nishiki and I certainly wouldn't want to take it on a 50 mile ride! (But I love running around on it, baskets and all!)

Jones
05-11-2009, 02:11 AM
Thanks for the great info amartha. I will definitely keep all this in mind while I shop for a mixte.

Cataboo
05-11-2009, 07:17 AM
This is adorable:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/1164591439.html

HillSlugger
05-11-2009, 07:52 AM
This is adorable:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/1164591439.html

Wow, it looks unused!

Cataboo
05-11-2009, 07:54 AM
Wow, it looks unused!

It does.... I'm tempted but... i don't need another bike!

mayanorange
05-11-2009, 08:58 AM
Fuji in Boston cheap! I don't need another bike right now, but man this is tempting.

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/1164924004.html

PS- I love that Ross. So cute.

amartha
05-11-2009, 07:39 PM
Craig's List for Philadelphia has an amazing selection -- 6 mixtes including a rare collector's item in need of TLC -- the Anquetil.:D


1. Peugeot -- tourquoise beauty
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/1166053893.html


2. Motobecane -- NE Philly (near me) -- looks like it needs work

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/1165101608.html


3, a fabulous Bottechia 5 speed

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/1164948149.html


4. an orange Peugeot -- sort of overpriced
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/1164746738.html

5. a white Jacques Anquetil touring bike -- about 50 years old!

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/1163711208.html

6. Nishiki in South Philly

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/1159615250.html

These were posted to Craig's List for Philadelphia this week.

amartha
05-12-2009, 07:40 AM
I looked too fast -- the Nishiki is not truly a mixte.

mayanorange
05-24-2009, 12:43 PM
On UK ebay, there's a great find- a Dawes Galaxy Mixte (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Dawes-Galaxy-ladies-racing-bike-Reynolds-531-50cm-frame_W0QQitemZ140322696155QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Bikes_GL?hash=item20abe26bdb&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A2|294%3A50)

Lots of pics here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/35875485@N05/sets/72157618599183177/)

I got to see one of these in person last week and it's astonishingly beautiful. Split top tube, then it stops at the seat post. Hand painting and subtle colors here and there. They even painted the rack to match on this one.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3305/3557950216_0537591dd8.jpg?v=0

Cataboo
05-26-2009, 12:31 PM
Brand new old Miyata mixte:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/1189822687.html

uforgot
05-26-2009, 01:17 PM
Brand new old Miyata mixte:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/1189822687.html

Oh, that's a nice one!

ASammy1
05-27-2009, 12:57 PM
I'm thinking about checking this one out! I love the curves!

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/bik/1186562853.html

Zen
05-27-2009, 01:58 PM
You should, you're close enough and it's not a bad price.
I'm a sucker for a curved frame.

sfa
05-29-2009, 07:50 AM
Brand new old Miyata mixte:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/1189822687.html

Sometimes I think I must have done something to piss off one of the small gods. On Wednesday I saw this link and sent it to DH. I want this bike. It's local. The price is good. I love my current Miyata and would be so happy to add another to my collection (I think it becomes a collection with two, doesn't it?). I love mixtes and keep trolling the used bike sales to find just the right one. I've been itching for a red bike for years. And DH has been looking for something "just right" as a 40th birthday gift to me.

And on Wednesday night, DH lost his job. No new bikes for me. :(

Sarah

Cataboo
05-29-2009, 07:53 AM
That's terrible :(

Cataboo
06-01-2009, 11:05 AM
I love the green on this oen:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1200018141.html

uforgot
06-01-2009, 11:49 AM
Wow! You guys need to come to St. Louis and look for mixtes. There was one on there yesterday, a Miyata for $40 and this one today (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/1199737802.html) for $80. I got mine, a Nishiki for $40. Those $200+ ones are outrageous!

amartha
06-05-2009, 08:10 PM
Mixte value reflects construction and material used. Good cro-moly like Reynolds 531 and good components like Campagnolo. Accessories also boost the price: lights, fenders, racks, carrying bags.

uforgot
06-05-2009, 11:45 PM
Mixte value reflects construction and material used. Good cro-moly like Reynolds 531 and good components like Campagnolo. Accessories also boost the price: lights, fenders, racks, carrying bags.

