Show us your mixte!

[Robert Raburn]

After building the Nishiki "Pink Panther" for a friend in 2009, I wanted to next match an internal gear hub (IGH) to a mixte. As a reward for Pat's work on my BART election campaign last year, we shopped for a suitable frame. First we bought a bare 1980 Hi-Ten Nishiki, then a butchered Centurion before settling on a new SOMA Buena Vista frame for a full zoot build with Nexus 8sp IGH and dynamo hub on VO rims. It took months to assemble the components. The Mafac center-pull brakes offer great performance and lend a tip-of-the-hat to "something old."

[7rider]

http://youtu.be/W-rAv43UFnA

[Chicken Little]

http://youtu.be/W-rAv43UFnA

Wow.

[HillSlugger]

Poor bike!

[Tri Girl]

Well I finally found another mixte to love. I had a mixte, but I foolishly sold her.
You see, I've been searching craigslist for a bike for my boss (who wants to ride a bike but hasn't in 40 years and wanted to start out with something inexpensive). I was supposed to be looking for a single speed with a coaster brake. For her. Not a bike for me.

But then I found her.

And I'm in love.

She's all original from 1983. She's a beautiful sparkly gold color with root beer accents. Original everything but new tires and tubes. I found 2 broken spokes on her rear wheel when I was cleaning her up, but her paint is pristine and she is excpeptionally clean and well-maintained. I will switch out her drop bars for moustache bars and change her shifters, and put my brown Brooks saddle on her.... but she's mine. And only $80 (which I thought was a rather good deal- although I might have been a bit emotional with my decision ).
I imagine a porteur rack on the front for carrying things and hammered VO stainless fenders. Ah... this is going to be fun.

[Tri Girl]

Poor bike!

I know, right?

[hebe]

I saw this one today - a Dawes Cambridge that shimmered purple in the sun. I am quite smitten, and it's a good price, though I think I'd have to add Brooks saddle and grips. Going back on Monday to have a proper look.

That would sort the question of whether to keep or sell the Marin.

[murielalex]

I love it!

[hebe]

I saw this one today - a Dawes Cambridge that shimmered purple in the sun. I am quite smitten, and it's a good price, though I think I'd have to add Brooks saddle and grips. Going back on Monday to have a proper look.

That would sort the question of whether to keep or sell the Marin.

The Marin is getting a pre-Ebay service in just over a week, and I'm lining up some other stuff to sell.

Is there anything I need to be mindful of with the spec for this bike? It would be for light errands, popping round to friends etc. I'm a little wary that such a pretty bike might be light on functionality or might not last, but Dawes seems to be a fairly well regarded brand here. Every time I see one I want to bring it home. If anyone has time to have a quick look at the spec and post any comments I'd be most grateful, thank you.