[CR]Keeper of the Flame: NOS Holdsworth mixte build

(Example: Framebuilders:Norman Taylor)

Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2004 06:27:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Tom Forhan" <fourwdvw@yahoo.com>
To: classicrev <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Keeper of the Flame: NOS Holdsworth mixte build

My wife is not an ardent cyclist, but she does have a Breezer Villager stepthrough that she uses around town and occasionally she joins me with it on rides on the C&O Canal.

A while back she was moving my Holdsworth Special out of the living room (whoops!)and she asked why her bike wasn't as light as mine.

I took that as permission, and kept my eyes peeled. A few weeks later a NOS Holdsworth Lady Mistral turned up on ebay, and my bid prevailed.

I only see this model in the '82 and '83 catalogs and not in this color, a silvery pink. The '83 has pump pegs on the top tube (if that is what youcall it) so lets say its a 1983 model. 531ST frametubes, forkblades and stays, according to both the decal and the catalog.

Based on Michele's needs, however, the build is not OT. Sugino 46-36-26 XD crank; 105 13-30 eightspeed and brakes; Nitto bottlecage, dirtdrop stem and albatross bars; and a nice Suntour two bolt seatpost; Mavic MA3 rims and Panaracer TG 700x32 tires. The MKS Sylvan pedals, however are exactly what is spec'ed in the Holdsworth catalogs. Really, really OT are the Specialized anatomical seat (but it is covered in leather) and the SRAM twist grip shifters - the client insisted.

Even with all that new black stuff, it turned out really great, and Michele loves it. At 23lbs, it has to be at least 15 lbs lighter than the Villager, although the Holdsworth lacks the fenders, generator system, racks and panniers (so far).

Anyway, photos are at http://photo.epson.com : enter my email address fourwdvw@yahoo.com to view the album.

Enjoy,

Tom Forhan Takoma Park MD

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