Show us your mixte!

[kmehrzad]

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

haha ... it is a beauty. I think I saw a few scratches on the frame, though - does that help, Catriona?

[Tri Girl]

Catriona- that mixte is GORGEOUS! I LOVE the pink! :)

[Cataboo]

Neither of you are helping :) A 51 cm is probably borderline too big.

[HillSlugger]

Neither of you are helping :) A 51 cm is probably borderline too big.

It would fit me...if you buy it I'd be glad to give it a place to park and take it out for exercise ;) :rolleyes:

[Cataboo]

It would fit me...if you buy it I'd be glad to give it a place to park and take it out for exercise ;) :rolleyes:

ha. We could split the cost and custody of it. I want Christmas and spring break.

[Zen]

You don't have to pretend it's too big for you - it is. Too big for me too otherwise I'd buy it with you :D

[Trek420]

Unfortunately this one looks smaller :p

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1407100441.html

[Zen]

You are bad.

Technically not a mixte but if i had $200 to spend...:rolleyes:

[divingbiker]

Well, it would fit me, and if I didn't already have a pink Bridgestone mixte from the same era I'd be all over it. Love love love that color!

[Cataboo]

You don't have to pretend it's too big for you - it is. Too big for me too otherwise I'd buy it with you :D

I resisted the urge to go measure my seat height - I know I can manage to ride a 50 cm bike. If i switch to a flat saddle like the specialized ruby and put the seatpost all the way down, I can maybe manage this one.

But I totally could ride this if I wore platform shoes.

And to do justice to the pink, I really should ride it with platform shoes & sequined pants.

[Zen]

That bike would look good on me :D

[kmehrzad]

Hey,

Check out this vintage fixie. I like the color and the wheels.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/1412782962.html

[uforgot]

I resisted the urge to go measure my seat height - I know I can manage to ride a 50 cm bike. If i switch to a flat saddle like the specialized ruby and put the seatpost all the way down, I can maybe manage this one.

But I totally could ride this if I wore platform shoes.

And to do justice to the pink, I really should ride it with platform shoes & sequined pants.

And if you changed out the drop bars for some moustache or albatross bars, the tt wouldn't be too long either...

[Cataboo]

And if you changed out the drop bars for some moustache or albatross bars, the tt wouldn't be too long either...

Alright, I just measured my bike. Center of cranks to the bottom of the setback on the seatpost is 53 cm. So I could totally ride that mixte even without my sequinned pants & platform shoes. Generally I don't ride more than a 49 cm because of standover height - but given it's a mixte, that's not a problem. I usually like a fairly long top tube for my height, so it should be fine.

Now there's just that little problem that I have no idea what I'd do with a mixte and I have those troublesome other 4 bikes.

[Cataboo]

More craigslist temptation. 20" or 50-1 cm frame.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1413470129.html

http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu290/Xdriver008/n02.jpg

[Zen]

"Frame: 20 Inch steel frame w/ Fenders (Riders 5'5 to 5'9);"

no temptation here

[Cataboo]

"Frame: 20 Inch steel frame w/ Fenders (Riders 5'5 to 5'9);"

no temptation here

50 cm frame. we can manage :)

[Cataboo]

Alright, Zen you can't complain about this one. And I like it's 'cause it's red:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1413869994.html

http://s570.photobucket.com/albums/ss146/eliedavis/?action=view&current=nishi6.jpg

[Zen]

If someone wants to buy the Mariposa, I'll consider that one.

BTW, the Mariposa is officially for sale.
$400.00

Brian is considering buying it.

[Cataboo]

If someone wants to buy the Mariposa, I'll consider that one.

BTW, the Mariposa is officially for sale.
$400.00

Brian is considering buying it.

You so can't sell the mariposa. Sell an fx.

[Zen]

I built the Mariposa as a townie but have found I like the Jamis better.
So...

[malkin]

I built the Mariposa as a townie but have found I like the Jamis better.
So...

*sigh*
I built my daughter as an infant, but have found that twenty years have changed everything.
So...

[Cataboo]

*sigh*
I built my daughter as an infant, but have found that twenty years have changed everything.
So...

Is your daughter for sale for $400 as well?

[Cataboo]

I'd buy this...

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/1423305780.html

But I'm way too lazy to drive all the way out there for a mixte.

[Zen]

My breath!
It has been taken away!
Where is Rosedale?
Never mind, that is a hike. Not so much the distance, but the location :(

[Cataboo]

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=rosedale+md&oe=utf-8&rls=com.google:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Rosedale,+MD&gl=us&ei=DtfXSsP1H9TolAfQ6MmhAQ&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CA0Q8gEwAA

63 miles from here.

NE from baltimore.

[Zen]

Paging Kalidurga!

[Cataboo]

Paging Kalidurga!

She's on vacation in Western MD, if she actually went with this weather.

[sfa]

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=rosedale+md&oe=utf-8&rls=com.google:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Rosedale,+MD&gl=us&ei=DtfXSsP1H9TolAfQ6MmhAQ&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CA0Q8gEwAA

63 miles from here.

NE from baltimore.


Pretty close for me. I just emailed the seller.

Sarah

[Cataboo]

Pretty close for me. I just emailed the seller.

Sarah

Great! Someone should get it.


I just have no idea what I'd do with a mixte or when I'd ride it. Too many other bikes, but I like looking at them.

[Zen]

How can you pass up a mixte at that price?

[Cataboo]

How can you pass up a mixte at that price?

I couldn't if it was down the street from me. but 63 miles away is far away. Least I'm pretending.

And I'm saving money. Least I'm pretending.

[sfa]

Turns out my next bike is NOT going to be fast, as predicted in another thread.

The guy who was selling this buys old bikes from yard sales, fixes them up and donates them to inner city non-profits. But when he gets one that is particularly nice, he sells it to support his habit! That's how he came to own this one, but because of that he knows nothing of its provenance. It's not British Royal Enfield, since they went out of business in the early 70's. From what little research I've done it looks like a Japanese manufacturer picked up the name and made bikes throughout the 70's and 80's. I couldn't begin to guess the age of this one beyond that span of time.

The frame is in good shape (dings and chips in the paint, of course), but the whole bike seems to have suffered from neglect more than anything else. It'll need new cables, tires, chain and brake pads at the least. I hope not more. I'm so NOT mechanically inclined--the extent of my fixer-up ability has been changing tires and lubing chains. But I don't have the money to pay someone else to do the work, so I'll have to figure this out. How hard can it be, right? Famous last words.

It's also a bit small for me. I can ride it, but it may end up being a gift for my little sister who has been looking for a bike for her two mile commute to work and would fit this perfectly.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/Sarahfran/IMG_8146.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/Sarahfran/IMG_8147.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/Sarahfran/IMG_8148.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/Sarahfran/IMG_8149.jpg

[Cataboo]

Now you're making me regret not driving 63 miles :) It is a pretty bike. If the seat is raised to the correct height for you, it doesn't look too small for you.

Cables and the chain shouldn't be too hard to change - I don't know anything about tuning that type of shifters, but if they're friction shifters, it shouldn't be too hard.

Looks like a fun project.

[wnyrider]

This caught my eye since I saw it was a Puch Meteor Luxe. I have one, in this color too, but this appears to be a mixte in the picture. Too small a frame for me at 53cm. I'd love to get a hold of the fenders. If they charge 6% sales tax would that mean it is a business selling this bike?

http://hartford.craigslist.org/bik/1429366598.html

[uforgot]

This caught my eye since I saw it was a Puch Meteor Luxe. I have one, in this color too, but this appears to be a mixte in the picture. Too small a frame for me at 53cm. I'd love to get a hold of the fenders. If they charge 6% sales tax would that mean it is a business selling this bike?

http://hartford.craigslist.org/bik/1429366598.html

Oh, I like that one. Puch is on my list of dream mixtes, along with Bridgestone, Raleigh and Bianchi.

[Cataboo]

Ran across this mixte on craigslist, so I went over to bergbicycles's website and saw...
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/1433769478.html

A tandem mixte!
http://bergsbicycles.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/STS_2.28694947_std.jpg

Love the yellow wheels on the bike they're selling on craigslist:
http://www.bergsbicycles.com/fuji_12_spd_mixte

http://bergsbicycles.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/FA_2.294133727_std.jpg

[badgercat]

John Deere mixte??
http://tucson.craigslist.org/bik/1436229619.html

[Tuckervill]

We have a 1972 John Deere Racer in the garage.

Karen

[Lisa Holman]

Yippee! Just bought a Raleigh Marathon mixte on Saturday. $60 bucks, pretty good condition, and I've taken it in for some LBS-TLC and a new saddle. I'll post a picture when I get it back.

[stathouse]

Just joined this forum after seeing all the excitement about Mixtes! I am currently looking for my first mixte and am not really surprised that here in San Francisco the average price on CL is $200...and for some pretty marginal stuff. No thrift store $20 finds here! Well, they probably do exist but I for one do not have the time to scour the thrift stores.

After test riding a few to get an idea of size (I ride a 52cm road bike with 700cc wheels) I am finding that they all feel "small" to me. I think I am so used to laying out more in a racing position. I've tested 48cm, 53cm and 54cm. The 48 was definitely too small, but the other 2 seemed about the same. It could have been the different saddle and bar configurations, too. I am 5'7" with a 33" inseam. Any thoughts on this?

I am seeing some nice ones on ebay and other web sites but am a little nervous getting something I have not sat on.

I'll keep you posted.

kate

[stathouse]

I bought a 53cm in the end and it feels just about right. Wow. There sure was a bunch of crappy ones for sale on CL. They all were listed for roughly the same price but the quality varied greatly.

