Raleigh Mixte on Craigslist - Help
 

I am looking for a mixte and saw this on Craigslist today. No email, barely a description, and a blurred photo. Some people are just too effing lazy.

I don't know anything about Raleigh bikes or Raleigh mixtes for that matter. I haven't seen one on the Chicago CL go for under $200 recently. Any information on this would be appreciated. For $120 I think I will call this person.

One thing that really bothers me about this is that they are in Old Town, which is not a cheap place to live, put up this ridiculous posting and want to meet at the L stop. Seems kind of shady or possibly stolen, I dunno. Plus, Old Town is adjacent to what is left of Cabrini Green. I'm skeptical.

Also, how should I size a Mixte compared to a road bike? I ride a 58cm road bike, I guess what I am wondering is how would a 27" mixte compare to say a 24" road bike? Thanks.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/bik/797207430.html

I can't help you with your questions, but my wife's Raleigh mixte is a Super Course, which is a pretty nice bike.

Seatpost length is seatpost length-- nothing about the seat tube's position is going to change how high your tush is from the ground and pedals -- what changes is: how far you have to hike your leg over the bike to mount/dismount and a substantial increase in standover space.

That's not a 27" bike--a common mistake by newbie sellers who see 27" wheels. Take a look at the headtube to get a good sense of the size--I'd say it's a 21" and likely too small for you if you normally ride a 58cm/23".

Neal

Some Raleigh mixte's are worth that, others - I don't think so. If it is made of either 531 or 575SL tubing, it will be a really sweet rider. If not... I'd consider paying half that.

Market location will make some difference though.

It’s always difficult to "guesstamate" from a photo, but if those are 27 inch wheels, the frame looks to be very close to the same size as my Fuji Mixte, which is about a twenty inch seat tube length. I’m six foot tall, and not crowded when riding it, but I put some Dutch type handlebars on it, and have a much more upright setting position.

Many people have different riding styles, you may just have to take it for a test ride, to see if it feels right to you. :)