Mixte values SHOULD reflect construction and material but some people think they have a pot of gold when they don't. I see those $200 mixtes that aren't any different than the Miyata was. Of course they may still be sitting on Craigslist for all I know, and the French ones? You have to deal with the french parts. The better ones also have the downtube shifters rather than the ones on the stem. I think if people wait and search, the right one at the right price will come along. Personally I'm waiting for a Bridgestone with downtube shifters. I did find a Motobecane (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showpost.php?p=378653&postcount=522http://) with those once, at a local flea market for $12. (French but in great shape) Now that was an insane price, I know!

I don't think I've seen one with Campy, but oh, I'd go ahead and pay the premium for that!

TxDoc
06-06-2009, 06:59 AM
Hello to the mixte lovers -
this Peugeot showed up on CL for $50:
http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1207590616.html
I'm not into mixtes, and this month I do not even have time for an extra 'fix-up and resale project' :D but I figured I would post it here in case anyone is interested :)

badgercat
06-06-2009, 07:19 AM
I've just moved into a house that my boyfriend and I are renting from one of my professors.

My 1977 Raleigh Grand Prix (http://s188.photobucket.com/albums/z272/tastee_wheat/Raleigh%20Mixte/) is currently living right inside the living room door as we haven't found a good permanent home for the bikes yet, and my prof/landlord stopped by to pick something up. I open the door and she says "Hi... ooh, nice bike!" :D I'd heard offhand from one of my other profs (whom I've gone riding with) that this woman is also a cyclist, so I'll have to chat her up about it sometime. :D

I've replaced the rotting old white bar tape with some black cork tape and it looks pretty snazzy. Next step is getting my black rear rack and Wald folding baskets going, and then she'll be a lean, mean, commuting machine! Except... not that lean. Kind of heavy. :o But hopefully I'll get it going soon and have some new pictures.

sgtiger
06-06-2009, 09:01 AM
badgercat, that Raleigh is lovely. I have mixte envy now. And I already have two.

uforgot
06-06-2009, 10:00 AM
Badgercat - Oh, that is a beauty!

HillSlugger
06-08-2009, 06:04 PM
I was up in Albany, NY this weekend to do my Tour de Cure ride and to visit relatives there. We needed to move something from their garage into my car. As we were heading back into the house through the garage my eyes caught on a Nishiki mixte sitting in their garage. I immediately asked who's it was and was told that my cousin's husband had given it to them for their oldest daughter. I told them to NOT EVER get rid of it without talking to me, that it was a classic. I don't know if it will ever come my way, but hopefully it won't go to a garage sale or landfill.

Tuckervill
06-08-2009, 06:34 PM
Why didn't you just ask for it? Offer them some cash. They might just be willing to part with it.

I know that some people might think that's tacky, but doesn't it appear to be unused and neglected? What good is it sitting in the garage?? ;)

Karen

nic840
06-12-2009, 06:37 PM
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/spo/1218864605.html

It was listed in the sporting goods and not in the bike section... thinking that no one will notice it...
Thinking about heading over tomorrow. I have wanted one for a while and so far that is a heck of a price and it looks super clean. May be a tad small but can't hurt to go look right? I love the icy blue color too!

Tri Girl
06-12-2009, 06:48 PM
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/spo/1218864605.html

It was listed in the sporting goods and not in the bike section... thinking that no one will notice it...
Thinking about heading over tomorrow. I have wanted one for a while and so far that is a heck of a price and it looks super clean. May be a tad small but can't hurt to go look right? I love the icy blue color too!

That's a BEAUTIFUL Nishiki. I'd definitely go check it out. Not a bad price (I think). What a pretty color.

Tuckervill
06-12-2009, 06:49 PM
Go get it.

Karen

nic840
06-12-2009, 07:02 PM
Yeah thats what I am thinking too...its just too clean.
I like the color too! Here is some similar ones I found on line. Looks like an 84 Nishiki Sport.
It needs a nice carmel color Brooks, leather grips and a basket and I am set!
Thanks for the quick reply...I will keep you posted. -Nic

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pcnotpc/2643888546/in/photostream/

nic840
06-13-2009, 10:23 AM
Okay I got her. Sat on it in the Pawn shop and she fit perfectly!
She is mechanically totally sound and has newer tires. Really happy with the purchase!
It is my new riding the neighborhood, kids to school, softball game, grocery getter bike! So comfy!