Anyhow, I settled on this Nishiki Sport that was all original and seemed hardly used. I know some of you on this forum lust after pink mixties...I am not completely sure about this color, but I think it will grow on me!

Here she is in her original state. I will post after pics when I get her all customized.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28940331@N04/4060046452/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28940331@N04/4059304573/

[stathouse]

okay, this is my 3rd post! Trying to get some pics uploaded.

Nishiki Sport Mixte, 53cm, which turned out to be a good size for me. Not a bargain compared to the prices I have seen on this forum, but for the SF Bay Area it was average (I had to drive an hour to get this one) and a lot of the stuff for the same price was garbage. The seller was some sort of eccentric and likes to collect vintage bicycles and other stuff, so he had 4 other mixties in his garage and more in a storage unit somewhere else, so I picked up a Fuji that I saw there for real cheap. Not as nice as the Nishiki, but I will find a rider for it.

[sgtiger]

stathouse - Wow, it's in great shape and it's gorgeous! Enjoy your new bike.

[Biciclista]

I would have liked to see the John Deere Mixte.

you guys are coming up with some great bikes!

[Lisa Holman]

Finally got a picture of my Marathon, she's a work in progress.

[HillSlugger]

Finally got a picture of my Marathon, she's a work in progress.

She's beautiful! I love the color

[Zen]

That looks like the Raleigh that was passed around here...
Let's see- I got it from Sandra (who got it from I don't know where) and I sold it to who- Tuck?

[DebW]

Nishiki Sport Mixte, 53cm, which turned out to be a good size for me.

Looks to me like the fork is probably bent. Do your toes hit the front wheel?

[Tuckervill]

That looks like the Raleigh that was passed around here...
Let's see- I got it from Sandra (who got it from I don't know where) and I sold it to who- Tuck?

Yep, my daughter-in-law has it. I felt entitled to my own, so I bought Uforgot's blue one last week, and it's sitting in my dining room right now. :)

I love that green color!

Karen

[Lisa Holman]

I have a Brooks honey saddle on order, and I'd like to do up the handlebars in matching leather wrap. Eventually, I'd like to add fenders and a back rack to make it more of a touring bike. I've been having a great time with it, it's my first road bike, and very comfortable. I'm so excited to have a steel road bike for so little money, and I would never have even looked at it if I hadn't seen this thread.

Thanks everyone for the tips on cleaning and de-rusting.

[kiwibug]

My mum has an old mixte from the 80's that's still in our backyard - I'd like to fix it up some day, she doesn't ride anymore. I have no idea what the brand is but apparently it was heavy.. I think it would be a fun project any how, and I'd like to have a bike that isn't as flashy as my roadbike to do short rides. I'm going home this weekend and I was wondering if any of you ladies could suggest things I should look for - things to check out to see if this is worth my while? It's likely to be in rough shape.

[Lisa Holman]

Saw this really nice mixte on Ebay, in case someone in California needs one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Peugeot-Mixte-Bicycle_W0QQitemZ320446515883QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item4a9c19caab

[uforgot]

Yep, my daughter-in-law has it. I felt entitled to my own, so I bought Uforgot's blue one last week, and it's sitting in my dining room right now. :)

I love that green color!

Karen

Yup. Quite a few things passed around on here. I had a Brooks that went through several TE'ers.

I love that green too!

[azfiddle]

I have just joined the mixte club with a Nishiki Custom Sport! I came home from a weekend trip out of town to find that my husband had a surprise for me from the big "bike swap meet" yesterday here in Tucson. The sign reads $100 or OBO. He struck a deal with the vendor (apparently the original owner) as she was packing up to leave -$69.

Not sure of the year- anyone have any info on dating it? It has a sticker that says "Nishiki double-butted chrome-moly tange" It's going to get a rack and become an "around-town errand" bike.

More pics of the bike, the swap meet, me and the messy house are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/dadgad1/MyMixte?feat=email#

[stathouse]

azfiddle,

Looks like you have a nice Nishiki! Congrats. Here is a link for dating your frame by serial number.

http://www.stevevance.net/nishiki/Serial_Number_Database

[stathouse]

So I brought my gorgeous pink Nishiki to my LBS for some upgrades and it was almost done when I happened to drop by they had a Carlton mixte frame that they just got in and I fell in love! So I gave up my first born and another Fuji that I had and went for it.

Here it is (just the frame, the rest to come later):

[mtbdarby]

That's a purdy blue!

Here's a gorgeous one for one of you taller ladies:
http://appleton.craigslist.org/bik/1462783622.html

[azfiddle]

Love the blue color on the Carlton.

My Nishiki mixte is a dull silver/gray. I did some research and it looks like it was built in 1983. First ride on it today- to the grocery store. The seat needs to be adjusted and the front brake is too loose, but it shifts and rides pretty smoothly :) And it was such a nice present from my thoughtful DH.


Sharon

[mtbdarby]

Oohhh, here's a $5 steal!
http://madison.craigslist.org/bik/1467909881.html

[stathouse]

azfiddle,

I tried to post a link before, but I do not see it up here...not sure why. It will probably show up in a couple of days! Anyway, do a web search for Steve Vance and Nishiki and you can find his site that lists how to date the frame from the serial number found on the bottom bracket.

kate

[azfiddle]

Stathouse- Thank you for the suggestion. I did a little research earlier today and I found the following explanation:


Kawamura manufactured frames (1972-1987*)
Serial number format XYZZZZZ where:
X is a letter indicating the market using the following codes: C = Canada (pre-1985) K = USA (pre 1985) W = USA (1985-1987*)
Y is a letter indicating the last digit of the manufacturing calendar year, where A =1, B = 2, C = 3… J = 0. Exception is letter S, used on all frames prior to 1975.
ZZZZZ is a five or six digit number, apparently representing a sequential frame manufacturing number for the year (or era in the case of pre 1975 frames)

The serial number starts with KC so I assume it's 1983, made in the USA.

[nic840]

Looks very similar to my pawn shop find Nishiki Sport...its a 1984. Pics are posted earlier in this thread. I love mine! Such a fun bike to take to the grocery store, kids school, etc. It makes me feel like a kid. Have fun!

[stathouse]

Looks to me like the fork is probably bent. Do your toes hit the front wheel?

The camera angle makes it look funny; definitely not bent. No toe overlap.

kate

[Biciclista]

My beautiful steel custom bike was injured in transit. If I want to get it fixed I will be without a bike for weeks (or even possibly months!) this finally gave me the impetus to get my Mixte Raleigh rigged to really ride in our kind of weather!. It's at the shop now getting new brakes, wheels, fenders; when it's done I'll let you all see it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My beautiful steel custom bike was injured in transit. If I want to get it fixed I will be without a bike for weeks (or even possibly months!) this finally gave me the impetus to get my Mixte Raleigh rigged to really ride in our kind of weather!. It's at the shop now getting new brakes, wheels, fenders; when it's done I'll let you all see it.

That's cool Mimi. Will it have gearing appropriate to your commute?

I hope you'll have "before" photos to go with the "after" ones! :)

[Blueberry]

My beautiful steel custom bike was injured in transit. If I want to get it fixed I will be without a bike for weeks (or even possibly months!) this finally gave me the impetus to get my Mixte Raleigh rigged to really ride in our kind of weather!. It's at the shop now getting new brakes, wheels, fenders; when it's done I'll let you all see it.

Oh no!!! What happened to your Davidson???

[azfiddle]

Mimi, sounds like one of those good news, bad news scenarios. Hope the mixte is great. I'm completely infatuated with mine, though I've hardly had a chance to ride it.

Is your other bike okay? Did it happen on your trip to AZ?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

oops....I didn't mean to seem insensitive. I already knew about Mimi's bike getting damaged and had previously sympathized with her about it. :o

[Biciclista]

My Davidson got its down tube skewered by the cassette while it was in transit in a heavy duty bike box. The box must have been squashed or slammed pretty good for that to have happened. It will be a very expensive fix. but even more expensive would be 2-3 months without any bikes at all. The mixte is a 5 speed, one hill will be tough; it will make me stronger. LOL

[Trek420]

Oh no!!! What happened to your Davidson???

Oh no!!! Not your beautiful orange bike. Hope it's better soon.

[Robert Raburn]

The East Bay Bicycle Coalition creates several "commuter-bike makeovers" each year to give away as prizes at events like Bike to Work Day. A member who admires our work asked if we could transform her beloved Nishiki Mixte? She is the original owner (1982). We could not deny her request to convert, update, and buff her forlorn Nishiki into a smart and comfortable commuter that readily handles hilly terrain. The "Pink Panther" is now used daily and receives the admiration of her Kaiser Medical co-workers!

It was a fun project, but given the low quality hubs, narrow range derailleur/cogs, and non-stainless spokes on most vintage mixtes, it may be worthwhile to lace a new internal gear hub into future makeovers that have a near-horizontal rear dropout.

[Trek420]

Hello, Robert! (I'm pretty sure Robert is head of EBBC, right Robert?) And welcome to TE. Nice bike.

[Tri Girl]

Welcome, Robert. LOVE that pink Nishiki!!!! :)

[Biciclista]

yes, that Nishiki looks nice. Since my raleigh mixte will not be my primary bike, i'm not going to mess with the gearing. It shifts. that's all that matters. i was able to easily get up a 6% grade on it the way it was before "fixing it up" so I know I can handle my commute on it.

[Robert Raburn]

Thanks for the welcomes, Tri Girl & Trek420. Yes, I am the poohbah of EBBC.

