Classic & Vintage - CV for a city gal

I'm trying to get my wife to ride again. She used to ride when we first met, but not in a very long time. Her last bike was a Fisher Tassajara and she hated its weight and handling. I've mulled getting a new hybrid, but most are overpriced and phugly. I think it's the perfect chance to turn her onto CV, but I've gotta get it right on the first try.

I know she appreciates classic design so a little bling could go a long way in rekindling her interest. She's into Italian bags (as in Purse Forum) so I'm seeing that as another possible entree. At this phase I'd just like to get a sense of what's out there, honestly, I have no idea what it would look like. I'd love to show her a picture of something drop-dead gorgeous that would point us in the right direction.

Oh yeah, she's rather petite so it's gotta come in "small". Maybe a 650... show me your favorites!

You didn't say what kind of riding? i am very biased. I have an old Trek
Multi Track. Fitted with 21 speed Shimano and 700Cx28's. Kind of the best
of both worlds and a joy to ride. I have had it less than a year and way over
9000 miles so far. Just recently made it a "new" bike.

This is a 15" frame with an extra long seat post and the fit is perfect for
me. With the seat dropped, the neighbor girl has ridden it some, she is
5'3". You might want to add shorter cranks?

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/2342/61736670.jpg

It is a $40 yard sale find. I am in it now just at $600. I know I am way over
in the bike, but I have had a couple good offers on it and it is not for sale
at any price!

All the components are new old stock from the LBS. The tires were new
take offs. All new bearings, brakes, cables, housings, BB. The wheels were
hand built.

Older rigid MTBs/hybrids are the ticket. They are cheap and extremely versatile. Cheap enough that you can fix one up to how she likes it and won't lose very much money if she decides biking isn't for her. Versatile because they can fit fatty tires and have clearance and braze-ons. I wouldn't do the 650B route as an experiment... I'd do it as a keeper.

What about a classy mixte? You could get her a Peugeot for cheap and bling it up to your heart's content! You're in Brooklyn, right? I see them all the time on the local CL. If you need any help with anything, let me know.

+1 on the classic mixte. I found my wife a garage-queen 1975 Raleigh Supercourse mixte, that I converted to 700c wheels with 32 mm tires, north-road bars, 9-speed triple. She absolutely loves it. I'm shopping for a basket or porteur rack for the front now. They make mixtes as small as 48 cm- maybe one of those Bianchi or gazelle swoopy-mixtes?

She used to ride when we first met, but not in a very long time.

My wife used to a lot of things when we first met. But not in a VERY long time either! :lol: :twitchy: :bang:

I'm thinking cycle path and some light shopping. Not leaving it locked for 3 hours in front of Century21 or downtown. I like the idea of modding an older nonsuspension MTB, but I think she'd like a little more style, you know ... lugs and Euro stickers. I've yet to see a mixte that looks as good as my Centurion or Raleigh. Most seem to be mid 70s with cottered cranks and stem shifters. Not even sure how she'd like a real woman's frame (hence slant top hybrid?), but I just figure if she saw one that was pretty enough she'd go for it. Peugot and Bianchi might rank higher here, but did Bianchi make one in Celeste with low/slant/mixte frame? Not asking for Campy but a shiny forged crank and brakes would help. Do they exist? Definitely urban cockpit, rack and fenders.

+1 on the classic mixte. I found my wife a garage-queen 1975 Raleigh Supercourse mixte, that I converted to 700c wheels with 32 mm tires, north-road bars, 9-speed triple. She absolutely loves it. I'm shopping for a basket or porteur rack for the front now. They make mixtes as small as 48 cm- maybe one of those Bianchi or gazelle swoopy-mixtes?

Love to see it!

Older rigid MTBs/hybrids are the ticket. They are cheap and extremely versatile. Cheap enough that you can fix one up to how she likes it and won't lose very much money if she decides biking isn't for her. Versatile because they can fit fatty tires and have clearance and braze-ons. I wouldn't do the 650B route as an experiment... I'd do it as a keeper.

I almost bought myself a mid 90s Kona once, but it was too small. Wasn't thinking of her at the time, she had that damn Tassajara! I think 90% of the so-called hard tails that have rolled off assembly lines have never been on a single-track course. We sold the Tass after it sat for three years... I almost cannibalized it for parts.

