Show us your mixte!

[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.

[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.

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!

[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!

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. 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

[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.

[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