Now onto gussying her up with a new brooks, grips, basket, etc....the $75 bike gets more expensive!:)

divingbiker
06-13-2009, 02:16 PM
Personally I'm waiting for a Bridgestone with downtube shifters.

Can't tell from the pictures if it's got downtube shifters, but here's a Bridgestone mixte (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1220026788.html) for you.


Okay I got her. Sat on it in the Pawn shop and she fit perfectly!
She is mechanically totally sound and has newer tires. Really happy with the purchase!
It is my new riding the neighborhood, kids to school, softball game, grocery getter bike! So comfy!

Now onto gussying her up with a new brooks, grips, basket, etc....the $75 bike gets more expensive!:)

Excellent! You got a great deal.

uforgot
06-13-2009, 03:42 PM
Can't tell from the pictures if it's got downtube shifters, but here's a Bridgestone mixte (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1220026788.html) for you.



Excellent! You got a great deal.

Oh what a beauty! Good thing I don't live any closer!

nic840 - I agree, you got a great deal!

HillSlugger
06-13-2009, 03:49 PM
Can't tell from the pictures if it's got downtube shifters, but here's a Bridgestone mixte (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1220026788.html) for you.
Looks like the shifters are on the upright of the stem.

amartha
06-13-2009, 05:50 PM
To U-Forgot.

My Raleigh has upgrades to Campagnola -- triple crank, front and rear derailleurs and down-tube shifters. The frame is Reynolds 531 lugged cro-moly (excellent quality). Campagnola on mixtes and 531 lugged frames are hard to find.

Craig's List -- Philadelphia

1.
Interesting -- 3 speed Mixtes fetch more $$ in Philadelphia than traditional step through frames.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/1197695802.html

This one is close to my home. It's too big for me. I have to size down to 18" (very hard to get).

2.
Craig's List -- Jersey City NJ
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/1216996162.html needs TLC

3.
California -- Peugeot listed on e-bay
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Ladies-PEUGEOT-MIXTE--Bike-19%22-Frame_W0QQitemZ110401098693QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090611?IMSfp=TL090611219002r38283
-- harder to find 19" (49cm) size.

Not much to find at this time.

HillSlugger
06-19-2009, 08:37 AM
In the DC area:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/1228943797.html

nic840
06-26-2009, 07:36 PM
I am feeling really good about my $75 purchase...put a new chain on her...trued the wheels...cleaned it up and here she is!
Would love to put a new brooks on it but its just my grocery getter and would hate to have it get ripped off somewhere...

It is so fun to ride! Makes me feel like a kid again.

sgtiger
06-26-2009, 08:01 PM
nic840, what a great find! Your Nishiki is lovely and I hope you have many wonderful miles together.:)

uforgot
06-27-2009, 01:12 AM
Very pretty! I'm a member of the Nishiki club. I love mine, it's a tank but a terrific grocery getter. I made mine into a single speed.

amartha
07-01-2009, 06:55 AM
http://felslibrary.tripod.com/images/mixtelady

Details:

model -- 1983 Raleigh (Nottingham, UK) Clubman Lady -- asking $325 (asking price as recommended by Mike McGettigan of Trophy Bikes, Philadelphia, PA -- I am open to reasonable offers.)

frame -- handbuilt lugged Reynolds 531 cro-moly

components -- drivetrain upgrade
Campagnola 1996 Athena triple crank (52-40-30), 1985 Campagnola Veloce front derailleur, 1996 Campagnola Athena triple rear derailleur, S-R 13-26 six speed freewheel, 1983 Campagnola record downtube shifters, 1983 Campagnola headset (best ever made)
original Weinmann centerpull brakes

wheels: rebuilt by hand with Sun rims. original Speidel (French) QR's
SKS fenders (replacements), new Specialized "turbo-armadillo" tires

Also included: Cateye headlights, Vista tail-light, rear rack, Nashbar bags (bags in fair condition), Cateye computer, bell, rear-view mirror, and a stock of at least 6 inner tubes.

minor flaws -- top-tube bears a scratch (covered), repaired fender stay, original 531 decals are worn

I have completed 65 mile rides on this bike. It can do more than just cruise around town for errands. Now I have 5 bikes and I need space.

mayanorange
07-02-2009, 08:31 AM
amartha- what size is she?

amartha
07-03-2009, 09:51 PM
M'Lady is a 19 inch mixte. It's equivalent to a 49 cm frame.
I'm listing her on Craig's list soon.