What about a Raleigh Sports or the equivalent from Craigs? They're always popping up and they clean up pretty nice if they're not too beat-up to start. That's what I ride as my everyday bike and I notice a fair number of women on them as well. There are also a bunch of those Linus bikes out there- which are pretty similar.
A nice 3-speed would be a good starting point, just hop on and ride. Later she could trade up to a Bianchi celeste-green 7speed w/IGH if she got hooked.
What sort of bike does she see herself on (if any)? When I'm walking around town I always notice what people are riding and think to myself, "ugh, not for me", or, "nice ride!" I think you should point out bikes being ridden and see what she likes.

cheers, good luck
Joe, NYC

This is the only small framed bike that is hanging in The Old Shed at the moment...
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Bicycles_Table/Italian_Bicycles/Giubilato/Giubilato_AsFound_Full_Side_3.jpg

Would she be interested in something of Mixte design like this old Chiorda (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Feature_Bicycles/Custom_Built_Bicycles/CHIORDA_EVIE/Chiorda_Evie_1_Start.htm) I built for a lady a while ago...
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Bicycles_Table/Italian_Bicycles/Chiorda_Bicycles/Chiorda_EV/Chiorda_EV_Done/Chiorda_EV_Done_Full_TQF_1.jpg

Or this converted Miele (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Feature_Bicycles/Custom_Built_Bicycles/Jenney_Junk_Bike/JENNYS_MIELE_1_Start.htm) for another lady...
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Bicycles_Table/Canadian_Bicycles/Miele_Bicycles/Miele_Jenna/MieleJenna_Full_TQFront_4.jpg

Or this old Steve Bauer (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Feature_Bicycles/Feature_Bicycles_Taiwan/STEVE_BAUER_ABBEY/STEVE_BAUER_ABBEY_1_Start.htm) for another lady...
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Bicycles_Table/Taiwan_Bicycles/Concorde/Concorde_Europa_52FF_Abbey/Concorde_Abbey_Full_TQF_3.jpg

The possibilities are as many as your ideas, when it comes to personalizing a bicycle. However, small frame sets are hard to find and often times pricey.

Would she be interested in something of Mixte design like this old Chiorda (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Feature_Bicycles/Custom_Built_Bicycles/CHIORDA_EVIE/Chiorda_Evie_1_Start.htm) I built for a lady a while ago...
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Bicycles_Table/Italian_Bicycles/Chiorda_Bicycles/Chiorda_EV/Chiorda_EV_Done/Chiorda_EV_Done_Full_TQF_1.jpg

The possibilities are as many as your ideas, when it comes to personalizing a bicycle. However, small frame sets are hard to find and often times pricey.

Yes, that looks great! How come they (mixtes) don't all look like this?

I'm thinking cycle path and some light shopping. Not leaving it locked for 3 hours in front of Century21 or downtown. I like the idea of modding an older nonsuspension MTB, but I think she'd like a little more style, you know ... lugs and Euro stickers. I've yet to see a mixte that looks as good as my Centurion or Raleigh. Most seem to be mid 70s with cottered cranks and stem shifters. Not even sure how she'd like a real woman's frame (hence slant top hybrid?), but I just figure if she saw one that was pretty enough she'd go for it. Peugot and Bianchi might rank higher here, but did Bianchi make one in Celeste with low/slant/mixte frame? Not asking for Campy but a shiny forged crank and brakes would help. Do they exist? Definitely urban cockpit, rack and fenders.

how about a classic 3 speed or similar?

and just a quick search of the brooklyn craigs list provides a wide bunch of possibles from 3 speeds on

sounds like fun

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/2740332899.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/2785049328.html
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/2791438584.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/2790431987.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/2790707583.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/2789849708.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/2789721735.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/2789128716.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/2767708421.html

Yes, that looks great! How come they (mixtes) don't all look like this?

They do, but ya gotta find just the right tree to put behind them;-)

How about this one - my favorite Mixte to enter The Old Shed - sorry about the poor choice of tree..;-(
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Bicycles_Table/French_Bicycles/Jeunet_Bicycles/JeunetMixte/JeunetMixte_Full_TQFront_Left_2.jpg

My gal just got into CV, she saw all my bikes come from the ground up she wanted one, plus she saw how far i ride and how much fun i was having. Picked this up for her for $5 of CL, butted, CroMo, Alloys, all it needed was a tune up and a good cleaning. Good luck getting your girl on a bike again, get her a small road bike, put some mustache bars and some 27x1 3/8 gum walls for a soft ride. I didn't want to get my GF a cruiser or a mixte because they are bulky and we live in a 3rd floor

