Holdsworth Mistral

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The early Mistral was available in 1934 and was a copy of a Tour de France frame. This early model was gone by 1938. Re-introduced in 1963 It was bang up to date in design and 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.1964 Mistral frameset only   1966 Mistral frameset onlyCycloneThe Cyclone is now a budget Mistral, in plain gauge 531 with Agrati rear ends.1968 Mistral frameMistral cyclesCyclone1971 Mistral framesMistral cyclesCycloneThe ’71 Cyclone is a Mistral in plain gauge 531, with Campag ends as an optional extra.1972 Mistral framesMistral cyclesCycloneThe ’72 Cyclone is a Mistral in plain gauge 531, with Campag ends as an optional extra.1976 Mistral framesMistral cycles1978 Mistral cyclesMistral cycles
1980: John Peiper’s 1980 Mistral, never used and in original finish.
1981:
1982 The Lady Mistral was launched, the wheelbase increased to 41.5 in.1983 Specification sheetThe mistral may have been offered in 1984, but is not in the 1985 catalogue.