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!
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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!
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!
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by badgercat
Yeah, I believe the crank is aluminum.Quote:
Originally Posted by mayanorange
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 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.
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!)
Thanks again for all the info, mayanorange.
I've been debating driving down to buy the bianchi in this:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...159465386.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.
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
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.
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...
Nah, it's all yours.
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.
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.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=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?
www.proteusbicycles.com/
www.Capitolhillbikes.com
www.revolutioncycles.com/
That is a beauty!
Nice! Love the color.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jones
Thanks Zen, have you ever used any of these shops?
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.
Sorry but no, I can't help you there. I'm slightly outside of DC.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jones
>>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.
Proteus bikes is great! I highly recommend it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jones
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.
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. 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!Quote:
Originally Posted by Jones
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.:(
Here's one in SF bay.
Four of them in Los Angeles
This one is in Fresno
This one is a little expensive, 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, but pretty!
This one isn't a mixte, but I love it!
Did we already see this one?
Univega
Schwinn - probably weighs a ton
Raleigh
If it fits, I'd fix her up! She's adorable and really unique.Quote:
Originally Posted by creativadiva
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
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.
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!)
Thanks for the great info amartha. I will definitely keep all this in mind while I shop for a mixte.
This is adorable:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/d...164591439.html
Wow, it looks unused!Quote:
Originally Posted by Catriona
It does.... I'm tempted but... i don't need another bike!Quote:
Originally Posted by MDHillSlug
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.
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.
I looked too fast -- the Nishiki is not truly a mixte.