BTW: I was in Wellesly back in '98 for the LAB Rally. The cycling was terrific.

mayanorange
07-13-2009, 12:08 PM
Looky what I happened to find on craigslist:
http://home.att.net/~piercebd/wsb/media/147543/site1299.jpg
She's a 1971/1972 Raleigh SuperCourse and is completely original except for the seat post bolt. The raleigh tires, the bar tape, Brooks B15, everything is original and barely a scratch on her! I was lucky enough that my Raleigh loving friend was willing to go retrieve her since I was crazy busy with work, but it was such a crazy deal, one of us had to get it! Once he picked her up, he was sure I'd love her and commented that she could be a museum piece. Now I'm hesitant to touch her, but I think she needs to be ridden for once in her life (the tires look brand new).

I'm pondering albatross or velo orange's montmarte (http://www.velo-orange.com/vomoha.html) bars, but I'll see how the original bars and I get along. Need to clean her up, true wheels, get some new tires (and put the Raleigh ones aside), swap out for my B72... Ideas?

Tuckervill
07-13-2009, 07:42 PM
It's lovely just the way it is.

I saw the first mixte for sale ever in my area. A Peugot, with a matching men's 10-speed Are the Peugot's Italian? And that's why I don't want to rebuild one, right? They're both white, but with lots of rust peaking out under the paint. I didn't like the rear der that was that matte kind of aluminum instead of chrome. The bike just didn't turn me on. Probably because it will probably be overpriced (at the "junk-tique" shop) and I just don't need another project of any kind right now.

Karen

mudmucker
07-13-2009, 07:46 PM
Mmmm. So chocolately. And it came with the Brooks too? Nice catch.

DebW
07-13-2009, 09:31 PM
I saw the first mixte for sale ever in my area. A Peugot, with a matching men's 10-speed Are the Peugot's Italian? And that's why I don't want to rebuild one, right?

Peugot is French. Meaning it would need French threaded parts which are no longer made. So it would have been more trouble than you wanted to deal with. Italian bikes, on the other hand, are beautiful things (except they take right-threaded fixed BB cups).

Great find on the Raleigh, Mayanorage. The Super Course has Reynolds 531 straight-gage tubing in the main tubes.

Tuckervill
07-14-2009, 07:23 PM
French, Italian...I just know I don't want to have to work on it. :)

Thanks, Deb.

Karen

mtbdarby
07-17-2009, 07:56 PM
Hey all,
I just saw this posted on our local cl and was looking for some input:
http://wausau.craigslist.org/bik/1273177883.html

It's a sanwa and I don't know anything about them. It's getting late here so I'm heading to bed but I will call in the morning to see if it's available.

TIA!

uforgot
07-18-2009, 07:55 AM
Hey all,
I just saw this posted on our local cl and was looking for some input:
http://wausau.craigslist.org/bik/1273177883.html

It's a sanwa and I don't know anything about them. It's getting late here so I'm heading to bed but I will call in the morning to see if it's available.

TIA!

I looked at this last night and wasn't it $20? This morning it's gone. Did you get it?

Trek420
07-18-2009, 09:00 AM
Welcome to the mixte club :D I figure if there's a club we should have jerseys, a club ride, a charity road ride, at least matching socks.

Someone else on TE is about to join the mixte club. I won't say who's having one built.

mtbdarby
07-19-2009, 08:54 AM
Uforgot - I got it! It definitely needs work so I'll be asking lots of questions soon. It's orange and black with suntour components which if I remember right are low level components? It's a double with shifters on the - not down tube - but on the headset? Up high anyway but not on the handle bars.

The wheels need to be replaced but I'll need to have some help with whatever needs to be done. I haven't measured yet to see what size it is but it felt "small" to me. The front insignia is missing which was a bit of a disappointment and there is some minor rust on the frame on some scratches. How do you get rid of that and match paint?

I'm excited about my first real bike project though!

Zen
07-19-2009, 03:56 PM
Stem mounted shifters.
There's not a thing wrong with Suntour components. They were highly regarded back in my day. now where's my rheumatiz medicine?

