Puch Mistral

Puch is generally not a brand one would call collectible, highly valuable or even interesting (at least not the ones that were built after WW2 I guess). I however have a sweet spot for them, and I have had quite a few of them in the past – mostly low end models mind you.
However, this one’s quite special.

I have no information of it whatsoever, besides that it’s a Mistral model. It was probably built around 1987-88. I think this might be one of the earliest models manufactured by Bianchi (they took over the brand in 1987).

It’s made out of Reynolds 531 tubing and the whole frame is chromed under the paint. It was once in the posession of a good friend of mine (so it has quite the sentimental value to it). He sold it, and the previous owner built it up with most of the current components, and I added a few finishing touches. It is now rocking a 105SC/1055 groupset, 2×7 speed. Although I couldn’t find any catalogs, I’m pretty sure the original build was a lot different. Most of the components are in an almost mint condition, the drive side crank arm is the only one that really shows its age.

Next to my Marin this is another bike that I don’t ever intend to sell. The pictures don’t do the paint job any justice. It’s a gorgeous dark gray shade with some amazing blue sparkle inside. Looks astonishing in the sunshine.

Pictures time.

Components Table

ComponentBrand & Model
FrameReynolds 531
Seat Tube55 cm C-T
Top Tube53.5 cm C-C
HeadsetShimano 105 HP-1050
Rear DerailleurShimano 105 RD-1055
Front DerailleurShimano 105 FD-1055
CranksetShimano 105 FC-1055
PedalsShimano 105 PD-1050
ShiftersShimano 105 SL-1055
BrakesShimano 105 BR-1055
Brake LeversShimano 105 BL-1055
WheelsShimano 105 & Mavic MA2
CassetteShimano Hyperglide 7s
TyresPirelli P Zero 700x26C
HandlebarsCinelli (old logo)
StemCinelli 1E (100 mm)