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e256/endo617/IMAG0169.jpg

how about a classic 3 speed or similar?

and just a quick search of the brooklyn craigs list provides a wide bunch of possibles from 3 speeds on

sounds like fun

I cut my teeth on three speeds, it was a Phillips woman's frame that got me started on bikes! I even rebuilt a few Sturmey hubs. Hmmm, maybe a Sturmey 5 speed... But as elegant as they are, we need gears to deal with the hills in my area and the wind is pretty intense on the bike path next to the bay --- even the crotch rocket guys seem to use their granny gears. Man, what's with those prices!

I know she appreciates classic design so a little bling could go a long way in rekindling her interest. She's into Italian bags (as in Purse Forum) so I'm seeing that as another possible entree. At this phase I'd just like to get a sense of what's out there, honestly, I have no idea what it would look like. I'd love to show her a picture of something drop-dead gorgeous that would point us in the right direction.

Oh yeah, she's rather petite so it's gotta come in "small". Maybe a 650... show me your favorites!

Favorites? Ok: http://umbertodei.it/index.php?option=com_sgicatalog&task=view&id=3&Itemid=99&lang=en

http://umbertodei.it/images/stories/catalogo/IMPERIALE-D.jpg

Might be more than you want to spend, though...

I cut my teeth on three speeds, it was a Phillips woman's frame that got me started on bikes! I even rebuilt a few Sturmey hubs. Hmmm, maybe a Sturmey 5 speed... But as elegant as they are, we need gears to deal with the hills in my area and the wind is pretty intense on the bike path next to the bay --- even the crotch rocket guys seem to use their granny gears. Man, what's with those prices!

I forgot brooklyn has hillls...... it has been many years but I did my riding in Manhattan when I was in the coast guard.

I kinda of like the blue univega in this one. Price does not seem terrible.


http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/2740332899.html

Fit is the priority, then the style/color. Finally ease of use.

My wife is around 5'3.5", needs a small frame. She has a 16" '99 GT Slipstream cruiser/hybrid that she loves. I tried to give her a do-it-all mtb but she hated it. Wrong to start off with a bike that expects rider experience and skill. It doesn't inspire confidence or motivation if she doesn't like the bike for whatever reason.
After 2 failed attempts, the GT had the look and set up she found easy to ride. It was fun, and that's what it took.

Since then, she's chosen a 48-50cm Schwinn Super Le Tour for herself, open to the idea of a 15.5" Specialized Rockhopper mtb (which is basically identical to her first mtb), and claimed a 16.5" Bianchi hybrid I came home with. It's her size, very pretty, and she wants it converted to CX like one I had done for myself! I guess she has contracted N+1. ;)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3650/5743830020_92c74e2cfa_b.jpg
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6031/6293820554_6c63c92e48_z.jpg
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6217/6385906499_08b67eff82_b.jpg

I built this for my wife. She loves it.

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/11763/2414855690068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2414855690068014369CRiJPB)

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/9551/2475851430068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2475851430068014369FcEUrU)

I paid $25 for the frame, and a small fortune on Shimano 600 and 600 Tricolor parts, but she's worth it.

Gripshifters and Thumbies seem like important clues. Thanks! More lady bike smut please!

I built this for my wife. She loves it.

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/11763/2414855690068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2414855690068014369CRiJPB)

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/9551/2475851430068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2475851430068014369FcEUrU)

I paid $25 for the frame, and a small fortune on Shimano 600 and 600 Tricolor parts, but she's worth it.

That's actually a very nice setup, took a second glance. Color coordination, why I didn't think of that? Wait a minute. Are those barcons you mounted on the handlebar?

Italian, eh? My wife rides this 1961 (or maybe 62) Atala, which was originally bought new by my mom. Horrible paint job by my uncle in the 1970s, but otherwise it's an absolute dream and an excellent fast-yet-semi-upright urban bike. Original Campy hubs with Sun rims and wide hybrid-ish tires (can't remember what they are, right now); Nitto mustache bars.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2289/5812898474_a817819886.jpg


But if you've got money to spend, how about a Bella Ciao Neorealista (http://www.bellaciao.de/en/?page_id=983) with a Nexus 7-speed?
Not, strictly speaking, C&V, but nobody else will know that. Distributed in the US by Boxcycles. (http://www.boxcycles.com/index.php?splash=1)

http://www.bellaciao.de/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/neo3.jpg

That's actually a very nice setup, took a second glance. Color coordination, why I didn't think of that? Wait a minute. Are those barcons you mounted on the handlebar?