The owner of the "Pink Panther" piloted the "Pink Panther" on her first ascent up Mt Diablo in 1983. A group of us returned to Mt Diablo under sunny skies yesterday, albeit we rode lighter road bikes, leaving the commuter gear in the stable.

One thing I noticed after posting the image is that the latest rendition of the "Pink Panther" is with silver SKS fenders that enhance the appearance and wet-weather comfort. Let your bikes evolve!

[NbyNW]

Mimi, hope your Davidson gets some good TLC!

[radicalrye]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/4131172239_7eb3945cba_o.jpg

It's more of a step-through but here is my Raleigh Sportif conversion.

For info on parts I used check out fixedgeargallery.com entry# 10,214

[Biciclista]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/4131172239_7eb3945cba_o.jpg

It's more of a step-through but here is my Raleigh Sportif conversion.

For info on parts I used check out fixedgeargallery.com entry# 10,214

oh a fixtie mixte!

[Tri Girl]

it may not be a mixte- but it sure is a beauty!!! :D
I love the handlebar tape and rims. Very sleek!

[radicalrye]

Thanks for the compliments :) It was a fun build. I loved taking apart the bike and finding new parts for it. it looks a bit different now. I added a back rack for commuting to work, I put a different front brake on bcus the one pictured had too long of a reach.

I also have a black chain on, a cycling computer, and have changed out the cogs a couple of times. At the moment I'm running a 46:19 gear ratio.

I'm kind of kicking myself for not getting the machined version of these rims because it's a little scary riding in the rain, but since it's fixed I can always back pedal to stop.

The frame has been a little battered and is starting to rust a bit on the dropouts so I'm thinking of sandblasting it and getting it powder coated a kind of deep raspberry color. I'm not sure yet though because I still enjoy the Raleigh graphics. I may search for some on ebay I can use if I do get the new paint job.

[Trek420]

The frame has been a little battered and is starting to rust a bit on the dropouts so I'm thinking of sandblasting it and getting it powder coated a kind of deep raspberry color. I'm not sure yet though because I still enjoy the Raleigh graphics. I may search for some on ebay I can use if I do get the new paint job.

When KnottedYet's thrift store road bike was powdercoated deep red the shop was able to keep the headbadge. I think that looks perfect. My LBS has a dude (I assume it's a dude, could be a gal) who reproduces decals for him. You can also buy them or even create your own.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=23135

[HillSlugger]

Nice looking mixte (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1483970118.html) in Silver Spring, MD; too big for me.

[Trek420]

We have another member of the wild mixte club :cool:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=35504

[wackyjacky1]

We have another member of the wild mixte club :cool:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=35504
Ah, so my sister is now a member of the Wild Mixte Club!
She dropped the bike off at the LBS this morning for a tune-up, plus new cables and tires. Sadly they didn't have any inexpensive red bar tape, so she's going with black for now. It's supposed to be ready by early next week. (Just in time for the weather to turn lousy. :rolleyes: )

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/wackyjacky1/DSCN0969.jpg
http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/wackyjacky1/DSCN0971.jpghttp://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/wackyjacky1/DSCN0972.jpghttp://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/wackyjacky1/DSCN0973.jpg

[Biciclista]

got my Mixte, named Mitzi back from the shop yesterday and rode it home. The complete makeover cost $240! (only 25 bucks for labor, seriously!!!)
It occurred to me that this bike is my very first 10 speed. I will try to take some photos tonight when i get home. It was too dark when I got home yesterday.

[uforgot]

got my Mixte, named Mitzi back from the shop yesterday and rode it home. The complete makeover cost $240! (only 25 bucks for labor, seriously!!!)
It occurred to me that this bike is my very first 10 speed. I will try to take some photos tonight when i get home. It was too dark when I got home yesterday.

Mimi's mixte Mitzi. Try to say it three times really fast.:D

[Biciclista]

here she is with borrowed headlights! this bike has a B66 Brooks saddle that I have owned for 15+ years, reflective white sidewalls, new brakes, wheels, fenders. Now I can't say "i don't have a bike, my bike is in the shop" instead I'll say 33 degrees is too cold for me to ride in the mornig! :D

[Tri Girl]

Looks GREAT mimi!!! I'm jealous of your saweet ride! :)

[NbyNW]

What a beautiful bike, Mimi! The spoke card adds a nice touch of class, too.

[Zen]

I've got to get me a mixte that fits.

[divingbiker]

That is a sweet red bike, Mimi.

[wackyjacky1]

Aw yeah. :cool:

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/wackyjacky1/DSCN0986.jpg

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/wackyjacky1/DSCN0988.jpg

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc71/wackyjacky1/DSCN0989.jpg

[Tri Girl]

wackyjacky- the bike turned out AMAZING! I hope she loves that bike and gets to ride it all the time (or you might go and steal it from her- or someone here might...). :) Nice!

[stathouse]

I was zipping through the site looking for examples of sprung saddles on mixties, and it struck me that many peeps on the forum post links to CL listings, which are great to alert people of mixties for sale out there, but after the listing is gone, the links are useless!

I like seeing pics of all the different types, so may I suggest that people try to also post the actual picture (saved from the original CL post and re-posted here) along with the link? That way we save the image here for posterity (and research)!

Just a thought. :)

kate

[Tri Girl]

Here's an interesting mixte on CL. It has mtn bike wheels and looks like a mtn bike but it's a mixte. I'm very interested but am trying to look away...
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/bik/1510695064.html

[stathouse]

Do you think the wheels are 26"? The ad doesn't say.

Very nice bike, though. I like that I am starting to see mixties with higher end tubing and frames...my Carlton has Reynolds 531.

kate

[Biciclista]

looks like 26" nice bike good price!

[Cataboo]

terry demo bikes has a 20.5" terry trixie for $449 (some other good deals on bikes in there as well)

http://www.terrybicycles.com/pages/terry-sale-bicycles.html?kc=em20091217A&utm_medium=email&utm_source=cpmaster&utm_campaign=em20091217A

http://terrybikes.forest.net/imagesCS/trixieT.jpg

[Cataboo]

I've got to get me a mixte that fits.

this might work:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/bik/1505631385.html
http://images.craigslist.org/3k63pa3l45P55Rc5S19cba105671655321366.jpg

[Zen]

But it's not free, is it ;)?

I thought i told you to step away from the computer.

[Cataboo]

But it's not free, is it ;)?

I thought i told you to step away from the computer.

Oh right, what happened to the mixte Santa was bringing you?

[Zen]

shhh!

[sarahspins]

I just want to say, for the record, I hate this thread.. it is like the biggest enabler ever :)

I want a mixte BADLY...

So I have a dumb question... is it a bad idea to buy a "fixer-upper" mixte, or should I try to find one that is not in really bad shape... I am really kind of attached to the whole "vintage" idea though, so rebuild/old is the way I'd want to go, not new/modern.

[sarahspins]

*ahem* that didn't take long.... oops :rolleyes:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/4204904898_5bdfe6840d.jpg

Ignore my wonky saddle.. I bought the bike without one (well, I tested it with one, and told the seller I didn't want it) and threw on the stock saddle from my trek instead of leaving the seatpost naked for now.. it has a brooks coming. I did fix it after I realized how bad it was, but it was already dark ;)

It needs a longer seatpost (already ordered, after searching out the right size), since the one on the bike is only 200mm (???) and it's out as far as it can go, but a good 3-4" shorter than I want, and I want to replace the bars and brake levers (also ordered) and add some racks (eventually). It may need new cables and housings.. I'm not sure yet. That's cheap enough that I may just take care of it when I swap out the bars and brake levers.

It's a fun little bike.. I think it will be great once I get it all set up like I want to :)

[Tri Girl]

that's a beautiful mixte, Sarah. And it's a Nishiki- good find!!! :)

[sarahspins]

Thanks, I am excited to start getting all the parts I need/want now :D

[Cataboo]

ha. You didn't even wait for answers!

Your new bike is really pretty.

[azfiddle]

Sarah - I have a Nishiki mixte too, in fact, I just got home from a ten mile shopping expedition on her. Mine is a dull bronzy color- I like your color better. I replaced the saddle on mine, but nothing quite as pricey as a Brooks.
It's such a fun way to get around for errands.

[sarahspins]

I replaced the saddle on mine, but nothing quite as pricey as a Brooks.

I got a crazy good deal on the Brooks ($65).. or it would have cost me more than the bike :D

[azfiddle]

Do you know the year? You can figure it out from the serial number.

[sarahspins]

Do you know the year? You can figure it out from the serial number.

It looks like it's an '86 :)

[stathouse]

Here are some pics of my 1972 Carlton build. Thanks to Sasha at Citizen Chain in SF for the custom work.

Still working on the stem/handle bar configuration. I'm not liking the look of the tall stem. We also used a temporary Deore derailleur until I decide if my cluster has enough range for my liking; it does so I will be getting an Ultegra derailleur.

I went with 1 x 9 gearing just for fun. Sasha made a custom thumb shifter out of an Ultegra down tube shifter so I could have indexed shifting! We built new 27 inch wheels with shimano 105 hubs. The bike is super light for its age.

Porteur rack from VO to come. And maybe fenders, but I kind of like how quiet she rides and I know fenders add a bit of "rattle" noise.

kate

[Zen]

Oh, that is schweet! I's like to get a better look at that thumb shifter configuration, though.

I don't think fenders will rattle at all.

[sarahspins]

And maybe fenders, but I kind of like how quiet she rides and I know fenders add a bit of "rattle" noise.

That's what rubber washers are for :)

She's beautiful... I can't wait to get mine all finished how I want!

