Double Butted/Lugged Mixte Frame Suggestions?
02-05-19, 08:27 PM
#26
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So many mixte bikes have been built but I'm guessing not a big percentage with better tubesets. Not like diamond frame bikes. What do they use for the long diagonal stays, anyway? Longer versions of the same tubes used for the seat stays? My current project is three-speeding a mid-70s Peugeot mixte, but it's a vanilla frame, nothing exotic, and although straight and corrosion free, an eyesore finish-wise.
02-06-19, 08:12 AM
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Try adding tall, 59ish, and you have a real holy grail search. I deeply regret not getting a close out V.O. Had on a Mixte a few years ago.
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02-06-19, 08:37 AM
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Gazelle
Most of these are with Reynolds 531 straight gauge or double butted frames.
- Gazelle Champion Mondial mixte/ladies
- Gazelle Champion Mondial Semi-race (fendered model)
- Gazelle Sprint Race
Koga-Miyata
Many with Koga's FM-1/FM-2 Chromoly frames or HM-2 forks high manganese steel, often double/triple butted, some even internally splined.
- Ladies Touring (more pictures)
- Randonneur Lady
- GranTourer Lady + Traveller Lady
There is also the Raleigh Super Course mixte and probably many more.
Most of these are with Reynolds 531 straight gauge or double butted frames.
- Gazelle Champion Mondial mixte/ladies
- Gazelle Champion Mondial Semi-race (fendered model)
- Gazelle Sprint Race
Koga-Miyata
Many with Koga's FM-1/FM-2 Chromoly frames or HM-2 forks high manganese steel, often double/triple butted, some even internally splined.
- Ladies Touring (more pictures)
- Randonneur Lady
- GranTourer Lady + Traveller Lady
There is also the Raleigh Super Course mixte and probably many more.
Last edited by JaccoW; 02-06-19 at 08:49 AM.
02-06-19, 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Bianchigirll
Try adding tall, 59ish, and you have a real holy grail search. I deeply regret not getting a close out V.O. Had on a Mixte a few years ago.
The Gazelle above looks pretty tall, so the bikes must be out there somewhere, if you can find them .
But, yes, I can imagine the woes with sourcing tall Mixtes. Perhaps going full custom. I have to think that some of those Italian frames that are popping up were very low production semi-custom bikes, and some of the shops may still exist.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1980s-road-...w/183628318571
https://www.ebay.it/itm/BICI-DA-DONN...O/292947059463
Quite a few interesting Bianchis, but alas, generally with plain high-ten steel. Some of the vintage styles have pretty tall head tubes, and might work with a tall seat post.
02-06-19, 01:28 PM
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Clifford, I had one of those Bianchi Mixtie bikes for a short time. HiTen and Positron derailleur what a beauty.
The other almost looks like a kids bike
The other almost looks like a kids bike
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02-06-19, 01:48 PM
#31
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The Motobecane Grand Jubilee in Vitus tubing is a good choice, as already suggested. I suspect it will be the most common of the 70s French mixtes.
There were some mixtes of equal or better quality from the mid bike boom era. I had a beautiful Stella mixte once. A bit nicer than a Grand Jubilee. It was a great performing bike - total rocket. IIRC it had a mix of campy GS, TA and Huret parts. IIRC Bertin had a similar high end model. I'm sure there were others.
Also, Rivendell has been trying to convince everyone to ride mixtes the last few years. They have a couple nice models to consider, if you have the budget. All their stuff is top shelf. They tend to underhype the quality IMO.
There were some mixtes of equal or better quality from the mid bike boom era. I had a beautiful Stella mixte once. A bit nicer than a Grand Jubilee. It was a great performing bike - total rocket. IIRC it had a mix of campy GS, TA and Huret parts. IIRC Bertin had a similar high end model. I'm sure there were others.
Also, Rivendell has been trying to convince everyone to ride mixtes the last few years. They have a couple nice models to consider, if you have the budget. All their stuff is top shelf. They tend to underhype the quality IMO.
02-06-19, 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by CliffordK
The Gazelle above looks pretty tall, so the bikes must be out there somewhere, if you can find them .
But, yes, I can imagine the woes with sourcing tall Mixtes. Perhaps going full custom. I have to think that some of those Italian frames that are popping up were very low production semi-custom bikes, and some of the shops may still exist.
But, yes, I can imagine the woes with sourcing tall Mixtes. Perhaps going full custom. I have to think that some of those Italian frames that are popping up were very low production semi-custom bikes, and some of the shops may still exist.
@Bianchigirll
I believe the older Gazelle models came in at least a size 58, same for the Kogas which came in 50/54/58cm sizes.
02-06-19, 05:15 PM
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Originally Posted by CliffordK
The Gazelle above looks pretty tall, so the bikes must be out there somewhere, if you can find them .
