Raleigh Marathon, Dark Green, 50 cm Chrome Moly 502 mixte frame, 7 speed, 700c Sun Alloy CR18 rim with Kenda Quest tires, Shimano Acera derailleur, Tektro BigMouth R539 brakes, quick release wheels, Origin 8 saddle. ProBuilt $625
What a beauty. Of course there are those of us who would say that all mixte frames are beautiful, but even given that, this one stands out. It’s flawless. The frame is actually more green than this photo indicates. This is a classic 2 tube mixte architecture, as pioneered by the legendary Peugeot & realized here by the equally renowned Raleigh. (You know this bike is a Raleigh because the name is stamped into the seat stays. & printed on the down tube. Also the forks. & the badge. Just so you’re sure.) In contrast, some modern mixtes, e.g. Rivendell Betty Foy, split the top tube only at the seat post. The graceful upright handlebars are for urban cruising. Swap in drop handlebars, & your mixte becomes a very respectable road bike.
Our ProBuilt bikes have been fitted with the BigMouth brakes because they’re so well designed, not just because they look so cool.
