Show us your mixte!

[amartha]

Hi Mixte Lovers,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[uforgot]

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

[Jones]

Thanks for the great info amartha. I will definitely keep all this in mind while I shop for a mixte.

[Cataboo]

This is adorable:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/d...164591439.html

[HillSlugger]

This is adorable:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/d...164591439.html

Wow, it looks unused!

[Cataboo]

Wow, it looks unused!

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

[mayanorange]

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.

[Cataboo]

Brand new old Miyata mixte:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...189822687.html

[uforgot]

Brand new old Miyata mixte:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...189822687.html

Oh, that's a nice one!

[sfa]

Brand new old Miyata mixte:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...189822687.html

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

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

Sarah

[Cataboo]

I love the green on this oen:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...200018141.html

[uforgot]

Wow! You guys need to come to St. Louis and look for mixtes. There was one on there yesterday, a Miyata for $40 and this one today for $80. I got mine, a Nishiki for $40. Those $200+ ones are outrageous!