Sizing The Mistral

[SEATALTEA]

One final thread before I place my order with the cycle2work scheme.

As a relative cycling novice I have plumped for the Mistral as my first bike for my commute (mainly tow paths and trails).

The frame size is what seems like seems like a relatively small 17", I'm 5'9 with a 30" inside leg.

I would prefer a more upright riding style due to my dodgy back, there is an adjustable seat post as is to be expected.

It looks like this guy has raised his seat by quite a lot.

ELECTRIC BICYCLE FORUM • View topic - My ebike.....

Can you offer some sizing/riding/comfort info to us newbies.

 

[halfmedley]

Hi, I've been riding a Mistral (Mk 1, pedelec only) for about eighteen months now and have found it to be a trusty machine, if lacking the sophistication of higher priced bikes.

As for the riding position, I would describe it as 'mountain bike' like - in other words ones shoulders are more forward than upright. I'm about the same size as you (five eight), and the frame doesn't feel small.

I'd recommend test riding a Mistral (or a Sustain Newton, they're the same bike) before buying, if the riding position is absolutely crucial.

 

[flecc]

I'd recommend test riding a Mistral (or a Sustain Newton, they're the same bike)

Sustain Cycles seem to be right out of the picture now. For many months they shown all models as "no stock" on their website.
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[SEATALTEA]

Hi, I've been riding a Mistral (Mk 1, pedelec only) for about eighteen months now and have found it to be a trusty machine, if lacking the sophistication of higher priced bikes.

As for the riding position, I would describe it as 'mountain bike' like - in other words ones shoulders are more forward than upright. I'm about the same size as you (five eight), and the frame doesn't feel small.

I'd recommend test riding a Mistral (or a Sustain Newton, they're the same bike) before buying, if the riding position is absolutely crucial.

I'm afraid there are no dealers local to Yorkshire at all. I've read through your old posts and you have clearly made some useful and wise alterations to the Mistral.

I've had the opportunity today to try a hybrid bike with a 17" frame, with adjustments it fitted me well.

I've now found a number of useful places on the net which advise about getting the riding position correct.

So I've submitted my order today, the Schwalbe tyres seem to be a must have along with replacement lights.

Thanks

 

[halfmedley]

I had the same problem, Birmingham being very poorly served for electric bike shops, so had no way of comparing machines.

The Mistral was therefore a bit of a gamble at the time (no reviews for instance, indeed A to B still seem oblivious to its existence) but it has paid for itself in saved bus fares, and has proved reliable (I applied some duct tape and clingfilm for the 'summer' of 2007). I've only had one failure (the charger) and Synergie replaced this by return of post.

I replaced the knobbly tyres for smoother rolling, better handling, puncture resistant Schwalbes (there are other brands available, Continental, Vittoria, Specialized for example). Be warned: changing the rear tyre is hard work. I got so annoyed that I cut the wires to the motor (on purpose!) and inserted a 'chocolate block' connector to make the job easier in future. Cutting the wires also allowed me to remove the effective but rather heavy kickstand. The clunky folding seatpost I replaced for a simple alloy one, and the saddle and dynamo have been changed too.

As a relatively cheap way into ebiking, I've no real complaints.

 

[flecc]

The Mistral was therefore a bit of a gamble at the time (no reviews for instance, indeed A to B still seem oblivious to its existence)

In common with the best of the reviewing media, A to B don't normally seek out products to review, it's up to suppliers to contact and submit.

This has the advantage that consumers know who has the confidence to submit their product and can draw conclusions from that.
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