Rosa7

Hi from a Newbie,

I have a chance to get a 1975 Raleigh Super Course MK II. The frame is a Reynolds 531, and it's in good shape for its age, but it does have what I would call rust pimples on the lower part of the frame, the chainstays, lower part of the forks, lower part of the seat tube, and even some on the head tube. I don't know if a bike like that can be sanded and repainted to stop the rust, or how long it could last with the rust. Other options I have seen are a Miyata 100 with a Chromo triple-butted Tange frame, a Miyata Pavea 55 (a junior triathalon with 650c wheels), and a Nishiki Custom Sport with Champion tubing. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Here's more information about my circumstances and options below for those of you who aren't daunted by longer postings and who would be so good as to help out a hobbit-sized person who wants to go biking with grown-up elves.

My "circumstance" is that I have a 24" inseam! Yes, you read correctly. I have been out of riding for a couple of decades and used to ride a junior-size road bike, 16" or 17" with 24" wheels, from the 70s. Now I would like to start biking with a friend doing weekend rides and eventually week-long or longer tours in some fairly hilly country. However, she is an experienced cyclist with a grown-up bike. I have been told that my only hope is to get a custom bike, which I can't afford, but somehow I do seem to manage with a mixte even though they have a standover of around 26”As a result, I've been reading here about Mixtes and have started looking for a 43cm or 49/50cm Japanese mixtes from the 80s. I think I would prefer a Miyata 210, but they don't seem to come up for sale.

Other suggestions have been a Giant Cypress comfort bike, a tiny Terry Moo with 24" wheels, and an aluminum Cannodale mountain bike, decked out like a road bike. I just love the Mixtes because of the look, the 27" tires . . . and because I can remeber trying them when they were new in the department stores.

Thanks a bunch.

bikemig 

You're on the right track; you need to find a bike that fits you or comes close. The other details about the bikes (frame tubing, rust, etc.) aren't that important. Does the Miyata pavea 55 fit? The 650c wheels are a plus in the bike sizes you are looking at. A mixte could work also. Have you checked out the soma buena visa mixte frame? It comes in a 42 cm with 26 inch wheels: https://store.somafab.com/sobuvifrfo.html.

oddjob2

Many BF members swear by mountain bikes converted to road use with narrow width tires and drop handle bars. The tires alone improve the bike's speed, handling, ride. Drop bars and a new saddle for comfort.

Nice used women's MTB's are cheap and plentiful in small sizes. Depending on where you live, there probabky is a Bf member ho could help you pick and customize the bike.

One of the most popular threads on BF is about these conversions:

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ar-Conversions

jeirvine 

If the Super Course is a mixte frame, consider getting it. Those are fairly hard to come by, and are one of the few English 531 Mixtes around.

Rosa7

Hi again, sorry for the late reply. I just wanted to thank you all. I have not yet found my bike. I think I'm going to wait for a good, small mixte. The Super Course sold, the Pavea is a diamond frame, so though it is a smaller bike the standover is a bit higher than a mixte. Neither are ideal, but I don't think ideal will match with my wallet. I know about the soma buena vistas, but by the time I have the frame built up with decent components, it would be out of my price range. I have kept my eye out for a used one, but I've never seen one, and I am casting a wide net. I do have a couple of more questions now, but I think I'll post another thread. Thanks again.

shelbyfv

Smaller wheels will be a plus and as OJ2 mentioned, the older mtn bikes can make good conversions, are readily available and cheap! Not exactly like a mixte, but they generally have good standover.

Rosa7

Thank you, Shelbyfv. I should have mentioned that I am only 4'8"! Even the standover on a 19" Mixte is a challenge. I believe the junior Miyata Pavea 55 triathlon diamond frame of 43/44cm with 650c wheels, a two hour drive from me, has a standover that is a bit higher than a 49/50cm mixte. I also believe I know someone several hours from here who would sell me one of those attention-getting Terry Moos, a 43/44cm diamond frame with 24" wheels (black Jersey spots, pink udder, and all) - but I'm pretty sure it's aluminum, and I didn't think that would be too good for touring. Maybe a Carbon 16" Terry Symmetry or Isis with a 24" wheel in the front and a 700c in back would work, but I think that is pushing out of my price range unless I could get one used. I also didn't also didn't know if they would make suitable touring bikes.

Can you recommend a good mountain bike frame that might work for me as a conversion to a road bike?

Thank you.