Project Mixte, part VI - Completed bike

The Mixte project was actually finished almost a year ago, but I just haven't had the time to finish this series. Below is the official participant photo of my girlfriend with her (then) new bike from the last years Stockholm Bike in Tweed event. I think the bike turned out quite fine. I'll add detail photos when I have more time for that.

Project Mixte, part V - Handlebars

Here's a photo of the handlebar and stem of the mixte project bicycle. I think it turned out quite nice and classic. Unfortunately the Shimano shifter doesn't fit properly into the groove in the Brooks grip, so there is a minor gap between the two. Also, I would have preferred a more traditional shifter, but my girlfriend wanted to have the one pictured.

Project Mixte, part IV - Honey coloured leather goodness

Yes, I do realise that the topic sounds a bit bad. But how else could you describe gorgeous Brooks saddles and grips that happen to be honey coloured? These will be fitted in my girlfriend's upcoming bicycle:

Project Mixte, part III - Repainted frame

The project has proceeded well. The sandblasted and repainted frame was a success, and it turned out better than expected. My girlfriend ended up choosing RAL 3005, which is essentially the colour of red wine, as the new colour of the frame. I was a bit worried that the powder coating would not work out with the lugs, as the coating is usually quite a thick. Luckily this was not the case. Below some pictures of the frame with the fork attached.

Project Mixte, part II - The wheels

My girlfriend was quite definite that she wanted cream coloured tires and a coaster brake, with some gearing as well. We ended up buying ready built cheap wheels from Biltema with a Shimano Nexus 7-speed rear hub. The quality of the wheels isn't too good, but for this purpose I think it will be sufficient, as the bike will be used mainly for short trips around Helsinki.

The tires had to be of a bit better quality with a decent puncture protection in order for them to survive the hazards of broken glass etc. Not too wide so they'll fit in the frame, nor too narrow to give a comfortable ride. Pretty much the only option I was able to find in Helsinki wese cream coloured 622x38 size tires by Specialized. Below some pictures.

Project Mixte, part I - Finding the frame

As girlfriend of mine was in need of a bicycle and I was in a need of a new building project, I decided to take the logical step of making her one. It was clear to me from the beginning that the bicycle should have a mixte frame, as they are both stylish and functional. Well, to be honest, it was the good looks of the frame type mainly, and luckily my girlfriend agreed.

I started by looking for an old used lugged frame. I wanted to get it relatively cheap, and it didn't matter whether there was a lot of rust, as the frame was going to get sandblasted and powder coated anyway.

I was able to find an old Nishiki Rally Mixte -frame for EUR 40 from a Finnish fixie forum Yksivaihde.net (onegear.net literally). Below some pictures of the frame before it was repainted.

I'll be posting more as this project proceeds.

Classic approach to modern bicycles: Pashley

Here's another video worth watching. This time it's about Pashley bicycles, a British manufacturer with a long tradition of making quality bikes. I, by the way, own one as well!



Pashley Cycles from IL Futures on Vimeo.