Yes. Seven speed indexed. The mounts are Suntour. A bit of modification/fabrication was involved, but nothing you can't do with a drill and hand tools.

http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/43862/2481043450068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2481043450068014369vypeJA)

I built this new Soma Mixte frame into a 650B city bike for my wife. I wanted to go with a C&V frame, but 1) it's impossible to find vintage mixte frames as large as she'd need, and 2) she wanted something new... Soma makes a 58cm mixte frame, so new was the way to go for us. But I made it as classic as possible, given the constraints of what she wanted:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5102/5639270734_a5b3c92e64_b.jpg

It has since seen the addition of a front wicker basket.

Hey guys, it's working. She told me the Chiorda was "cute".

So are those Peugeot HLE frames okay, or are they like hi-ten? Can't get it straight. I see some potential Peugoets, but all with HLE.

Hey guys, it's working. She told me the Chiorda was "cute".

So are those Peugeot HLE frames okay, or are they like hi-ten? Can't get it straight. I see some potential Peugoets, but all with HLE.

:thumb: great GL

This, got me 'The look'. :eek:

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/moto011.jpg

233058
The basket has a wooden bottom and plenty of room for a loaf of bread, etc. A dozen eggs fits perfectly in the trunk.

You might also want to take a look at "Lovely Bicycle" for other examples and information.

I built this for my wife. She loves it.

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/11763/2414855690068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2414855690068014369CRiJPB)

http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/9551/2475851430068014369S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2475851430068014369FcEUrU)

I paid $25 for the frame, and a small fortune on Shimano 600 and 600 Tricolor parts, but she's worth it.

That is super cool. What fenders are those?

This, got me 'The look'. :eek:

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc219/walkingfloor198/moto011.jpg

The drillium or the cat?

I've tried several, but this is the biggest success so far. I replaced the drop bar with a flat bar with Alivio brifters and an adjustable stem and put on some touring pedals.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=192686&d=1299542050

Check around here a bit.
http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/

http://simplybikeblog.com/

http://letsgorideabike.com/

This is my wifes Mercier Mixte, she loves it for a town bike.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Fs1DyqrRUlc/TMMXtW8_MfI/AAAAAAAAAk4/s0OlWgLzgU8/s640/IMG_8033.jpg

Check around here a bit.
http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/

http://simplybikeblog.com/

http://letsgorideabike.com/

Great stuff!


This is my wifes Mercier Mixte, she loves it for a town bike.


https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Fs1DyqrRUlc/TMMXtW8_MfI/AAAAAAAAAk4/s0OlWgLzgU8/s640/IMG_8033.jpg

Holy cow, that is drop-dead gorgeous! Seems there are so many little quirks and variations that give mixtes distinct character. Must be the twin down tubes.

This presents another dilemma. I'd be hopelessly jealous if she ended up with a classier ride than me. Suppose the worse that could happen is that we both end up with the bike of MY dream, just in time for April 15th.

They do, but ya gotta find just the right tree to put behind them;-)

How about this one - my favorite Mixte to enter The Old Shed - sorry about the poor choice of tree..;-(
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Bicycles_Table/French_Bicycles/Jeunet_Bicycles/JeunetMixte/JeunetMixte_Full_TQFront_Left_2.jpg

Being a transplanted mid-westerner to the left coast, I sure miss those autumn colors.

Hey, why do the wives get to have all the fun? I want to ride this bike! :D

This NOS, 50 cm Mercier was for sale a couple of days ago. Gone when I called. :(

Not too bad, because when I showed the picture to mrs non-fixie afterwards her reaction was less than enthousiastic. :o

http://www.mijnalbum.nl/GroteFoto-MZAFRLZ4.jpg

Not too bad, because when I showed the picture to mrs non-fixie afterwards her reaction was less than enthousiastic. :o

Can't blame her. The double-top-tube curve at the headlug looks as if it's been in a head-end crash.

-Kurt

Can't blame her. The double-top-tube curve at the headlug looks as if it's been in a head-end crash.

-Kurt
:)

I don't think that was it. That is not a woman's way of looking at these things in my experience. It was probably the color, or the fact that it has no wheels ...