Scratcher09

Just picked up this Raleigh Grand Prix. I believe it is a '77. It had sat for many years and looked to be original except it had no wheels. Seller said he'd include a set of alloy wheels and tires. I dissasembled and cleaned and lubed all the bearings and brought it back to life. I figured it would make a decent spare bike for guests. And at $50 I figured it was a good buy. Is there any drawback to riding on wide tires (700X38)? And is there any shame in a man riding a lady's bike?

PugRider

Nice bike. You don't see them with downtube shifters too often. The "mixte" design I think was originally intended for men ormwomen, but it was pigeonholed as a women's bike after a while. I think that's why they are typically smaller-sized. Thatmsaid, I think the mixte design is beautiful, elegant, and interesting. I fixed up an old Univega mixte for my wife; it's so much classier than the big-box women's bike she had.

wrk101

I've sold several mixtes to men. Go for it.

Be sure to install new cables, housings, and brake pads. On bikes that have sat for years (which is typical), these items should be replaced as well. Minimal cost if you do yourself.

uncle uncle

Ride it. It's not a woman's bike, it's a mixte frame. Many people prefer that type of frame for the ease it provides during mounting and dismounting. All shame lies in not riding such a cool vintage bike.

Scratcher09

I am wondering how the wide tires will affect the ride. I haven't seen many road bikes with 700X38 tires. I have yet to take it for a long ride. My other bikes have 23 and 25's.

Velocivixen

I just ordered some Vittoria Voyager Hyper 700c x 35 (measures 37 on the rim & inflated) for my '85 Nishiki Riviera Mixte. Right now it's got 32 Panaracer Paselas which are fine, but I wanted solid black and a cushier ride. Ordered the tires & still waiting.

As others have said the word "Mixte" implies "unisex" or "mixed" and was meant for riding by anyone. When the design became more popular in the US, marketers aimed these bikes at women. A bike is transportation & fun. Just go for it.

Sirrus Rider

It's rubbish send it to me for disposal. All kidding aside, there is no shame in riding a mixte. In fact b it makes a better mens bike that a traditional men's frame. No hitting your junk on the top tube.

howeeee

they call that style frame a mixtie meaning a man or ladys bike, to me it is a womans bike lol but nothing wrong with riding any bike. I just bought a similar bike, but a Motebecane, I bought it to flip it, but maybe Ill save it for my wife.

Nothing wrong with wide tires as long as you have room for them

daf1009

Couple things...

(1) I think everyone has answered the "riding a lady's bike" question...no shame at all!
(2) Wide tires...many people are now finding that the ride that a wide tire gives is quite nice! It is cushier, softer...and you can ride a bit less pressure without pinch flats (but still be careful). Modern research has shown that rolling resistance is not as big as we used to think on these wider tires...a bit more? Yes, but not enough that you will notice...and for riding distance, the softer ride is nice!
(3) @$50, this was a great buy...not a good one...of course, given that you can replace the cables, etc on your own. If not, the LBS will do it...and it should still be a good buy!

bella2

nice bike, i also have it..

cycleheimer

The 700c rims most likely came off a hybrid, since this bike came with 27" rims originally. If they work well on this bike, that's fantastic. More tires available for it. Saddle doesn't look original, BTW. Those Suntour DT Power Shifters are pretty nice. Probably would be nice with a rear rack and panniers added to it. Not bad for $50.

old's'cool

Nice bike, good score! With the apparent wheel change, have you verified that the rear drivetrain has been properly sorted? E.g., is the rim more-or-less centered inside the stays, and is the rear derailleur able to shift to all the sprockets on the freewheel/cassette?

Scratcher09

Yes, rear drive train is properly sorted. After lubing cables everything is working fine. I will be replacing the cables and brake shoes (with koolstops). And I will be looking to upgrade the seat. Doesn't seem to need much more than that. Sounds like the wide tires will make for a comfy ride. And I won't worry about the "girl's" bike label.

sailorbenjamin

Wide tires on a Raleigh are good fun.

bwilli88 

What are those fat tires, company and size. I have some 700c x 42 panaracer tourguard plus tires here in Cambodia and love them. They will look great on a 700c conversion of my Raleigh Grand Prix if they fit.

Scratcher09

Bwilli88, the 700x38 tires barely fit my Grand Prix so you might want to verify what width will fit on your bike before purchasing.

sailorbenjamin

Good question. I'll dig them out of the basement and check...tomorrow.

sailorbenjamin

Bontrageur 700x38c.

John E

I went through the skinny tires thing for awhile in the 1970s, after the Michelin Elan came out, but since then I have rediscovered the joys of a slightly wider tire. I have noticed, however, that for a given callout width, actual width varies quite a bit by manufacturer and model. 700Cx28 Contis work fine in the Bianchi, because they are about 10% undersized; 700Cx28 Specializeds would not.