1982 Holdsworth Mistral, Reynolds 531

[frankabr.]

Like this forum section because I get more replies. Found this nice old U.K. made touring bike. Was a top end bike for the time. Has Campy dropouts.
What is your opinion, is it still a good bike to use? How does it compare with the Raleigh International? Both were made about the same time.

Thanks, F.A.

 

[Old-Bikes]

looks like a good frame, components don't look like high end though. it would be a good bike to ride as a commuter if it's the right size, of course...

 

[militarymonark]

that bike and I are the same age

 

[frankabr.]

Components

Thanks. The components were standard for this bike at the time. They were high end Japanese. The hubs are Gipiemme, (Italian Campy Copy). The crank is an SR triple, the derailleurs Suntour Cyclone. At the time, the bike sold for $750-800, a lot for that time. You could have upgraded this bike with Campy, but probably wouldn't have been worth the extra expense. Campy made a triple crank, but it really wasn't any better than SR (other than the finish), and it was prohibitively expensive. As far as the derailleurs are concerned, Suntour Cyclone was a much better shifting derailleur than the Campy Nuovo Record. This, especially with regards to larger cog freewheels. The brakes are Dia Compe Campy copies.

Campy was far over rated. Especially with regards to touring bicycles.

It's a good frame, Reynolds 531. Weight is around 26lb. Will use it as a long distance tourer, commuter.

Best regards.