[sarahspins]

Yay.. I think I am 99% done for now.. the only semi-urgent thing left to do is figure out how to attach that rack some way other than with a zip tie on the seatpost :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2735/4253570367_b7ca1edde6_o.jpg

She rides really nice.. I'm glad I found her :D

[DebW]

the only semi-urgent thing left to do is figure out how to attach that rack some way other than with a zip tie on the seatpost :)


Look for a Monostay adaptor (http://www.jandd.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=FMONO). It will clamp on the seatpost and give you two points to mount the rack stays.

[HillSlugger]

Yay.. I think I am 99% done for now.. the only semi-urgent thing left to do is figure out how to attach that rack some way other than with a zip tie on the seatpost :)

She rides really nice.. I'm glad I found her :D

She's a real beauty! Where did you get the color-match bottle cage?

[sarahspins]

She's a real beauty! Where did you get the color-match bottle cage?

It came with it! :D I would almost suspect that it's original to the bike - or at least purchased to match while it was newer.. I have a blue bontrager bottle cage on my trek and it's quite a bit darker.

[sarahspins]

How about a Mixte MTB... this has got to be the weirdest one I've seen on CL so far: http://houston.craigslist.org/bik/1549663250.html

ETA, a pic, in case the listing goes poof..
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4269824859_d9b5392937_o.jpg

[tulip]

Today it became apparent that I really need a mixte. I had two meetings downtown, only three miles away from where I live/work. Since I can't ride my Jamis Coda until I get dropped bars because of my wrist, and I didn't want to ride my Luna and leave it locked up outside, and my Bike Friday is in the shop getting overhauled...I decided that what I need is a Meeting Mixte. I have meetings downtown from time-to-time, and a mixte with swept-back bars would be perfect! Easy on my wrist, gentle on my work clothes (no bending forward and getting mussed up), and downright elegant. Add some fenders for puddles and a rack for my Arkel briefcase pannier, and it's about as good as can be!

That is my quest.

[Tri Girl]

I wish you success on your quest, Tulip!! Forget want, I think you NEED a mixte!! Can you write that off as a business expense since you'll be using it for meetings?;)

[tulip]

I wish you success on your quest, Tulip!! Forget want, I think you NEED a mixte!! Can you write that off as a business expense since you'll be using it for meetings?;)

I don't know...any CPA's out there in TEland want to chime in? A company car would be...why not a company bike?

[Zen]

What kind of bars are you thinking about?

[tulip]

What kind of bars are you thinking about?

When I first read this, I thought, "I'm going downtown for meetings, not to go to bars!"

But then I got it.

I'm not sure. I'm open to suggestions. Straight bars like on mountain bikes hurt my wrist, so the bars would need to put my wrist in a more natural position. That's why I was thinking of swept-back bars (I'm sure there's a name for those).

EDIT: I like Divingbiker's Red Mixte way back on page 5 or so. I'm going to pay particular attention to the mixtes at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show next month. Just for ideas, of course...

[Cataboo]

Today it became apparent that I really need a mixte. I had two meetings downtown, only three miles away from where I live/work. Since I can't ride my Jamis Coda until I get dropped bars because of my wrist, and I didn't want to ride my Luna and leave it locked up outside, and my Bike Friday is in the shop getting overhauled...I decided that what I need is a Meeting Mixte. I have meetings downtown from time-to-time, and a mixte with swept-back bars would be perfect! Easy on my wrist, gentle on my work clothes (no bending forward and getting mussed up), and downright elegant. Add some fenders for puddles and a rack for my Arkel briefcase pannier, and it's about as good as can be!

That is my quest.

I've ocassionally seen some nice bikes on the Richmond craigslist if you want to get an old one.

He's had nice mixtes before, but has no bikes for sale now. YOu could possibly ask him to keep an eye out for one to refurb for you.
http://www.bergsbicycles.com/


You could try changing the handlebars on your jamis coda to soma sparrows - those sweep back depending on whether you flip them up or down and they let you use mountain bike shifters. (if you do a search, Sarahspins & I posted pics of them on flat bar bikes recently)

Didn't you find a mixte frame in the trash or an alleyway recently?

[tulip]

I found a fixie frame, but it's not a mixte. Still in my basement, untouched. Bullhorns, rusty Raleigh...great potential, though

I'll take a look at the Soma bars. My Jamis is not a mixte, but I want to change the bars on it anyways.

I'll keep my eyes open for a mixte. The guys at Richmond Recycles live in my neighborhood, so I'll ask them, too.

[Lisa Holman]

There's a cute orange Peugot mixte at Menotomy bicycles.

http://oldroads.com/bicycles_for_sale.asp

[Zen]

I finally got my mixte today. It's currently without saddle or bars but when I finish it will look something like this one-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chainringtransitauthority/850014492/in/set-72157600713061743/
The price for this one? A whopping $0.00.
That's why you patronize your LBS :)

[Zen]

here it is-
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/DSC_0911.jpg
A few more here-
http://picasaweb.google.com/zencentury/Peugeot#

[Tri Girl]

oh Zen- it's a beauty!!! I just love that curved front fork! I can't wait to see it when it's all dolled up!:)

[azfiddle]

Very cool! Have fun getting it all together.

[Zen]

There were about a bajillion of these produced in the mid 70's. Nothing special but I do enjoy building a bike to my specific tastes.

[Cataboo]

There were about a bajillion of these produced in the mid 70's. Nothing special but I do enjoy building a bike to my specific tastes.

Funny, because there's one on craigslist just like it yesterday:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/1578199924.html

[Zen]

I wish there were more photos of that one :(

[Cataboo]

I wish there were more photos of that one :(

He's got one or two more on his blog if you follow the link... you might be able to call to ask to see them.

Now you need another brooks saddle :)

[Zen]

[QUOTE=Catriona;489437
Now you need another brooks saddle :)[/QUOTE]
Ya, I already thought of that $:o$

[HillSlugger]

Raleigh Rapide Women's 10 Speed, 17.5 (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/1585522549.html)

[Zen]

That's an unbeatable price.

[Trek420]

.... but is being built for a customer of my LBS. I hear she lurks here I don't wanna steal her thunder but here's just a sneak peak. I hear this bike rolled in as her pitted, old, dented and dinged "college bike".

But baby, just look at her now! :D

[KnottedYet]

Be still, my pounding heart!

I had a Nishiki Centurion in the late 1970's.
Nice Vittoria Randonneur tires, too! (two of my bikes have those tires)

Beautiful!
(and beautiful work, Chris!)

[Zen]

Oh my.

[DebW]

here it is-
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/DSC_0911.jpg
A few more here-
http://picasaweb.google.com/zencentury/Peugeot#

Peugeot UO8, cottered steel crankset with 3-arm spider, Simplex derailleurs. I'd guess 1972, or at least pre-75. Ask me if you need help adjusting that front der, and get a 5 mm socket.

[Trek420]

Check out the internal hub thingymabob. :cool:

[Zen]

Check out the internal hub thingymabob. :cool:

Why must you taunt me?

If you look at that photo of my hooptie (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=hooptie) you'll see a hook shaped dealy on the downtube. It is for a frame pump.
I haven't researched (I know) but does anybody know offhand where I could get me one a them pumps?

[DebW]

Why must you taunt me?

If you look at that photo of my hooptie (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=hooptie) you'll see a hook shaped dealy on the downtube. It is for a frame pump.
I haven't researched (I know) but does anybody know offhand where I could get me one a them pumps?

Is there only 1 peg or two? If two, then you probably won't find one. If one, then any full-size frame pump of the correct length (and some come in multiple lengths). The old two-peg pumps had the hose that screwed on one end.

[Trek420]

Why must you taunt me?

I'm not done yet ;) :p

[Zen]

Is there only 1 peg or two? If two, then you probably won't find one. If one, then any full-size frame pump of the correct length (and some come in multiple lengths). The old two-peg pumps had the hose that screwed on one end.

Yeah...I'm pretty sure it's for the hose kind.:(

hello, ebay!

[Trek420]

Last picture, I promise. Here's a shot of the custom decals. And if the owner's here, I hope she doesn't mind my sharing. Nice bike! :D

[Biciclista]

nice bike. Generator hub on the back wheel?

[Trek420]

I don't think it's a generator hub, internal hub with Shimano STI shifters. This is not my decision to make because it's not my bike but I think it's just crying out for a Brooks with that butter cream color.

[Zen]

That bike is confusing. I thought it was a SS.
What's it gonna shift?

[KnottedYet]

That bike is confusing. I thought it was a SS.
What's it gonna shift?

The internal gearing of the hub.
Sturmey-Archer is the classic. Shimano has the Alfine and Nexus. My mom's folder has a nice internal set up. My recumbent had an internal hub, too.

ETA: link to Sheldon's internal gears page http://sheldonbrown.com/internal-gears.html I love the picture of the guts of an internal gear hub! Nightmare!

[Zen]

want

[kiwibug]

Question!

I keep seeing "Venture" mixtes in my local craigslist and I can't find anything about Venture on the net - anyone heard of them/know anything?

[ummbnb]

I haven't posted here for quite some time but I do lurk here and there. But I simply had to post my finally complete mixte (well, almost, still pondering fenders.)

I'm super happy with her. She rides like a dream! The basket is a Wald basket that we added wooden slats to, stained to match the seat and grips.
I've got another one in process so I'll post pics of it in a couple of weeks when it's done.

Before $20 CL with two front wheels
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/ummbnb/mixtestage1.jpg

After
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/ummbnb/withbasket.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/ummbnb/withbasket2.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/ummbnb/memixte.jpg

[uforgot]

Wow, that looks great! I thought about putting slats in my basket too. I have the same one, only I took off the handlebar stuff and put it in the back on my rack. What kind of wood did you use and how did you attach it?

