Hi I am looking to get a new bike, or upgrade my current comfy but heavy Puch - my options at the mo would be to put new alloy rims on the bike I have (to ensure safety in the rain, as this has proved problematic!) but i'm not sure its worth it, or go for a lighter steel framed 2nd hand mixte frame, if this can be found - I have seen a bromwich for sale, but would need to get the rims switched to alloy. I have also just seen a motobecane on ebay 707 tubing (what does this mean!!) old new stock apparently. This looked good to me but says its only good for 'metalised' surfaces which i dont understand... also its a 21" frame which they say is ok for 5,6 and taller, I am 5'4 so would that be to large a frame??? So am wondering what to go for and wether its worth getting another old bike that would need altering.... All advise greatly appreciated! thanks!
Shopping around for a 2nd hand light mixte frame bike
- Thread starter bel
- Start date
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A lot of people (including me, I suppose) think that a mixte frame is marginally better than a traditional 'lady's frame' but still not a good choice - difficult to find and generally only on poor quality bike. See for example http://bicycle-types.suite101.com/article.cfm/bikes_for_women_the_frame
If you want a sloping crossbar, go for a modern 'compact frame'. You will get a huge choice, new or second hand, although increasingly the frame will be aluminium rather than steel. I prefer steel, but I don't think the difference is the most important thing, particularly on a small frame.
As to the frame size, if the 21" is measured in the normal way - centre of bottom bracket to top (sometimes centre) of crossbar*, measured up the seat tube - I would say it's a tad too big for you. I'm a bloke and women often have longer legs for their height, but I'm a couple of inches taller than you and ride a 20.5" frame.
If you aren't in a tearing hurry, I suggest you lurk on here for a while and get more advice. Look at the wanted/for sale in Classifieds, too: someone may have something suitable for you.
*assuming it is horizontal, if it isn't.
If you want a sloping crossbar, go for a modern 'compact frame'. You will get a huge choice, new or second hand, although increasingly the frame will be aluminium rather than steel. I prefer steel, but I don't think the difference is the most important thing, particularly on a small frame.
As to the frame size, if the 21" is measured in the normal way - centre of bottom bracket to top (sometimes centre) of crossbar*, measured up the seat tube - I would say it's a tad too big for you. I'm a bloke and women often have longer legs for their height, but I'm a couple of inches taller than you and ride a 20.5" frame.
If you aren't in a tearing hurry, I suggest you lurk on here for a while and get more advice. Look at the wanted/for sale in Classifieds, too: someone may have something suitable for you.
*assuming it is horizontal, if it isn't.
Light Mixte frames are as rare as rocking horse doobries.
Is the Puch heavy because of the components? Strip it as much as you can. Check the websites for the weight of the components you don't take off. Estimate the frame weight.
Check the websites for components you would like to replace and build a spreadsheet to get an idea of the weight of the complete "rebuilt" bike.
The point is - if the Puch is the correct size and therefore ergonomically good - "Comfy", half a pound of frame will not make much difference. You will build muscle to compensate.
Light components on a "Comfy" frame will feel like a NEW bike
Then at a later date when cash is available, a second much lighter frame will feel even better.
Is the Puch heavy because of the components? Strip it as much as you can. Check the websites for the weight of the components you don't take off. Estimate the frame weight.
Check the websites for components you would like to replace and build a spreadsheet to get an idea of the weight of the complete "rebuilt" bike.
The point is - if the Puch is the correct size and therefore ergonomically good - "Comfy", half a pound of frame will not make much difference. You will build muscle to compensate.
Light components on a "Comfy" frame will feel like a NEW bike
Then at a later date when cash is available, a second much lighter frame will feel even better.
Ivan Ardon
Well-Known Member
Changing the wheels on your Puch to lighter alloy rimmed ones will make a massive difference to how the bike rides, and as you say will brake much better.
There's a lot of weight in the cranks and chainwheels if they're steel, so you may be able to make savings there.
The Motobecane I'd say is too big for you. If it's the pink one on ebay for £125, it's a pile of cack anyway. Steel rims, gaspipe frame (707 is plain hi-ten tube), poor brakes and a horrible plastic saddle. There's a reason it didn't sell when it was new in the 80's, it's rubbish. 20 years later, it's still rubbish.
There's a lot of weight in the cranks and chainwheels if they're steel, so you may be able to make savings there.
The Motobecane I'd say is too big for you. If it's the pink one on ebay for £125, it's a pile of cack anyway. Steel rims, gaspipe frame (707 is plain hi-ten tube), poor brakes and a horrible plastic saddle. There's a reason it didn't sell when it was new in the 80's, it's rubbish. 20 years later, it's still rubbish.
summerdays
Cycling in the sun
- Location
- Bristol
ASC1951 said:
Interesting article there - thanks for the link.
As to the sizing - I'm 5'6 (female) and I have a 17" and 19" frames both are compact frames (I now know thanks to the article). I would think that unless your legs and arms are a lot longer than mine that a 21" would be too big.
Ivan Ardon
Well-Known Member
upgrading the puch
Wow thanks for all the words of wisdom! right, now I feel slightly more informed, The Puch frame is a gals frame not mixte and is quite heavy.. Is the general consensus that it is worth replacing components ( as there is alot of steel on there) even if it ends up costing? Also its old so the wheels are 27" - can I easily get new tyres for that size?
Thanks again!
Wow thanks for all the words of wisdom! right, now I feel slightly more informed, The Puch frame is a gals frame not mixte and is quite heavy.. Is the general consensus that it is worth replacing components ( as there is alot of steel on there) even if it ends up costing? Also its old so the wheels are 27" - can I easily get new tyres for that size?
Thanks again!
Ivan Ardon
Well-Known Member
Which model Puch is it Bel?
PpPete
Legendary Member
- Location
- Chandler's Ford
bel said:
27" tyres are no problem...
But replacing components is not a cheap option.
Based on personal experience you could easily end up spending £200 - £300 on modern components.
Puch made some good bikes (I had one in the 70s) but I don't think they justify spending this kind of money on, when you can get a reasonable modern hybrid for £250 or a entry-level road bike for £400
