Bike refurb - Mixte update

An update on the refurb I wrote up here: 

https://psicle.blogspot.com/2014/10/french-bike-refurb-and-first-run.html

I did tape the handlebars in corky looking tape keeping the retro look. Further additions were...

After going down a steep canal lock route and finding out how bad the brakes were by narrowly avoiding a dip in the duck weed I swapped the original blocks for Kool-Stop Dura 2 brake pads. The wheels had butterfly bolts and when going down that steep hill in Richmond Park, the one as you go towards the A3 entrance, my front wheel started wobbling terribly as I was going round the bend and I had to make an emergency crash stop by cycling into the grass. It looked impressive and the woman behind me was very concerned but nothing broken. After tightening the butterfly nuts and gingerly cycling home I replaced the wheels (they were ageing and not great for braking anyway being aluminium) and lashed out £50 on a new pair.

All in all it's probably cost me getting on for £300 but more satisfying and sustainable than buying a new bike. It's served me well and is great for rides that aren't too steep and where I don't want to go too fast. It's even been arrested and imprisoned for 90 days but that's another story...

The Mixte 6 years on - lasting pretty well except for chipped paintwork