[ummbnb]

Wow, that looks great! I thought about putting slats in my basket too. I have the same one, only I took off the handlebar stuff and put it in the back on my rack. What kind of wood did you use and how did you attach it?

I thought about doing that. LOL!.

I used a piece of 1/4" oak trim, cut it equal widths and then cut two small strips for the underside. The bolts anchor to the strips. My husband did the cutting for me, becuase I have an irrational fear of power tools :rolleyes:

[uforgot]

I thought about doing that. LOL!.

I used a piece of 1/4" oak trim, cut it equal widths and then cut two small strips for the underside. The bolts anchor to the strips. My husband did the cutting for me, becuase I have an irrational fear of power tools :rolleyes:

Small pieces on the underside. I can kind of see them. Makes perfect sense! thanks!

[skinimini]

I found this bike through a friend of a friend. Is this a good idea for $125.00?It is a Suntour SVX 12 speed with matching Suntour front derailleur and shifters. Supposed to be a small frame, (I'm 5'3") but I haven't seen it yet in person. I believe it is probably '80s? I'm really new to the mixte genre of bicycles.

[sarahspins]

Honestly more than $100 for more than one of these in good condition (but not yet restored) seems a bit steep... because odds are good you're going to spend some money fixing it up how you'd like it - so wouldn't you like to have more to spend? :)

I'd probably want to see it though before deciding.. maybe you can talk them down a bit on the price (pay close attention to the tires for example, if the sidewalls are obviously cracked and you know you'll need to replace them, that's something you can negotiate on.. tires will run you $20-60+ depending on what you choose).

You can also figure out how old it is by the serial number.. http://bruce.coppola.name/NishikiSerial.html On mine it wasn't on the bottom bracket though, it was stamped on the rear dropouts (there was a model number on one side, and the serial number on the other)... so be prepared to hunt if you don't find it right away.

[skinimini]

Thanks, I'll make sure I check it out thoroughly. I'm really looking for something to fix up (more cosmetically) and use it for an errand bike. I'll let you know.

[MommyBird]

Anyone have a late model mixte?
I am in the early stages of shopping for a city bike to use when we camp in more urban areas. We are thinking of a 3 or 8 speed internal hub mixte for me and a single speed as an equalizer for my husband. We would like baskets for shopping and our Jack Russell.
I like the idea of vintage but my husband who is the ultimate handyman in most situations is almost useless when it comes to bikes. He can build a house, do minor car and appliance repair and yet he can barely adjust his bike cables. I don't get it.
I had to take my bike in once to get his fix fixed!

So, is it over the top lame to purchase a new mixte?

[sarahspins]

No, not lame! :) I really like the looks of the Trek Bellville and the Globe Live 2 Mixte. There is also the Masi Soulville (in 3 different varieties), but I don't personally care for the curvy look... the colors are awesome on those though :)

There are some other "widely available" ones too, but those are the 3 that jump to mind.

Oh yeah, there's the Electra Amsterdam too...

[jdubble]

There's also the Linus Mixte (http://www.linusbike.com/models/mixte/) and the Electra Ticino mixte and the Soma Buena Vista (http://www.somafab.com/bvista.html).

I don't think it's lame to purchase a new mixte, but I'm biased since I have a Sweetpea mixte :)

[HillSlugger]

Honestly more than $100 for more than one of these in good condition (but not yet restored) seems a bit steep... because odds are good you're going to spend some money fixing it up how you'd like it - so wouldn't you like to have more to spend? :)


It depends on where you live. In the greater DC area you rarely see these for under $150

[MommyBird]

We stopped at a bike shop in Athens, GA yesterday hoping to see a Gary Fisher Simple City. None in stock.
We have a Trek/Fisher LBS but it is not our favorite. They cater to higher clientele than Athens and I know they keep cruisers and city bikes in stock. We will eventually stop in.
Our favorite LBS carries Masi. They have fixies but no mixtes.

The Treks are nice. Good value with all the goodies attached. The eco-friendly construction is a nice touch.

I know this has developed into a thread hijack. I started a thread on this subject a while ago if anyone has a comment and would rather post there.

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=36638

[skinimini]

Sadly, it was too small--17" (or about 44 cm?). I felt squished. This guy had a garage full of mixtes, collects them, but this was the only one he was willing to part with. He was very helpful though. Rode a gorgeous 20", but I felt too stretched out. Looks like I need a 19". Sigh. I'll keep looking.

[Chris Pringle]

I've completed this project on this apple red Nishiki. Hope you like it.

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11005

11006

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[sarahspins]

Oh my, that is one georgeous mixte!

[ummbnb]

Lovely! Tell us about the seat bag and basket.

[skinimini]

Absolutely beautiful!

[jdubble]

oooh i love those fenders. well done! a beautiful bike!

[Tri Girl]

LOVE the bike, Chris. :D The rear basket and seat bag are gorgeous- and the fenders- and the bars.... wow!

[ummbnb]

OK, I just had to post another shot of my mixte, from today when I got home from work.


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f50/ummbnb/sassymixte.jpg

[Tri Girl]

your bike is really great, ummbnb!!! I really like the blue and those wood slats in the basket make it soooo classy. I wish I hadn't given my mixte away... :(

[Chris Pringle]

Lovely! Tell us about the seat bag and basket.

Thank you EVERYONE for all of your compliments on the red Nishiki mixte. I've spent several months working on it... a labour of love.

The saddlebag I got it off Ebay. For it small size, it’s more than what I wanted to pay. Brooks also makes them, but expect to pay about $100 for one. I like the classic look it adds to the bike.

In regard to the basket/pannier, I was having a difficult time finding a pannier to go with this project. I found some gorgeous panniers out of France, England and Japan made with excellent weather-proof materials. However, their costs are also prohibitive. I was looking for something simple to carry a few things (books, netbook & lock) to the coffee shop and/or produce from the famers market on a nice day. I found this handmade basket made out of natural materials (palm.) It had to go through a number of changes to adapt it to the rack, including reinforcing the back with leather (I definitely want it to last.) The final result is this casual but elegant pannier that easily mounts/dismounts from the bike rack.

It's funny... I get almost as many compliments on the basket as I get on the bike. It makes me wonder if there's a market for these things. :confused:

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[uforgot]

Our favorite LBS carries Masi. They have fixies but no mixtes.


Masi does have a mixte (http://www.masibikes.com/soulville/soulville-7-mixte/). They have a 7 speed and 3 speed internal hub. Two sizes. Can't your lbs get one for you to try?

[MommyBird]

Masi does have a mixte (http://www.masibikes.com/soulville/soulville-7-mixte/). They have a 7 speed and 3 speed internal hub. Two sizes. Can't your lbs get one for you to try?

Oops, I meant in stock at the shop. Sorry for the incomplete thought.
My husband really likes the Masi fixies. Unfortunately, I do not find the Soulville mixte pretty.

In all my life, I have never had a "girl's bike." My Feminine Cannondale doesn't count...not a step-through. Now I think I really need one. I have decided its first trip will be to Tybee Island, GA.

ummbnb:
Love the whole look. Jackie O glasses down to the Mary Tyler-Moore shoes.

[ummbnb]

ummbnb:
Love the whole look. Jackie O glasses down to the Mary Tyler-Moore shoes.

Don't foret the pearls!!!

[ummbnb]

It had to go through a number of changes to adapt it to the rack, including reinforcing the back with leather (I definitely want it to last.) The final result is this casual but elegant pannier that easily mounts/dismounts from the bike rack.


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My weekend project is to make an early 70's Samsonite shoulder bag into a pannier for another mixte I'm fixing up (a 74 Raleigh). It's super mod! Did you just use leather for reinforcement? Lots of folks use wood but I'm not crazy about that idea as it will make the bag so heavy! Would you mind showing me what the attachment system looks like on the outside of the bag?

[Chris Pringle]

My weekend project is to make an early 70's Samsonite shoulder bag into a pannier for another mixte I'm fixing up (a 74 Raleigh). It's super mod! Did you just use leather for reinforcement? Lots of folks use wood but I'm not crazy about that idea as it will make the bag so heavy! Would you mind showing me what the attachment system looks like on the outside of the bag?

ummbnb: Here is a picture of the back. Notice there are two pieces of leather for reinforcement: inside and out. These were sandwiched together and stitched to the basket. The attachments (hooks) are riveted. I don't know if all this is something that can be easily done at home unless you have the proper equipment. However, a good leather/shoe repair shop should be able to assist you with your project. You just have to be specific and bring them all the necessary hardware. Good luck!

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[ummbnb]

ummbnb: Here is a picture of the back. Notice there are two pieces of leather for reinforcement: inside and out. These were sandwiched together and stitched to the basket. The attachments (hooks) are riveted. I don't know if all this is something that can be easily done at home unless you have the proper equipment. However, a good leather/shoe repair shop should be able to assist you with your project. You just have to be specific and bring them all the necessary hardware. Good luck!

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Thanks!!

[skinimini]

The beautiful nishiki mixte I ran across last week is back up for sale. It is a 17" (~44 cm). When I rode it, it seemed a bit too small. A 19" would be perfect for me--I'm 5'3". Is there anything that can be done to make the 17" more suited to my height? longer seatpost, new handlebars? Being a newbie with these older bikes, especially the mixte frame, I'm not really sure how they're supposed to feel. Or, should I just get this bike out of my mind?!

