Info request Holdsworth Mistral
 

I am looking to pick this bike frame up tomorrow. It’s a Holdsworth Mistral. I am looking for a rando style steel bike build and I think this might fit the bill. I just need to check the measurements. I ride a 58cm road bike and a large size most every mountain bike. It’s a bit hard to tell from this pic if it’s too big.

anyways I don’t know much about Holdsworth Bikes and know this is a Mistral model and it has some old Dura Ace components.

Serial number is 022542. Thoughts on this for some longer days in the saddle?

I can’t post pics till I have 10 posts. :(

Great candidate for what you are describing. It's one of the quintessential sports touring bikes over the decades. It should be light (generally were 531) and handle well. It should accommodate a reasonably wide tire and have some provisions for mounting a front rack. I would do a 650bx38-42mm build if possible.

Pic assist:
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...dee5013761.jpg

Looks like a late '70s model given the graphics and certainly a Holdsworthy (factory) build, made for the UK market with that lamp mount on the forkblade. Prugnat lugs, very likely full 531 DB tubing, some cable guides but not shifter bosses (!). one pair WB bosses and over BB guides plus nutted brakes. Probably came with 27" wheels when new. I'd buy it! (but already have 2 Holdsworths) :)

I had one briefly that looked much like that, other than the lamp bracket. Recently posted a pic on the “bikes beginning with H” thread if you’re interested. I was actually a bit surprised by the lugwork - a few gaps in the brazing - but boy did it ride nice. I don’t think you would be disappointed in the ride quality.

This is great info! Thanks all. I picked it up today for 40 bucks. I got it home and with a couple hours of elbow grease it’s coming around. It needs new decals but I’ll likley leave them. Zero rust issues - nothing. I’m really excited about this build. I’ll post pics when I can.

Great deal!

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6b55f2327.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8d30a0832.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...250b46609.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c2db4dabd.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4540f0c97.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f06052a82.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3ada927ce.jpeg

Great pick up.

I'd swap out the DA 7400 crank for something that can take smaller chainrings. And a 700c or 650b wheelset with a dynamo front hub is a must with that light bracket.

Your speaking my language! The DA will be removed and sold off or donated. At least a Compact setup is a must for my riding ability.

$40 for that? An absolute STEAL! Enjoy your good fortune with years of riding pleasure!

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CSHOCN...retro-crankset

they still have a few left.

The serial number is 022542 there is also an “F” stamped nearby. Does this tell me anything about the bike?

Thanks so much for the inout on this! Is it unusual to have no shifter bosses?

Try this: https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...UZYSTNKZkN4TmM

well, Holdsworthy was rather "conservative" about adopting all the trendy trends of the times, so although this one seems to be dead-center in the 1980 timeline there are SOME concessions to the '80s styles such as water bottle bosses and top tube cable guides, but not shifter bosses (even tho they had been on some French bikes for about 2 decades by 1980!). The Brits were digging in their heels around this time and holding onto tradition! Funny that Holdsworth/Holdsworthy had been the UK source for all Campagnolo many years by 1980, yet they did not embrace all the innovations from Vincenza!

I am a little surprised by the Lamp boss on a bike of that vintage.

If it were mine I would go with 700c wheels.

My Holdsworth is running 700x28's and there looks to be enough room for 32's.

I believe on the one I had I put 32mm Paselas and fenders. Post #56 on this thread:

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...tarting-h.html

That’s an great looking bike. I am curious the decals changed around on the different years. Some are a serif script, it seems some are script and mine are just blocky letters. Is there any rhyme or reason to these? Are you able to tell an estimate of the year by the decals. I am gonna get new decals.

I’m afraid I don’t have a clue. I think there is a Holdsworth thread with lots of examples. Maybe do some sleuthing there or post the query.

edit - here’s the link. Actually found it with the BF search function! A new day is dawning.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...orth-here.html

Maybe this is the thing that you are trying to do? I have my Holdsworth Mistral set up for shorter randonneur rides, mostly 200k and under. I have many bikes and this one is perhaps my favorite to ride. The Compass 32c tires are a dream to ride on and are still quite sporty!

https://utahrandonneur.wordpress.com...worth-mistral/

Here is a ride report from one of my first events on the Holdsworth.

https://utahrandonneur.wordpress.com...age-ride-2015/

I think you have made a great choice in bikes and also got an excellent deal!!!

I'm not an expert on the graphics either but it's pretty clear there's a couple generalities: the script graphics were used on early frames and phased out by the "sixties", but the Block capital letters came in both the san-serif (typical on the Pro models over Kingfisher blue panels, mostly) as well as slightly more condensed serif font, and these were used interchangeably for decades, in many colors, sometimes with contrasting outlines or without.
But the metal headbadge (coat of arms with prancing horse) is sort of easier to peg: these were replaced with a decal render of the badge, same placement on the headtube, starting around 1978 (give or take). By 1980 I think you'd see only decals on the headtube, no more metal badges on any model...however it's always good to note that in the 70s and '80s Holdsworthy was offering to "build to suit", (customized AKA bespoke) frames made to whatever design the customer ordered so there are certainly a few outlayers around that don't exactly match with model specs...if the customer wanted (and paid for) a metal badge maybe Holdsworthy would find one even tho "phased out".

Hey Burrito, just picked up a Holdsworth Mistral and found this thread. My new bike must be a very close cousin of yours with serial number 022482. I'm just now unpacking it and sorting out the details, seatpost is a Campy two bolt not going down too easily, curious if yours is stamped as a 27.2mm.

Regarding serial numbers if anyone can chime in, does this mean they're only 60 frames apart?

Thanks in advance!