Iris616
07-19-2009, 05:59 PM
I've been lurking this thread for a long time. I love the look of these bikes. Last week I was down in texas visiting my sister and B-i-L. In the past year or two he has saved several bikes from various junk heaps and fixed them up.
He found this one out on the curb on garbage night. He fixed it up for me to use while I was there!
9682

We went on a 35 mile ride, and she's a great bike! Too bad I can't get her back to NY.

uforgot
07-19-2009, 06:59 PM
Uforgot - I got it! It definitely needs work so I'll be asking lots of questions soon. It's orange and black with suntour components which if I remember right are low level components? It's a double with shifters on the - not down tube - but on the headset? Up high anyway but not on the handle bars.

The wheels need to be replaced but I'll need to have some help with whatever needs to be done. I haven't measured yet to see what size it is but it felt "small" to me. The front insignia is missing which was a bit of a disappointment and there is some minor rust on the frame on some scratches. How do you get rid of that and match paint?

I'm excited about my first real bike project though!

Wow! That's terrific. You are going to have a great time fixing it up. Keep us posted with pictures.

bikecanada
07-21-2009, 09:06 PM
I just got this bike for $30 and I'm making it my bike project. I think I need to replace the chain and the cassette, and learn how to make the gears work. Plus it needs a little bit of shine :p
I'm pretty excited!
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/372/02473kb18jpeg.th.jpg (http://img444.imageshack.us/i/02473kb18jpeg.jpg/)

mtbdarby
07-23-2009, 07:40 PM
OOOhhhh, look at this pretty orange mixte on ebay!:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320401464085&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching

I emailed to ask where it's located since it said midwest. Like I need another bike but if it's close and someone wants it I would consider picking it up.

amartha
08-12-2009, 08:05 PM
Ladies, I sold the '83 Raleigh Clubman Lady tonight. The young lady who bought her is very happy. The bike sold for $275 with all the old bags and the old lights. Her new owner plans to ride her and ride her for another 25 years.

I'm preparing the house for sale and I won't have room for 5 bikes in a condo. My friends were happy i sold it, because that bike was meant for riding and not for sitting in the garage.

Biciclista
08-13-2009, 06:04 AM
OOOhhhh, look at this pretty orange mixte on ebay!:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320401464085&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching

I emailed to ask where it's located since it said midwest. Like I need another bike but if it's close and someone wants it I would consider picking it up.

it wasn't a real mixte (only one "top tube") but it sold for $380 !!!

uforgot
08-13-2009, 06:26 AM
it wasn't a real mixte (only one "top tube") but it sold for $380 !!!

Yes, it is a real mixte. The top tube doesn't matter, it has three seat stays. I've seen these every once in a awhile. I think Motobecane even made one at some point.

From Sheldon:
A variant on the mixte uses a single, full sized top tube running from the upper head tube to the seat tube, but retains the middle set of stays.

amartha
08-13-2009, 01:32 PM
$125 of the $380 was for shipping, break-down, and reassembly most likely. More than $200 is still a lot to pay for an old Schwinn. E-Bay is not the way to buy a bike unless you know the bike you are buying. That makes me feel that I did not cheat the young lady who paid $275 for my Raleigh. I posted $325 asking to Craig's List because I considered shipping expenses if a buyer came from another state. :rolleyes:

Biciclista
08-13-2009, 07:12 PM
Hey I think the price is great. The fact is, we started buying Mixtes (here on TE) when we realized that women's bikes were so incredibly cheap compared to "men's" bikes. If they have gained in value, that's a good thing!


$125 of the $380 was for shipping, break-down, and reassembly most likely. More than $200 is still a lot to pay for an old Schwinn. E-Bay is not the way to buy a bike unless you know the bike you are buying. That makes me feel that I did not cheat the young lady who paid $275 for my Raleigh. I posted $325 asking to Craig's List because I considered shipping expenses if a buyer came from another state. :rolleyes:

amartha
08-14-2009, 09:31 PM
I think mixtes have an urban virtue. They're probably less likely to be stolen when they're chained up at the center city coffee shop. There are draw-backs:
older mixtes with center pull brakes are not as responsive in stopping as bikes equipped with dual-pivot side pull brakes and their frames are longer which makes deft handling sluggish, especially in quick turning situations. :rolleyes:

Iris616
08-16-2009, 03:59 AM
Check out this blog dedicated to Mixtes:

http://themixtegallery.wordpress.com/

uforgot
08-19-2009, 12:09 AM
A Puch mixte (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/1328744097.html) on St. Louis craigslist for $50. They can still be found for under $100 here. This one was really tempting, but alas, my garage has too many bikes.