It is currently sitting in my garage, not doing anything, as it's too small for me and too big for the mrs. It is a 60cm, BTW.
02-06-19, 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by non-fixie
Actually, in this particular case I can.
It is currently sitting in my garage, not doing anything, as it's too small for me and too big for the mrs. It is a 60cm, BTW.
It is currently sitting in my garage, not doing anything, as it's too small for me and too big for the mrs. It is a 60cm, BTW.
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02-07-19, 03:43 PM
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Originally Posted by JaccoW
Dutch ladies are almost as tall as the average US male nowadays and about 15% will be even taller so taller ladies' bikes are available.
@Bianchigirll
I believe the older Gazelle models came in at least a size 58, same for the Kogas which came in 50/54/58cm sizes.
@Bianchigirll
I believe the older Gazelle models came in at least a size 58, same for the Kogas which came in 50/54/58cm sizes.
Originally Posted by non-fixie
Actually, in this particular case I can.
It is currently sitting in my garage, not doing anything, as it's too small for me and too big for the mrs. It is a 60cm, BTW.
It is currently sitting in my garage, not doing anything, as it's too small for me and too big for the mrs. It is a 60cm, BTW.
Originally Posted by squirtdad
@Bianchigirll there you go
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02-07-19, 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by non-fixie
Actually, in this particular case I can.
It is currently sitting in my garage, not doing anything, as it's too small for me and too big for the mrs. It is a 60cm, BTW.
It is currently sitting in my garage, not doing anything, as it's too small for me and too big for the mrs. It is a 60cm, BTW.
02-07-19, 06:12 PM
#37
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Tall and high performance mixte bikes were a bit of a unicorn. FWIW, the early 70s Stella mixte I mentioned in my post was an unusually large size. I think it was about a 58 or 59 cm. It went to a tall girl.
Good luck finding one. In fact, you need to be lucky to find a bike like this. These bike boom era bikes are getting harder and harder to find. There was a much cheaper Stella mixte that I see from time to time. It might be more practical to go with a modern retro mixte instead, like the SOMA.
Good luck finding one. In fact, you need to be lucky to find a bike like this. These bike boom era bikes are getting harder and harder to find. There was a much cheaper Stella mixte that I see from time to time. It might be more practical to go with a modern retro mixte instead, like the SOMA.
02-07-19, 06:22 PM
#38
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Originally Posted by since6
I expect to build another three first bicycles for grand daughters in the coming half dozen or so years. The first a Fuji Absolute Mixte was a great success and so I am looking for Mixte frames with a lugged double butted higher quality tube set. In my looking so far it seems there are the, $1,000.00++ and rare, Mixte frames in very top end tubing (under 24lb), and a mass of 1020/Hi-tensile tube sets (30 lb +) and then fewer Mixtes of double or better butted lugged frames in the 24-26 lb range.
So to help me in my search if you know of a make/model that falls in this middle of a Mixte with double butted or better lugged frame please share as it will help me focus my search efforts and expand them to include brands I might not think of or over look.
My Thanks.
So to help me in my search if you know of a make/model that falls in this middle of a Mixte with double butted or better lugged frame please share as it will help me focus my search efforts and expand them to include brands I might not think of or over look.
My Thanks.
One passed through my hands 25 years ago..
...
02-07-19, 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
https://www.merciancycles.co.uk/onli.../miss-mercian/
Not a true "Mixte", but a nice step-through.
Time for Gramps to get out the checkbook!!!!
Odd that I'm only seeing one size listed, and it is hard to find in their menus. IGH?
Hmmm...
Seeing single and twin top tube derailleur models in their rather dated catalogs.
https://www.merciancycles.co.uk/wp-c...0-Brochure.pdf
https://www.merciancycles.co.uk/wp-c...1-Brochure.pdf
I wonder if we're seeing a few restorations and NOS popping up on their website.
New with old-stock lugs and metal?
Last edited by CliffordK; 02-07-19 at 06:53 PM.
02-07-19, 08:55 PM
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Open Ladies Frame | Bob Jackson Cycles
$630. Lugged. Order to fit. Paint choice, decal choice, lug lined.
This would allow a lot of options.
$630. Lugged. Order to fit. Paint choice, decal choice, lug lined.
This would allow a lot of options.
02-07-19, 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by bdooner
Open Ladies Frame | Bob Jackson Cycles
$630. Lugged. Order to fit. Paint choice, decal choice, lug lined.
This would allow a lot of options.
$630. Lugged. Order to fit. Paint choice, decal choice, lug lined.
This would allow a lot of options.
And any size one wants.
Be careful on the "upgrades". It adds up quickly when one adds some chrome, head-badges, fancy lugs, good tubing, etc.
Can you get the Hetchins style curly stays on that frame?
02-08-19, 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by JaccoW
Haha, I just googled for a random Champion Mondial Mixte and of course I end up rehosting a picture of one of your bikes. XD
04-18-19, 01:49 PM
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Here is a mid 70's Gitane Mixte I recently built for my sister. Converted it to a single for her as she requested.
