Vintage 1975 France-Loire Mixte — Saint-Étienne Steel in Metallic Cherry Red
Built in Saint-Étienne, France — the town that was to French bicycle manufacturing what Detroit was to American cars — this 1975 France-Loire Mixte pairs classic French frame craftsmanship with a component list that punches well above what you would expect at this price.
The twin-lateral mixte frame is the star. Those paired top tubes running from head tube to rear dropout are both structurally clever and unmistakably French, and the low standover makes the bike genuinely easy to get on and off — which is exactly why mixte frames have become so sought after by city riders. It wears its original metallic cherry red finish with authentic world-championship graphics, and the colour is the kind of deep, warm red that modern paint rarely matches.
Look closer at the parts and it gets more interesting. Shimano Dura-Ace center-pull brakes — Dura-Ace was, and remains, Shimano's top-tier group, so finding it on a bike at this price is unusual. Shifting is handled by Simplex, and the cranks are a premium Sugino alloy set. Finishing it off: classic drop bars, period safety brake levers, and a retro diamond-stitched saddle.
Mechanically it is honest and working: it rolls, it shifts through the gears, and it stops. A genuinely fun retro cruiser as it sits.
Be Clear About Condition
This is a fifty-year-old bicycle and it looks it. Expect age-appropriate surface rust, patina, and cosmetic wear on the frame, chrome, and components. It is not a restored show bike and we are not going to pretend otherwise. It works, it has real character, and it is priced for what it is.
That makes it two things at once: a stylish vintage rider you can use immediately, or a rewarding cleanup project — and with Dura-Ace brakes and a Sugino crankset already on it, the expensive decisions have been made for you.
What You Are Getting
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Genuine Saint-Étienne build: from the historic heart of French bicycle manufacturing.
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Twin-lateral mixte frame: distinctive, elegant, and easy to mount.
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Shimano Dura-Ace center-pull brakes: top-tier period componentry.
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Sugino alloy crankset and Simplex shifting: quality period parts throughout.
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Original metallic cherry red paint with world-championship graphics.
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Works now: rolls, shifts, and stops — ride it or clean it up.
Specifications
| Brand |
France-Loire |
| Model |
France-Loire Mixte |
| Year |
1975 |
| Type |
Road / racing bike, mixte frame |
| Frame Size |
20.5 in |
| Frame Style |
Twin-lateral mixte |
| Wheel Size |
27 in |
| Brake Type |
Center-pull caliper — Shimano Dura-Ace |
| Brake Levers |
Drop bar with period safety levers |
| Shifting |
Simplex |
| Crankset |
Sugino alloy |
| Handlebar Type |
Classic drop bar |
| Saddle |
Retro diamond-stitched |
| Color |
Original metallic cherry red, world-championship graphics |
| Gender |
Unisex adult |
| Country of Origin |
France (Saint-Étienne) |
| Vintage |
Yes |
| Condition |
Functional pre-owned — rolls, shifts, and stops; surface rust and patina throughout |
Sizing & Tires
A 20.5-inch mixte frame generally suits riders around 5'4" to 5'8", and the low standover of a mixte gives you more flexibility than a diamond frame would. Message us with your height and inseam and we will confirm.
One practical note, because we would rather you know now: this bike uses 27-inch wheels, not modern 700C. Tires in 27" are still readily available online and through most shops, but the selection is narrower than 700C. Nothing to worry about — just something to be aware of.
Condition Notes
The bike is in functional, pre-owned working condition — it rolls, shifts through the gears, and stops. As a pre-owned 1970s vintage bicycle, it shows age-appropriate surface rust, patina, and cosmetic wear on the frame, chrome, and parts.
Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description and the most accurate record of this specific bike. A tune-up is recommended before regular riding.
Shipping & Local Pickup
Local pickup at our Miami location is well worth considering on this one — freight on a full-size bicycle is a real cost, and collecting in person avoids it entirely. Get in touch and we will set it up.
If you do need it shipped, it goes out freight, professionally packed. Questions about sizing, components, or condition? Message us — we are happy to help.
