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.