MITCHELL CYCLES

Well I have finally found a Mitchell

that really fits me (just).

 I had to swap a nice late seventies Aussie Hillman

for it, which I think is a very fair exchange.

I have always really dug these Mitchells, and especially

in this Mitchell blue.

It came originally with a full Campagnolo Record group
and was built with Columbus SL

 Looking at that frame geometry, you can see that this

machine is designed for just one purpose.

 If I can't track down some original decals, I will re-manufacture some new sets.

Down tube font looks kind of clunky at first, but I found that it grew on me, 

I can see it's seventies/eighties appeal the more I look at it.

I don't know a lot about Mitchells history, this is what I do know.
In 1954, Dave Mitchell started a boutique cycle shop in
 Liardet St, New Plymouth, 
which catered for the racing cyclist.
Kevin Filer brought the business in the late sixties(?), and started making  
Mitchell race bikes in 1972-'73.
The bikes were built in New Plymouth until about 1981/82
 when building was moved to Wanganui
where they were built by former Mitchell apprentice Mark McLean.
Mark went on to buy Mitchell Cycles.

 They were generally made from Isawata 022, Reynolds 531, 
or Columbus SL / SLX.

There is a bit of info on Oli's blog here

Anyone with additional information and/or corrections

to my info, please contact me.
adrian@theflyingwheel.com

I do know that they where raced by many of 

New Zealand's top road men during the life of
Mitchell road bikes, their popularity probably peaking
in the early eighties.

The classic Stephen Cox (left) on a classic Mitchell
circa 1981

Stephen Carton, Dulux 1982.
Notice a Columbus decal on the seat tube. 

 I have noticed that not many of the Michell frames I have seen

have the Professional sticker on the top tube.

I was told by Kevin that this sticker was put on the bikes that
were built out of the best steel on hand in the workshop
at the time.

Anyway this one is off to get it's paint stripped tomorrow.

next time you see it, you will be amazed at it's classic beauty.