[ummbnb]

The beautiful nishiki mixte I ran across last week is back up for sale. It is a 17" (~44 cm). When I rode it, it seemed a bit too small. A 19" would be perfect for me--I'm 5'3". Is there anything that can be done to make the 17" more suited to my height? longer seatpost, new handlebars? Being a newbie with these older bikes, especially the mixte frame, I'm not really sure how they're supposed to feel. Or, should I just get this bike out of my mind?!

Honestly, I'd try and be patient for the right bike. A poor fitting bike will always be a poor fitting bike. I know it's crazymaking to wait, I did for over a year, but so worth it!

[uforgot]

$90 Puch Pathfinder on the St. Louis craigslist (http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/1689728203.html). It was their low end bike, but maybe a fun project for someone.

[nic840]

ummmbnb we have sister bikes! Enjoy! I love mine...takes the kids to school in the morning and i feel like one of the kids! Fun! Check out post #704 or somewhere aroudn there.

[nic840]

Okay post #708....She is a beaut! Love the wood slats in the basket. Husband is a woodworker may have to take that idea one of these days.

[Zen]

The Wald Woody (http://www.velo-orange.com/wawoba.html)

[Chris Pringle]

The beautiful nishiki mixte I ran across last week is back up for sale. It is a 17" (~44 cm). When I rode it, it seemed a bit too small. A 19" would be perfect for me--I'm 5'3". Is there anything that can be done to make the 17" more suited to my height? longer seatpost, new handlebars? Being a newbie with these older bikes, especially the mixte frame, I'm not really sure how they're supposed to feel. Or, should I just get this bike out of my mind?!

Skinimini: Not sure how set you are on brand. However, I saw this bike on Phoenix craigslist and thought of you. Seems to be your size. From the pics, the bike is in beautiful condition. I personally dig that copper color. This gentleman apparently buys and resells bikes as I see his ads all the time, so I wouldn't be surprised if he ships. Otherwise, I might be able to sponsor.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/bik/1694121976.html

11038
11039

[ummbnb]

The Wald Woody (http://www.velo-orange.com/wawoba.html)

That's where I got the idea...except mine is a regular $15 Wald with $5 worth of wood and stain. :D

[ummbnb]

Okay post #708....She is a beaut! Love the wood slats in the basket. Husband is a woodworker may have to take that idea one of these days.

Cool! I love the wood in the basket. Just adds a nice little touch of class.

[DebW]

I saw 4 mixtes in one place last weekend in Vermont. A Nishiki, a Miyata, and 2 others in pretty nice condition and for sale. If anyone is interested and is driving through VT, I can give you the location.

[HillSlugger]

Here's a great deal in Burke:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/1732032534.html

[mariondotdash]

basically I'm trying to help my mum put a new bike together, however she's 6 foot and set on having a mixte... I'm not too sure how mixtes size up, or whether they even exist in that size? would i be looking at about a 21" frame or something smaller? thanks for any help. x

[Zen]

Illinois Ebay mixte (http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-SCHWINN-LE-TOUR-III-10-SPEED-WOMEN-BIKE-BICYCLE_W0QQitemZ310219176781QQcategoryZ98084QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3907.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%252BDDSIC%26otn%3D8%26pmod%3D200477146821%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8211123266848724256)

[mayanorange]

basically I'm trying to help my mum put a new bike together, however she's 6 foot and set on having a mixte... I'm not too sure how mixtes size up, or whether they even exist in that size? would i be looking at about a 21" frame or something smaller? thanks for any help. x

I would think she'd be more comfortable on a 23/23.5, at least on most 70s/80s mixtes. DH is 5'10" and I'm 5'7" and we both ride 21.5 Raleigh Supercourses. His is normal, mine's mixte. The seat tube lengths are similar- the difference in geometries is the reach on the mixte is less. The reach on these guys are both rather long relative to most new bikes, so depends if she's all leg- then I'd do a 21.5. Hope that helps.

[LeicaLad]

Greetings,

I’ve just spent some hours going through this entire thread, just to ogle the beautiful mixte frames. Sadly, many of the early photo links are dead, but there are still many wonderful bikes in here.

I have a new acquisition to show off, and to ask questions about. I’ve learned some from the other mixte thread, which I’ll reflect in my questions.

I’ve just acquired this Brand New (NOS) Nishiki mixte. It was advertised as a 70’s bike, and I misread the serial #s chart to think it was from 1974, but it turns out to be an ‘84 model. Still, it IS new-old-stock.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/LeicaLad/Picture001-11.jpg

I think it is now clear that I paid (way) too much, but it was an impulse buy. I should have known better to impulse buy ANY old bike.., but it was soooo pretty.

Now, the questions. I have a wife and 12 yr-old daughter, both the same size, neither of whom can really ride a bicycle, but each has expressed the desire to learn. The bike is the right size, as they’re both about 5’2”.

I’m guessing to make this a rider for them, I’ll need to swap the handle-bars to something more upright, as well as add fenders. Others have said not to rush the changes, but see if they like it in this configuration. Another suggestion, obvious but a good one, is that I must also check out all the bearings to see if they’re dried out.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/LeicaLad/Picture006-11.jpg

Years ago, I was a bike person. Then I went overseas, got married, stayed overseas, now have 6 grandkids in addition to the (oops!) 12 yr-old left at home, and now we have moved back to the US. I’m Rip Van Winkle in terms of all things bicycles. It may be why a NOS bike from my vintage (or what I thought was my vintage) became an instant impulse buy...

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/LeicaLad/Picture022-2.jpg

I wonder if anyone knows this model of the Nishiki? It is a Riviera, but the only other Riviera’s I’ve seen are those “half-mixte” frames of a single top bar and clearly lower quality tubing and equipment. I cannot find reference to any other Nishiki Riviera that looks like this. Anybody know more?

I’m also open to suggestions as to what modifications make the most sense – IF any.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/LeicaLad/Picture002-11.jpg

What would this bike “really” be worth in today’s market? (If I were to sell it, what would be the upper end I might hope to get? I’m certain to be losing money, regardless, if I do try to sell it.)

Thank you for the advice.

Details of the bike provided by the seller:

Handcrafted by Kawamura
Make: Nishiki
Model: Riviera
Year: the 1970’s
Made in Japan
Color: Pearl Red
Serial #: KD11 766
Speed: 12
Frame size: 19' or 48cm
Frame: Tange 900 Double Butted
Frame type: Lugged
Handlebar: WIN-alloy
Handlebar stem: Alloy
Brake levers: Dia Compe-alloy
Brakeset: Dia Compe size pulled-alloy
Shifters: Suntour Power-alloy
Derailleurs: Suntour RV-alloy
Crankset: Sugino VT-alloy
Pedals: MKS AR-2 Japan-alloy
Pedals Clips: Nishiki
Hubs: Sansin-alloy
Rims: Araya 27" X 1 1/4"-alloy
Tires: Cyclepro 27" X 1 1/4"
Quick releases: Front & Rear
Seatpost: SPK-alloy
Saddle: Nishiki by Vetta
Kickstand: Greenfield-alloy

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/LeicaLad/Picture008-8.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/LeicaLad/Picture010-3.jpg

All advice, comments and suggestions eagerly welcomed.
:D

[Cataboo]

I would just leave it as it is and see how they like it- it's a beautiful bike. I love red.

If you wanted to post pictures of them on it, we could say whether it needs to be more upright - but it doesn't look like it's got a very long virtual top tube - and to some extent it's going to end up being what position they like to be in.

If you want them more upright (or they do), I wouldn't change the stem, I'd look into changing the handlebars to something like mustache handlebars - that swing back towards the rider and I'd probably have them flipped to they add height. If you go to the for sale section on here, Zen's got a ton of pictures of her mariposa that's for sale and her restoration on it - Check out the handlebars she has on it (she mentions the name & brand). Maybe the soma sparrows or the nitto mustache bars would be appropriate. You can probably reuse the same brakes, and some nice leather grips would be great.

You might want to put a nice black leather brooks saddle on it and maybe a basket in the front, but otherwise... If they're not going to be riding in the rain or in mud on the C&O canal towpath, it doesn't need fenders. I would totally get the hammered honjo fenders for it if you were going to, just 'cause I love how those look.

As for price... Look around the washington dc craigslist. I frequently see mixtes selling for about $250. But every so often you see old unrestored ones for $100. And price is basically dependent on whether you find a seller that appreciates mixtes and steel bikes.

[Zen]

on here, Zen's got a ton of pictures of her mariposa that's for sale

Sold!
I'll try to remember to post those photos here later

[LeicaLad]

Thank you so very much for the sound advice. Particularly the names & brands of bars and fenders. I’ve just located a nice used Blackburn rear rack for $10, so that will be a nice utility addition. The bar choices are a good idea. I will wait, but I suspect my wife will be much happier with upright bars. I’ll not push, but watch and ask.

The saddle question is always huge. Brooks were never cheap, but they now look to be more expensive than good frames!! I’ll need to see the condition of this one first, and then I’ll read the various threads here on saddles (before asking more stupid questions).

I was almost ready to buy a local CL mixte bike when this popped up in front of me. Impulse! But most CL frames are going to be work, and we currently live in a small urban apartment with no work space to do the usual clean-up and rebuilding. Actually, even storing these bikes when not in use is going to present a substantial, shall we say, issue?

I think I saw photos of Zen’s bike earlier in the thread, but new/repeat photos are always welcome. This thread has been a great inspiration. Now I’m actually dreaming of a 58cm mixte frame (which is an easy dream, as finding one outside of custom prices will be near impossible!).

Once again, many thanks. I hope lots more mixte frames are posted here.

