1972 Holdsworth Super Mistral

About
SOLD traded for a 1985 Colnago Superissimo frame

This beauty I found literally hanging in a garage since 1972. I tried to revive the saddle but no luck, the hot desert air had completely dried it and the tubular tires out!

I loved this bike but it was always just a bit too tall for me. So when a friend offered up a Colnago Superissimo frame for trade I (somewhat sadly) did the deal.

Re-introduced in 1963 it became the most successful Holdsworth road frame. It was a full Reynolds 531 butted frameset at a modest £13.19.6d and was an immediate success. It had 72o parallel angles, Prugnat “I” Type Italian spearpoint lugs and a plain, sloping-shouldered crown. The 41″ wheelbase made it versatile, being suitable for time – trialing to touring, with ample clearances and safe steering. Its best feature was its incredibly strong rear triangle, its 5/8 ” seat stays fully wrapped over the seat cluster by a long tapered chamfer. It had Campagnolo forged dropouts with screw-in adjusters. It was robust, reliable and cornered well. It sold very well and effectively blew away the Cyclone and Monsoon.

Specs
Frame & Fork 1972 Holdsworth Super Mistral
Material Reynolds 501
Size tt57cm st56cm
Country England
Front Derailleur Zeus
Rear Derailleur Campagnolo Nuovo Record
Headset Zeus
Crankset Campagnolo
Bottom Bracket Campagnolo
Stem 100mm
Handlebars Fiame
Shifters Campagnolo Bar End
Brakes Mafac Dural Forge
Brake Levers Mafac
Hubs Zeus High Flange
Rims 27in Mavic
Tires Challenge Strada Bianca 28×30 Tubulars
Seat Post Campagnolo
Saddle Brooks B17
Chain
Handlebar Tape Cotton Cloth
Pedals Campagnolo