Raleigh Sprite Mixte Paint Job

A Raleigh Mixte Looking for the Right Color

It's a naked frame right now. All the parts are there and it will be great when the new owner tells me what color she wants me to paint it

Out of box it was a mess. 

On the back fender

Chain guard graphics

The Pink Peugeot Mixte

A Perfect French Mixte Made Even Better

It started as just a frame.

My friend at the Bike Hut in San Francisco has an eye for great bikes.

He soldit to me after I promised I would treat it with respect.

The paint was a mess, but the perfection of the frame is evident to even the casual observer.

The detailing of the head tube is characteristic of Peugeot.

My friend's wife picked the color. She likes pink.

In fashion, accessories can make or break an outfit. The bell was a perfect addition.

Also notice the 70's head badge on this older bike.

All the components were selected for authenticity.

This Dutch saddle made the bike even more Eurocentric.

Cammo Bike

American Eagle Touring Bike

A neighbor had a big pile of trash in front of his house. In this pile was an early 70's American Eagle touring bike. I had a bike like it back in college so I was already inclined to take on the project.

The bike is Japanese so the parts are Japanese too. Since they are inspired by the most popular bike of the time, they are compatible with Raleigh. The fact that I had a shed full of parts that would fit it clinched the deal. 

What about the paint? 

Easy is the theme here. First I looked at the camouflage pattern from a WWI Spad biplane. Then I figured out the colors and went to the local hardware store for paint remover, spray on primer, brushes and paint.