Cheryl SF
08-19-2009, 12:14 AM
My latest acquisition and my first project bike- an Azuki Sebring I picked up off Craigslist! I don't know how to fix up a bike, though, and will be doing plenty of research. I may change the wheels to a spare set of 700c I have, but they are more racy/have fewer spokes- will these work with a heavier frame?

Also can't decide if I'll change the handlebars to moustache or a swept-back style like Nitto Doves, to turn it into more of a city bike. I'll change the brakes and get rid of the suicide levers. A number of people say keep the Suntour shifters... but I am interested in making this into a triple, unless that won't work or is way too pricey?

Any advice from someone who has built up a bike would be greatly appreciated!

uforgot
08-19-2009, 04:24 PM
Great bike! I used Bicycling's book (http://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Complete-Bicycle-Maintenance-Repair/dp/1579548830/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1250727802&sr=8-1). I knew nothing and just jumped in and did it. My poor Nishiki has been through so many makeovers! I've also used the Park Tool website. Has lots of info there. They also have the Blue Book of Bicycle Repair or something like that.

Have a blast and provide pics!

Cheryl SF
08-21-2009, 12:09 AM
Thanks for the tips!

Yelsel
08-22-2009, 09:29 AM
I got my first mixte - a 5-speed Raleigh Spirit 5 in their "signature" sparkly coffee brown. This wants to be an errand / around town bike I think. It is actually quite speedy and responsive for a steel bike -- it seems like the Raleigh Hi-Ten was a bit lighter than some of the other steel frames in production at the time. It had a basic tune-up, but there is a lot more that I would like to do, namely figuring out how to grease the wheels and steering tube.

Does anyone know a good source for one of the old-style back racks that came on some of the Raleigh bikes? They are silver, curve and bolt directly to the back frame eyelets, and are shorter then modern racks (I think) - plus they are all frame, no flat sheet at the top. A modern bottle side-wall generator and headlight would be fun, too. I have a black compass / bell combo, which is modern but practical! (Also a coffee cup holder in the front as well.)

Pictures soon, hopefully!

Zen
08-22-2009, 06:47 PM
There's this rack (http://www.amazon.com/Wald-Adjustable-Rear-Rack/dp/B001EL7OXU)

or what you might be thinking of is the old school Pletscher rack (http://www.bikemania.biz/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Pletscher_CS)
and a bottle generator and light (http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/lighting/lumotec.html) like this.

just like my bike:)

mayanorange
08-30-2009, 04:14 PM
Raleigh Mixtes near Boston:

http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bik/1343554663.html (http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bik/1343554663.html)

http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bik/1342108345.html

n_claw
09-16-2009, 12:02 PM
My 1984 Trek 420L, I've slowly replaced almost everything on it--except headset & derailleurs, which are probably among the next few things to be either replaced or overhauled! I rode it from Seattle to SF last summer, here's a pic enroute of Mariela the mixte:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2743861245_69c340aacf.jpg

I just bought a ~1980 Bianchi mixte yesterday, an acquaintance had built it up as an SS/fixed cruiser and had it powdercoated a beautiful glittering lime only to find that it didn't fit her! Pics of it soon. I'm enjoying reading this thread *so* much!

Yelsel
09-24-2009, 05:08 PM
or what you might be thinking of is the old school Pletscher rack (http://www.bikemania.biz/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Pletscher_CS)
and a bottle generator and light (http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/lighting/lumotec.html) like this.

just like my bike:)

Thank you! The Pletscher rack is exactly what I am looking for.

uforgot
09-27-2009, 07:00 AM
[QUOTE=n_claw;462012]My 1984 Trek 420L, I've slowly replaced almost everything on it--except headset & derailleurs, which are probably among the next few things to be either replaced or overhauled! I rode it from Seattle to SF last summer, here's a pic enroute of Mariela the mixte:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2743861245_69c340aacf.jpg

I just bought a ~1980 Bianchi mixte yesterday, an acquaintance had built it up as an SS/fixed cruiser and had it powdercoated a beautiful glittering lime only to find that it didn't fit her! Pics of it soon. I'm enjoying reading this thread *so* much![/QUOTE

Oh, that Trek is nice! Bianchi pics? I would love to see it.