04-18-19, 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by oddjob2
A Huffy era Raleigh Olympian IMHO is not light and not fun to ride.
04-18-19, 03:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Salamandrine
Tall and high performance mixte bikes were a bit of a unicorn. FWIW, the early 70s Stella mixte I mentioned in my post was an unusually large size. I think it was about a 58 or 59 cm. It went to a tall girl.
Good luck finding one. In fact, you need to be lucky to find a bike like this. These bike boom era bikes are getting harder and harder to find. There was a much cheaper Stella mixte that I see from time to time. It might be more practical to go with a modern retro mixte instead, like the SOMA.
Good luck finding one. In fact, you need to be lucky to find a bike like this. These bike boom era bikes are getting harder and harder to find. There was a much cheaper Stella mixte that I see from time to time. It might be more practical to go with a modern retro mixte instead, like the SOMA.
Originally Posted by bdooner
Open Ladies Frame | Bob Jackson Cycles
$630. Lugged. Order to fit. Paint choice, decal choice, lug lined.
This would allow a lot of options.
$630. Lugged. Order to fit. Paint choice, decal choice, lug lined.
This would allow a lot of options.
Not vintage either, but they look it with 1" threaded steerers.
04-18-19, 04:57 PM
#46
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since6 (Gramps), why not make a frame for them yourself in one of my frame building classes? I've been teaching them for over 40 years. Yes it is in my self interest to say this but hear me out. While the up right position is not as fussy to get acceptable, a frame built just to your grandkids dimensions (while still allowing them to grow) will make their rides easer (or faster, pick one). Double butted tubing comes in a variety of wall thicknesses and the lighter stuff would work great in this instance. It isn't just about the weight and losing a couple or more pounds, the ride is more lively and comfortable. Some don't understand that distinction. When I align a frame with cheaper tubing (like hi-ten), there is no spring back, it just stays where I pull/push it. That translates to a dead flat ride feeling as well.
Starting when my daughter was 6, I made her little custom frames. I made another when she was 9. She would always ask me why she was so much faster than her friends. She also took great pride in riding something her dad made just for her.
Herbie Helm (the guy that sometimes helps me teach these classes) and I have observed that older guys typically make better students. They aren't concerned if they struggle or make mistakes and have had more life experience working with their hands. In fact it really doesn't matter how naturally talented you are since we will do whatever to take up any slack if necessary so a student finishes with a pro quality frame.
Frame builder's Supply in Portland has mixte lugs but they aren't your only option. I've got a ton of vintage and modern lugs too. As they grow you can supply them with another frame to keep developing a new hobby. And no this isn't your cheapest option.
Doug Fattic
Niles, Michigan
Starting when my daughter was 6, I made her little custom frames. I made another when she was 9. She would always ask me why she was so much faster than her friends. She also took great pride in riding something her dad made just for her.
Herbie Helm (the guy that sometimes helps me teach these classes) and I have observed that older guys typically make better students. They aren't concerned if they struggle or make mistakes and have had more life experience working with their hands. In fact it really doesn't matter how naturally talented you are since we will do whatever to take up any slack if necessary so a student finishes with a pro quality frame.
Frame builder's Supply in Portland has mixte lugs but they aren't your only option. I've got a ton of vintage and modern lugs too. As they grow you can supply them with another frame to keep developing a new hobby. And no this isn't your cheapest option.
Doug Fattic
Niles, Michigan
04-18-19, 05:42 PM
#47
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A-D are ones to be on the lookout for, I have one that is a bit rough and wasn't cheap but is 531 and pretty cool. Also have a 78 Moto Grand Touring with Vitus that's very nice, a split TT so not a true "mixte" but plenty close enough, Ms. merziac loves it, just doesn't ride it enough. Need to convert it to upright bars for her.
Last edited by merziac; 04-20-19 at 11:04 AM.
04-18-19, 06:06 PM
#48
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As noted, step throughs can be very sweet. This Gardin has straight gauge Columbus Zeta tubes but it's light and nimble as all get out.
04-19-19, 06:33 PM
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Haven’t seen the Fuji Sagres mixte mentioned. It had triple butted Valite tubing, I have a 1985 model sitting in my basement, waiting until I can get to fixing it up. Nice bike.
https://www.classicfuji.com/SagresMixte_1985_Page.htm
https://www.classicfuji.com/SagresMixte_1985_Page.htm
04-19-19, 07:10 PM
#50
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Here’s a vintage British mixte frame that I recently equipped with a Campagnolo Chorus 11 speed drive train. It has Campy dropouts, Reynolds 531 decals on frame and fork, a Claud Butler headbadge and decal on the seat tube and a “refurbished by Bob Jackson” decal also on the seat tube. Nice, frisky ride!
