I have in my possesion a Holdsworth Mixte frame. Reynolds 531 tubes and Suntour dropouts. Built it up with some odd parts as I was curious as to how it would ride and was pleasantly surprised. Rode very sweetly, better as I went faster and looked tres cool too. Small frame with a somewhere around 74 degree seat tube and a slack front end ... maybe 72 degree's. It's got a really cool original rack with the "Allez" branding.
Were it a little bigger I'd kit it out for myself metrosexual style and ride about town looking all sophisto chic. Y'know for runs to the bakery, the arthouse cinema, the bookshop and the deli. Obligatory scarf and tweed vest. Too nice for my woman though especially as she steadfastly refuses to try downtube shifters (and the Holdsworth is a bit too small for her) ... maybe I should acquire a mistress? A short- ish one? Any tips on building up a chick's bike without my woman getting suspicious?
ciao,
Ben Kamenjas Kensington, Australia ... or maybe the streets if'n my woman reads this :)
On 15/06/2009, at 10:37 AM, <classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org>
wrote:
> In my experience mixtes ride extremely well. It seems the easiest
> "quality" frame to find in the US are the 70's/early 80's?
> Motobecanes with Vitus tubing. I have one that I built up for my
> wife with a mix of high quality components and she absolutely loves
> it. Hers is the Grand Jubile model.
>
> The other which I recently sold was a Grand Touring model. Both
> have the traditional single downtube at the head tube lug/
> intersection then branch off into twin tubes about 2/3 of the way
> down. I've not seen that design anywhere else but on these Motos.
>
> I would love to find a Reynolds or Columbus tubed mixte. If it was
> my size I'd likely build it with Campy and keep it! Those
> Paramounts are gorgeous!
>
> George Ramos
> Portland, OR
> USA