Yelsel
09-27-2009, 08:51 PM
I would love to see the lime green Bianchi also! Mmmmm. I need to re-finish my new Craigslist purchase, and lime green is second in the running. First is a medium pink with black between the headset lugs and top seatpost lugs... third is a hotter pink with celeste between the lugs (though I can't really justify it on a Raleigh Super Course).

And Portlanders -- there is a 49 cm Bianchi mixte (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/1392564755.html) up on Craigslist now, grab it!

http://images.craigslist.org/3kf3mf3lf5O85Te5P799p971612abfc841c28.jpg

Edit: Oh, and I found Bianchi mixte love for the Chicago gals too: 19.5" C-T Bianchi Sport chromoly (http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/bik/1384768321.html), a maroon with classy yellow lettering.

http://images.craigslist.org/3k03o73l35O65Q95R599le3cdc8002d721707.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/3k03p53o95O95Sd5R699lcc8163a75deb1dbe.jpg

For Maryland: on eBay, but unfortunately local pickup only. Another maroon chromoly mixte, this time a 1984 Raleigh (http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-RALEIGH-10-SPEED-BICYCLE-1984-OWNERS-MANUAL-NR_W0QQitemZ380161097729QQcmdZViewItemQQssPageNameZRSS:B:SRCH:US:101), with beautiful lugs and paintwork; in storage and looks very lightly used. Going for only $26 with only a little over one day left...

HillSlugger
09-28-2009, 06:00 AM
I would love to see the lime green Bianchi also! Mmmmm. I need to re-finish my new Craigslist purchase, and lime green is second in the running. First is a medium pink with black between the headset lugs and top seatpost lugs... third is a hotter pink with celeste between the lugs (though I can't really justify it on a Raleigh Super Course).

And Portlanders -- there is a 49 cm Bianchi mixte (http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/1392564755.html) up on Craigslist now, grab it!

http://images.craigslist.org/3kf3mf3lf5O85Te5P799p971612abfc841c28.jpg

Edit: Oh, and I found Bianchi mixte love for the Chicago gals too: 19.5" C-T Bianchi Sport chromoly (http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/bik/1384768321.html), a maroon with classy yellow lettering.

http://images.craigslist.org/3k03o73l35O65Q95R599le3cdc8002d721707.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/3k03p53o95O95Sd5R699lcc8163a75deb1dbe.jpg

For Maryland: on eBay, but unfortunately local pickup only. Another maroon chromoly mixte, this time a 1984 Raleigh (http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-RALEIGH-10-SPEED-BICYCLE-1984-OWNERS-MANUAL-NR_W0QQitemZ380161097729QQcmdZViewItemQQssPageNameZRSS:B:SRCH:US:101), with beautiful lugs and paintwork; in storage and looks very lightly used. Going for only $26 with only a little over one day left...

Thanks for the Maryland heads up. I'm gonna watch this one. Not sure how I'd justify it however.

HillSlugger
09-29-2009, 07:25 AM
Thanks for the Maryland heads up. I'm gonna watch this one. Not sure how I'd justify it however.

It went for $71.52; I lost track of time and forgot to bid. As far as family peace goes, it's probably better this way.

Lisa Holman
10-01-2009, 12:47 PM
Lovely Raleigh on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Raleigh-Marathon-Mixte_W0QQitemZ320429063841QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item4a9b0f7ea1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

I'd be all over it, but it's too small for me.

Tri Girl
10-01-2009, 01:28 PM
Lovely Raleigh on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Raleigh-Marathon-Mixte_W0QQitemZ320429063841QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item4a9b0f7ea1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

I'd be all over it, but it's too small for me.

That Raleigh is gorgeous!!!!

Cataboo
10-07-2009, 11:28 AM
I found a pixte on craigslist. I'm going to pretend it's too big for me.


http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1410549172.html

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac315/swtcbk/bridge4.jpg