[skinimini]

The red is beautiful! I have a very similar bicycle (only mine is silver--I wish I had red) that I am fixing up for an errand bike. I decided to go with upright handlebars because at 5'3", the reach with the dropped bars was too long for me. I also have a 19". I hope to have it finished soon and will post pics.

[sandra]

My red mixte when I first got it:

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb12/Sandradav/IMG_0280.jpg

She's come a long way.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb12/Sandradav/DSCF1253.jpg

[Zen]

I KNOW THIS IS NOT A MIXTE but I had a request to post these photos of my former bike
Sold! on Ebay for $830:eek:

If only that bike fit me better. it was a true masterpiece.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Mariposa%20For%20Sale/P1000575-1.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Mariposa%20For%20Sale/P1000574.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Mariposa%20For%20Sale/P1000571.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/Mariposa%20For%20Sale/P1000569.jpg

It will be replaced by this
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/electramixte.jpgin purple

[LeicaLad]

What a beauty!

While not a mixte, it was about those bars and fenders. Still, the whole bike is lovely. It deserved to bring that price, but it sure must have hurt to sell!

Our "new" Nishiki has arrived, and I just cannot believe this is not a brand new bike. Everything is shiny, the BB has slight oozing of fresh grease, all bearings spin easily. The saddle shows sunshine fading on one side, but not the finish which sparkles. Amazing. It was raining yesterday, so I hope today will be the first chance for it's maiden trial. Yea!

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/LeicaLad/IMG_1416.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/LeicaLad/IMG_1414.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/LeicaLad/IMG_1418.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/LeicaLad/IMG_1417.jpg

Owen

[Cataboo]

Leicalad - I have seen tall mixte's, like 60 cms on the local DC craigslist. I saw one just the other day. So you could have one as well.

Is your name from leica cameras? I have an old one that was my fathers that I just set reverently on a shelf.

[Biciclista]

Zen, congrats on selling that bike. Good price!

[LeicaLad]

Oooh. I'd love to find a big mixte, although I'm enough of a frame snob to want high-end tubing. :D

Actually, the "garage queen" I found on CL in Syracuse just arrived with the evening UPS man: a 1971 Gitane Super Corsa, all Campy equipped. I have a LOT of cleaning to do, but it was essentially used less than a year and put into the rafters for the next 38+ years. I'll have to build new wheels, as the original tubulars/sew-ups are still on it. But I know I'll love it when I'm done.

Still, I don't think I've EVER seen a 60cm mixte. I thought 58 was as big as they went. Now I'll be inspired to look!

As for the Leicas, I still use 'em. Two rangefinders that I love. When I'm overseas, I use them a lot. Film processing and printing is sooo much cheaper than it is back home in the US. Here, it's just digi-snaps. But they work.

Thanks, again.

Owen (aka: LL)


Leicalad - I have seen tall mixte's, like 60 cms on the local DC craigslist. I saw one just the other day. So you could have one as well.

Is your name from leica cameras? I have an old one that was my fathers that I just set reverently on a shelf.

[Zen]

Zen, congrats on selling that bike. Good price!
Thanks, but remember i still have to pay shipping and Ebay fees so it's +/- $100 less :(

[Rebecca19804]

Hi everybody

Found this forum looking for mixte stuff on the 'squinternet'. I've now lost several hours of my life... ;) Wow, what a great place! And the mixte drool factor on this thread is nearly debilitating. :D

So, I've just bought my first mixte: a late 1970s Puch Princess.

She (yes, it's a she... christened Dora... hmm, I'll have to post something in the thread on that topic!) has been sitting in my living room for a month, where I've admired her and plotted and planned her restoration and then realised I just wasn't going to have the time to tackle this project myself - if I want to actually get some long hours riding her this summer, that is. So yesterday she went off to Brixton Cycles, an incredibly friendly & knowledgeable local workers' co-op, for a complete overhaul and facelift. :)

I'm collecting her on Tuesday - can't wait! Will post proper photos then but for now here she is as I purchased her.

Pedal on,
Rebecca

[Nomad]

Peugeot Mixte I stripped, painted and built with parts from another bike.
Quarter fenders, 27" wheels, 5 speed rear stem shift.

A real sharp looking bike that ultimately cost $15 in parts!

[Tri Girl]

It's gorgeous, Nomad!!! I'm jealous- I wish my hubs would do that for me. ;)

[Nomad]

Yeah, it came out well. This one actually didn't go to my wife as she wanted a road bike and even suggested a cyclocross bike.
This one went to a small soft spoken college girl who drove 1.5 hours to get it! She loved it and she had all her college riding buddies in a van with her and they were going to hit the trail on th way home. It was great to send it off to a good home and to an eager new rider. Made me remember why I keep riding too, just for the fun of it.

[Rebecca19804]

Hi everybody

So, I've just bought my first mixte: a late 1970s Puch Princess.
I'm collecting her on Tuesday - can't wait! Will post proper photos then...

Here she is. I think I'm in love. :)
A few more photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10938860@N03/sets/72157624128246558/

[Zen]

Rebecca, that is gorgeous!

[Tri Girl]

What a beauty, Rebecca!! Stunning!!!

[Rebecca19804]

Thanks Zen and TriGirl - I am so pleased with this bike! :) Mixtes aren't terribly plentiful here in the UK. Of the few I've seen out and about and on eBay, the overwhelming majority are Raleigh. It was nice to find something just a little different with this one. The guys at Foffa Bikes (specialist fixie/SS builders) and Brixton Cycles were well impressed: apparently there is a small but 'rabid' (!) cult following for classic Puch frames. :D

Still a few niggles with the setup to be worked out but hopefully it'll be 100% smooth sailing very soon. :)

__________________
If you never did you should.
These things are fun and fun is good.
(Dr Seuss)


"Lorelei" - 1979 Puch Princess mixte / Brooks B17 Champion Flyer (honey)
"Woodstock" - 2009 Brompton M3L (yellow & black) / standard Brompton

[hirakukibou]

I fixed up this Fuji Gran Tourer. She rides nicely, but needs a different saddle. I am pleased with how she came out.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd209/kotoridesigns/mixte2.jpg

[Rebecca19804]

I fixed up this Fuji Gran Tourer. She rides nicely, but needs a different saddle. I am pleased with how she came out.


Those shortie fenders are cute - how effective are they?

Rebecca

[Rebecca19804]

Yes, we get a regular trickle of mixtes on eBay (usually not described as such) but most are Raleigh plus the odd Peugeot. This one is a Puch Odyssey, 7 speed, and looks like it could be rather nice (once that crank/pedal is sorted out).

This one looks rather larger than mine (which is a 51 and borderline small for me; I'm 5'4" with 32 inch inseam).

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LADIES-7-SPEED-PUCH-BICYCLE-SPARES-REPAIRS-/300440479248?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item45f3a5e610

- oops, somehow can't get the pic to show as a thumbnail! :(

[hirakukibou]

I have the "race" fenders on another bike and the work well. I haven't gotten stuck in the rain yet on this bike, so only time will tell.

[ZimmermanBW]

Hi there,my first post here,excellent forum.
You all seem to have your finger on the pulse of fine mixtes and I just wanted to ask that you keep an eye out for a customers bike that was stolen last year,it is a green single top tube style with ZIMMERMAN on the downtube also a small daisy (name of the owner) on the bottom of the dowtube just above the bottom bracket.
Daisy rode this bike daily for a little over a year and is heatbroken at losing it,the thief appears to be a professional so this bike could turn up anywhere in the country.
Thanks for keeping your eyes peeled.
I can be contacted at 310-849-1948

[Tuckervill]

That is such a nice bike. Bike thieves SUCK POND WATER.

I hope we find it.

Karen

[Zen]

Since custom bikes don't have serial numbers (or do they?) are there usually identifying marks other than paint?

[Trek420]

That is such a nice bike. Bike thieves SUCK POND WATER.

I hope we find it.

Karen

I hope y'all take this in the kindest, most peaceful, friendly, protective of all things, non-violent, spirit it's intended but I hope the thief crashes and we find the bike (unharmed of course) next to his (I assume his) torn, lifeless, bloody body. :mad:

Bike thieves suck. :mad: That being said while we'll all check Craigs etc I'm afraid with a bike that beautiful and distinctive if the crook has 2 brain cells he's selling the parts for a hit of crack.

Oh, and welcome to TE!c:)

[LeicaLad]

Hi!

I'm helping my mom put her Peugeot mixte up for sale.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o191/LeicaLad/IMG_1655.jpg

It's posted in the "For Sale" section. This is not the shameless plug it looks like. I have been asked questions, and I think it would be good to refer to the wisdom here, if anyone would please respond.

The question comes up that I have been asked by several people if this is "their size", based on their height. I have more experience with the triangle frame, where stand-over height will answer the most basic question of fit, but with the mixte, it's always seemed a bit more -- shall we say, generous?

Given that stand-over height is not so critical, what are the recommended ranges for mixte frame sizes to body height? Would the 4'10' to 5'1" go with a 49cm? For a 52cm, is the range more like 5'2" to 5'6"? Or is that too wide?

Perhaps a wise and experienced person here might create a sticky on "Choosing the right Mixte frame size" for those hunting vintage bikes? (Or have I just not found it?) I hope this will be useful to others besides just me.

Thank you.

[uforgot]

I've really only found mixtes that are around 50cm. I would love to find one that is 52cm, or at least had a longer reach. Since I can only find these smaller ones, (and when you go to the earlier Raleigh catalogs, you will see that they didn't come in lots of sizes) I just adapted with different bars and a different stem. I can't imagine that anyone is going to do any serious mileage on these things. Mine (50cm, I'm 5'5") is just fine with the bullhorn bars I put on it. The moustache bars that were on it previously just cramped me, but still, for riding around town it was fine.

