Show us your mixte!

[KnottedYet]

From what I can see of the red bike on Craigs, it's not a mixte.

A mixte has two "top" tubes that go from the head tube to the back wheel. From what I could see in the pics, that Craigs bike has only one.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

From what I can see of the red bike on Craigs, it's not a mixte.

It also looks like maybe someone painted it red by hand with a brush.

[GLC1968]

Knot - I read at Harris Cyclery that any bike with 3 rear stays would be considered a mixte. Apparently, there were some models that used a solid top tube.

It's likely that if I keep this bike long term, I'll have the frame stripped and repainted/powder-coated if it looks crappy, so I'm not too worried about the paint job. I just hope the frame is in decent shape. There does appear to be some corrosion on the shifters and stem, so who knows.

I wish she was around for me to see it TONIGHT! I'm so impatient!

[GLC1968]

Ok, found another possiblity that is local. There are SO many bicycle postings on Craigslist every day here that I had to comb through a lot of posts to see one from just a few days ago!

This one looks to be nicer and at least I know the maker:
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/bik/616086655.html

Of course, it's more expensive, but I bet I can talk her down a bit. I'm going to try and see this one tonight.

[uforgot]

Have to throw in my 2 cents here. I had a Schwinn and was it ever heavy! Heaviest bike I have ever owned to date. The red one is $30??? Definitely worth that. And it is a mixte. We have had this discussion before. It's the seat stays, not the top tube that determines whether or not it's a mixte.

From Sheldon Brown himself:

Mixte
A style of lady's frame in which the "top tube" consists of a pair of small diameter tubes running more-or-less straight from the upper head lug, past the seat tube, and on to the rear fork ends. A mixte frame thus has 3 sets of rear stays, instead of the usual two. A variant on the mixte uses a single, full sized top tube running from the upper head tube to the seat tube, but retains the middle set of stays. A lady's type bike that lacks the middle pair of stays is not a mixte.

[KnottedYet]

Cool, I didn't know that!

I humbly stand corrected, hat in hand and head bowed.

[Trek420]

All hail the all wise and knowing Sheldon Brown. May he rest in peace.

[DebW]

Have to throw in my 2 cents here. I had a Schwinn and was it ever heavy! Heaviest bike I have ever owned to date.

When I sold Raleighs in the 1970s, we had a joke that when a customer would come in the shop and ask if we carried Schwinns, we'd reply "No, we don't carry Schwinns. They're too heavy to carry." Apologies offered to Schwinn owners everywhere.

[GLC1968]

Talk about DROOL!!

gorgeous mixte on ebay

It's way more than I want to spend...and it's way too nice for what I want it for, but man, it's purty!


I'm going to see both bikes tonight. I'm not too worried about weight of the Schwinn as this bike is just going to be for 'around town' AND if a heavier bike gives me a bit more of a workout, all the better! I am going to try to see the red bike first though, and if it's functioning, I might just stick with it.

[oxysback]

I've been reading this thread and kinda-sorta playing with the idea of looking for a mixte I can use for commuting to work so I wouldn't have to keep taking the rack on and off my road bike when I want to do long rides.

I was looking on Craigslist yesterday and saw a few that could be promising, then I came across one that had been posted some time ago. The guy was selling a mixte and a regular older road bike. The quality of the picture wasn't good, and the bikes were too far away to see any details. I decided to take a chance and called him to go take a look and this is what I found...



















"Sold!!", I told him and the bike came home with me. This bike was in almost pristine condition. I didn't even do any clean-up on it before I took these pictures! I guess it's been sitting in his garage forever and his wife only rode it a few times. He's the original owner. I had planned to look at a few others before I made my decision, but I just couldn't turn this one down. Of course there are a few things that need to be replaced before I start riding it, but over-all I'm VERY happy with the paint and general condition. First on the list are new tires...possibly wheels, a saddle (a honey colored brooks, perhaps?) and I'm debating on whether to get drop bars or moustache ones. DH can replace all the brake and gear cables. I also like the idea of leather bar tape and shiny silver fenders.

As I was driving to this guys house, I was kind of sweating about the test ride. I had worn jeans, and the house was at the top of a massive hill in a VERY impressive neighborhood! Thank goodness there was a flat-ish road up on top to ride on. I joked with him about getting it for free if I made it down and back up the hill! I also felt like a fool swerving around trying to change gears. They're in an awkward position when you're used to the ones on a road bike.

So, any other ideas with this bike? Throw 'em out there! I know some of you have a better 'eye' than I do for this stuff.

[sandra]

You got a great bike there! I Albatross bars. That's what I put on mine and I love them. Tried a pair of mustache but, I like Albatross better. It's absolutely an individual decision. That bike is a beauty!

[oxysback]

You got a great bike there! I Albatross bars. That's what I put on mine and I love them. Tried a pair of mustache but, I like Albatross better. It's absolutely an individual decision. That bike is a beauty!

I think that's what I meant. The ones that curve around and look kind of like an "m" is what I was thinking of. I'll have to go back and look at yours!

[GLC1968]

It's BEAUTIFUL, Ellen!!

I'm super jealous of your chain ring guard (I've been looking for something like that) and the details on the frame are very impressive. Good find!!

[oxysback]

It's BEAUTIFUL, Ellen!!

I'm super jealous of your chain ring guard (I've been looking for something like that) and the details on the frame are very impressive. Good find!!

I am rather proud of myself. Even DH was impressed!

So how's life in Hillsboro? A TE friend and I ride a few Saturdays a month and you're welcome to join us if you want. We're slow, but we're training for an upcoming century. Or maybe we can have a 'mixte ride' when they're all fixed up!

[sandra]

never fear. I love posting pictures of Blossom.