cudak888 

(EDIT: Model name is the BCA CrossTown).

Bought this one a few days ago, shortie fenders, riser bars, and balloon tires. I couldn't resist building it as a cross between a 1980's MTB (which is essentially what it is - even with a oversized downtube - on a lugged frame, no less!) and a 3-speed.

The result? A mixte for the Terminator:





Those are new-old-stock 31.8mm cable clips installed on the downtube. I love having those things around - you can do elegant cable routing on any frame.



I hate these MX sidepulls. I've got half a mind to put Tektro C326's on this thing, but I know I'll get decent results if I swap the pads.







-Kurt

clasher

I recall wrenching on a raleigh branded bike much like this one and admired it's nature very much. Mixte up... I lol'd.

Michael Angelo 

Very cool looking

tugrul

Those are pretty good looking for what I assume are low end parts.

Chris W.

The more I look at this bike the more I like it!

imho: I think an IGH/drum brake rear hub and dyno/drum brake front hub would be cool on this bike.

Cheers,
Chris

cudak888 

I changed out the handlebar (Wald) and stem (SR Custom), and the shifter is a Suntour ratcheting piece from the Centurion Commuter 5 (which, when coupled to that Shimano RD, is as nice as any Simplex Retrofriction setup!). Grips were added too; otherwise, it's the same build as original.

The Chang Star brake levers aren't bad, if a bit prone to bending - sideways. They put the power down though; just wish the MX calipers would do so, because they don't.

I'm very tempted to swap out the 3-pound steel crankset and set it up as an MTB for Virginia Key here - not sure this one is necessarily suggests an IGH.

Mind you, I bought this as a flip - it looks more as if it's waltzing into my collection!

-Kurt

marley mission

dig that mixte'd up bike!

fender1

I like it! The frame seems as if its worth the upgrades. Strange that a decent frame came w/such low-end components. Then again thats BCA/Ross for you......

ColonelJLloyd 

I wonder it it would fit 650Bx42mm with some shorter Tektro calipers.

realestvin7

Word. Some guy was on here looking for a mixte that would fit 26" or 650B's. I wasn't aware such an animal existed. At least vintage anyway.

WNG

That's one cool beast! The white head tube and BSA sticker adds to its character. Really like that Wald bar and MX-like brake lever combo.

Sigurdd50

those brake levers gotta go
get some old skool city levers
the 650B route would be cool
and full fenders
cool ride

cudak888 

You've convinced me then - Tektros it is.

It used to have "BCAmerica" stickers on the downtube as well, but they were arguably the tackiest downtube logos I've ever seen. They looked like advertisements for a thrift shop.

Got one you could measure the diameter of?

-Kurt

CharleyGnarly

Cudak888, If those are Dia-Compe MX1000 or MX900 calipers you can sell them on Ebay or to a BMX collector for a decent price. Are there any markings on the back?

ColonelJLloyd 

I don't, but southpawboston and I were discussing this and I believe he said the distance from the axle to the tip of the tread on a Hetre is approximately 340mm.

Sigurdd50

important measurements for 650B conversion:

295mm This is the approximate distance from the center of the axle to center of the rim on 650b wheels.
371mm Approximate maximum distance from the brake centerbolt to the axle to allow for use of 750mm centerpull brakes.
320mm Approximate distance of the widest portion of a 650b tire from the axle.
650mm Approximate diameter of the smallest readily available 650b tire (Michelin).
675mm Approximate diameter of the popular Panaracer 650b tires.

the first line would be important for you. You might be able to use existing brakes and move the pads up if there's enough room on the little slider thing on the brakes. YOu probably have plenty of clearance for fatt tires. Col de la Vies are good (and low $$) as well as Soma B-lines. (both 38MM wide)

Cheap available 650B Rims? If you happen upon an abandoned Schwinn Mirada, they made them for a year or two with 650B Wheels. I found one, verified with the landowner that it had been abandoned by a tenant and just pulled the wheels off the disposed of the rest. I see them for sale for cheap now and then. Just have to check to make sure they are that size wheel (584) or 26 x 1 1/2 or 26 x 1 3/8.

cudak888 

They're MX-1000's, but without the quick release. Enough of them have sold cheaply on eBay, recently.

-Kurt

cudak888 

I'm not particularly concerned about brake reach, seeing that a 650B conversion would require shorter reach brakes than what's already on the bike. It's the brake bridge and fork crown clearance that I'm curious about.

That said, the existing Kendas are about 667mm in diameter, and there's enough clearance that 675's should fit without issue.

Mind you, I'm sticking with 559's whether I keep the bike or not - but I figure the info should be out there if someone wishes to convert one of these things to 650B.

-Kurt

Veloh

Kurt,

I've been looking for a creature like this (mixte that'll take 26 in tires or similar variants). Do you know the model number for this so I can keep an eye out for my own?

cudak888 

I don't know of a model number, but the official name is the BCA CrossTown; a.k.a. Bicycle Corporation of America CrossTown or BCAmerica CrossTown. Chances are, the gold decals proclaiming the model name will have faded by the time you've found one - don't rely on the seller catching onto this.

Apparently, they also made a 10-speed version on the same frame, called the "Parkwood:"

From: https://oldtenspeedgallery.com/owner-...arkwood-mixte/


-Kurt

Veloh

Thanks for the information. I'll keep a look out for either of the two.