[Lisa Holman]

Can't help myself, here's a pretty Raleigh mixte for sale in Louisville:

http://louisville.craigslist.org/bik/1828564241.html

[Zen]

Not anymore :(

[sarahspins]

Can't help myself, here's a pretty Raleigh mixte for sale in Louisville

That's a gorgeous one :)

[sarahspins]

My tiny rebuild project.. :) 24" wheels, it's so cute (and in terrible shape..as you can see... bent fork and all).. pictured next to my Nishiki :)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4764244967_b96dddfe30.jpg

Any ideas on brand? The bike says "Circle Sport" on the side, and has this headbadge:
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4790774716_33b1de3667.jpg

I've scoured the internet for the past week and I can't find anything at all even close? It's probably a department store bike of some sort... but from where? It only cost me $10 at a local thrift store.. I've probably got at least $150 in various parts invested now (including a new fork).. waiting to go back on it.

I'm about to drill out the head badge and take it to be powdercoated :D I have almost all the goodies I need to rebuild it, just missing tires and a freewheel (those are coming, just not here). Hopefully I'll have everything once it's painted and I get the headset cups put back on :)

[SpinSpinSugar]

So named because her color matches my beloved '92 Dodge Grand Caravan which is named "Kitty." :cool:

The bike is a 1977 Raleigh Record LTD Mixte 20/10 steel tubing. It has been upgraded with a Sugino 26/36/46 triple, 8sp 11/32 cassette, a cheap $10 shimano rear derailleur, hand built double wall rear wheel, a taller 60 cm stem, an alloy single wall front wheel, Ultra Gatorskin 27" 1 1/4 tires and an aluminum seat post. It still has the original Weinmann centerpull brakes with suicide levers, Suntour stem-mounted friction shifters, and original Handlebars. The yellow bar-tape is ugly, but cheap -$4.00 a kit, and highly visible.

Kitten's a steady old mare. I rode my 132 mile century on her - gravel, grass, pavement, she does it all... she fits, and I love her. ;)
SpinSpinSugar

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/4094/cimg0064.jpg

[Tri Girl]

you did your 132 mile ride on THAT? You really ARE an animal!!!! WOW! It's a beauty for sure! Love the yellow bar tape, actually. It gives that blue a nice pop.

[sarahspins]

Here is the mostly finished mini-mixte! :D I am not sure I am done with the bars/brake levers so I haven't taped the bars. This bike has become sort of a mish-mash of parts.. I took the brake levers and rear derailleur off my Takara for this one, since I am putting an internally geared hub on that one and different bars.

I bought new Tektro long reach brakes for it, and that was the most expensive part of this rebuild (@ $54), aside from powder coating (which was worth every penny - this bike will last forever now).

The original fork with the bike was bent/twisted, so it was replaced, along with the stem and seatpost. The original crankset was rusted, and too big IMO for the bike, so it was replaced too :)

I have not yet replaced the rusty rear spokes.. that is on my agenda ;) As is finding/making some sort of interesting headbadge to cover up those holes...

It's hard to really get a good sense of scale, but this bike is tiny.. it has 24" wheels! :p It's still a *hair* too big for my oldest (who is 9) though, but I don't think it will be long before he can ride it.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4815190933_fd946a8506_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4815190417_975910ac95_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4815812448_8dfd9cdb03_z.jpg

(oops, the quick release is up on the brake - I had just the wheel back on and forgot...)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4815812172_6a7cdd6eda_z.jpg

(and yes, that is a rusty washer.. for now.. I have another aluminum one somewhere, it was just MIA when I put the brake on, so when I find it, I'll fix it - I had to get creative since these brakes weren't meant to be mounted this way).
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4815811718_55f4f96b91_z.jpg

[sarahspins]

Some lousy iPhone shots to give a sense of scale.. it's super cute :)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4816216442_039a1654bb.jpg

(spokes look funny, just like the fence because of how the iphone camera captures data)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4816215936_80aa96e7d0.jpg

[Tri Girl]

it's sooooo pretty!!1 I LOVE the green color. You better lock that bike up. I might be coming to Weir, TX soon. ;)

[LeicaLad]

That is so utterly cool. And very nice looking.

I've never seen such a small mixte. And you've taken it to a new level. Hope your son thinks it's as cool as we all do!


What did the powder coat refinish cost, if I may ask? Did you do any prep work, or just deliver a naked frame? Was it a car paint shop? I've never refinished a bike, but have one that I love dearly that is pretty much in need.

[sarahspins]

What did the powder coat refinish cost, if I may ask? Did you do any prep work, or just deliver a naked frame? Was it a car paint shop? I've never refinished a bike, but have one that I love dearly that is pretty much in need.

It was a local powdercoating shop (they also do media blasting)... basically they specialize in baked on coatings for auto and motorcyle parts. I called around to several and this was the first that said "yes, we'll coat a bicycle frame!" and wasn't an hour+ away.

I did no prep work other than taking everything off the frame (including the headset cups, which I paid the bike shop to do)... they took care of cleaning it up, and just asked me which areas I needed masked off since they don't do a whole lot of bike frames (that was not a problem, and they got it all right).

What I paid (for cleaning, paint, and clear coat) was on the upper end of the range, I think, at $85... however, it looks incredible, and I'm glad I splurged on it - I figure, this is a bike that can literally be used by all 3 kids (my 9yo is my oldest) when they're the right size for it, so it would be worth it to do it right (and not rattle-can the frame myself) so it would last.

I literally picked up the frame from the powdercoaters yesterday morning, and took it straight to my bike shop to have them put the headset back on (and cut and re-thread the steer tube on the new fork), and they were so excited to see the frame back they had it ready for me in just a couple of hours :)

[Lisa Holman]

Everyone is probably familiar with the Linus mixte, but saw a link to it yesterday, and thought it was nice looking.

http://www.linusbike.com/models/mixte/

[Zen]

32 pounds :eek:

[ummbnb]

These are great! I just put a tiny 24" mixte on hold this morning and we'll fix it up for my kids.


Some lousy iPhone shots to give a sense of scale.. it's super cute :)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4816216442_039a1654bb.jpg

(spokes look funny, just like the fence because of how the iphone camera captures data)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4816215936_80aa96e7d0.jpg

[ummbnb]

My newest aquisition....sigh (heart going pitter, patter)....:D

http://bikingandbaking.blogspot.com/search/label/Swoopy%20Mixte


Sorry just a link but you can read and see all about it on my blog :-)

[Zen]

Is that a Peugeot

and

What kind of rack is that?

[ummbnb]

Is that a Peugeot

and

What kind of rack is that?


Yes. As far as I can tell (Peugeot's are a little hard to date), it's a '74 French made model. The swoopy top tubes were only sold in Europe from what I understand so this made it across the lake at some point.

The rack is off another, much older, Peugeot. Isn't it cool!

[Zen]

The chain guard is unusual, too.

Is it a 5-speed?

[Tri Girl]

that is GORGEOUS ummbnb!!!! Simply beautiful!!! WOW! :D:D:D
I'm in love with your bike (don't tell my bikes).

[ummbnb]

The chain guard is unusual, too.

Is it a 5-speed?

Isn't it though! It's a three speed.


that is GORGEOUS ummbnb!!!! Simply beautiful!!! WOW!
I'm in love with your bike (don't tell my bikes).

Thanks :cool:

[uforgot]

Sandra has a mixte with those top tubes like that. I forget what it is, but I love them! Very nice.

[Rebecca19804]

Yes. As far as I can tell (Peugeot's are a little hard to date), it's a '74 French made model. The swoopy top tubes were only sold in Europe from what I understand...

What a lovely mixte! And big kudos to your husband for jumping on the case so quickly when he saw it on CL! :)

I'm really pleased to see a little info on "swoopy" mixtes, as there is one near me here in south London (UK) which I've been hoping to find some info on. I've posted 3 photos on Flickr - here's a link to one:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10938860@N03/4670721317/in/photostream/

The only sticker/decal is the one at the bottom of the seat tube which just says "OIN" (or "DIN" - sorry, should have got a better pic). No idea what that's meant to signify.
This bike hasn't moved for months but I don't think it's abandoned. I might have to leave a note on it somewhere asking the owner to get in touch...

The only other loop-frame mixte I am aware of is one in San Francisco belonging to 'Meligrosa'. She posts a lot on Flickr and refers to her mixte as "the Frenchie" so it may well be a Peugeot.

Congrats again on yours, ummbnb!

[ummbnb]

Oh that bike is lovely! I'd definitely try leaving a note!

Meli's "Frenchie" is an Astra, if I'm not mistaken.


What a lovely mixte! And big kudos to your husband for jumping on the case so quickly when he saw it on CL! :)

I'm really pleased to see a little info on "swoopy" mixtes, as there is one near me here in south London (UK) which I've been hoping to find some info on. I've posted 3 photos on Flickr - here's a link to one:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10938860@N03/4670721317/in/photostream/

The only sticker/decal is the one at the bottom of the seat tube which just says "OIN" (or "DIN" - sorry, should have got a better pic). No idea what that's meant to signify.
This bike hasn't moved for months but I don't think it's abandoned. I might have to leave a note on it somewhere asking the owner to get in touch...

The only other loop-frame mixte I am aware of is one in San Francisco belonging to 'Meligrosa'. She posts a lot on Flickr and refers to her mixte as "the Frenchie" so it may well be a Peugeot.

Congrats again on yours, ummbnb!