Show us your mixte!

[pardes]

What a lot of pages to read about mixtes! My head is spinning.

Is it possible to find a new mixte that is high quality and lightweight that has a frame somewhat like this Vanilla?

None of the photos in this thread have a frame like that. Is there a reason? Is it less sturdy or what?

[oxysback]

What a lot of pages to read about mixtes! My head is spinning.

Is it possible to find a new mixte that is high quality and lightweight that has a frame somewhat like this Vanilla?

None of the photos in this thread have a frame like that. Is there a reason? Is it less sturdy or what?

Although that's a beautiful bike, it's technically not a mixte. Mixtes have the sloping top tube come all the way through to connect to the rear seat stay. That probably didn't make sense...here's a link to check out...http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_m.html#mixte.

[malkin]

The Vanilla mixte is this one:
http://www.vanillabicycles.com/frames/commuter/1/

[oxysback]

The Vanilla mixte is this one:
http://www.vanillabicycles.com/frames/commuter/1/

ooOOOooooo, that's nice!

[pardes]

Thanks for the reply!

What I want is a bike that I can mount and dismount easier. It doesn't appear that a true mixte accomplishes that which is why I choose the Vanilla photo that I did.

I still struggle with the Trek 7.6 FX ..... getting my leg to swing off the bike when I'm tired or stiff...especially when my panniers are fully which seems to be always. I predict that in another few years when I'm 65+ I'll want a frame that makes it easier.

Any suggestions for the kind of frame I need where the bike is lightweight and high quality?

[uforgot]

Thanks for the reply!

What I want is a bike that I can mount and dismount easier. It doesn't appear that a true mixte accomplishes that which is why I choose the Vanilla photo that I did.

I still struggle with the Trek 7.6 FX ..... getting my leg to swing off the bike when I'm tired or stiff...especially when my panniers are fully which seems to be always. I predict that in another few years when I'm 65+ I'll want a frame that makes it easier.

Any suggestions for the kind of frame I need where the bike is lightweight and high quality?

Not sure what you mean by a mixte not fitting the bill, as it also has the
low step thru part. The mixte part is the third seat stay. Anyway, here is one by velo-orange that looks really nice. They have another one that's a little higher in price also.

Oh, just another thought. Have you ever tried Yoga? Keeps you strong and flexible no matter your age.

[Blueberry]

SOMA is getting ready to make a Mixte. Won't be custom, but might work for you.

pardes-

Another option for you would be a Bike Friday - if you search on here, you'll see some issues I had when I got mine. But, the company has (at least so far) stood behind the product and I've talked to enough people to believe that my issues weren't typical. Due to their design, they are much easier to get your leg over. My bike is the Crusoe, set up with a generator hub and 28c tires. DH does fast club rides with his, but it's capable of loaded touring as well. Others have the Pocket Rocket/Pro - they're designed more as true road bikes. Most of their models are custom.

CA

[emily_in_nc]

Pardes,

Have you looked at the women's "lifestyle" collection by Giant? Go to this link, then click on Lifestyle. LOTS of choices that might suit your needs:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/

I also agree with CA that a Bike Friday would suit you for the step-over ability; however, if you don't need a folding bike, there are obviously many other options.

Emily

[Tuckervill]

I think the more you ride the easier it will be to get on the bike, not harder. Especially if you add a little hip specific stretching to your post-ride routine (do them while you're warmed up).

Also, if you're stiff in the knees, too (I constantly fight this), a step-through frame can offer it's own challenges. You can always lean the bike way down to get your leg over.

Karen

[oxysback]

The Vanilla mixte is this one:
http://www.vanillabicycles.com/frames/commuter/1/

You know, in studying (read: drooling over) that Vanilla Mixte...it really isn't a mixte, either. It does have the sloping twin top tubes, but there's no seat stay that goes from the area where the seat tube goes into the frame.

I still think it's cool, though. Looks kind of like a thug bike!

[xeney]

It's a mixte. It's the top tube that makes it a mixte. The lack of a seat stay is weird, but it's still a mixte.

[uforgot]

From Sheldon Brown

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.

[xeney]

But this one isn't missing the middle one; it's missing the top one. It's a weird bike, but it still has the definitive top tube that becomes an extra stay.

[uforgot]

You're right. I know the mixtes are considered to be stronger than the regular women's step through, wonder how the strength on this compares. Do you need the tube from the seat? hmmm

[oxysback]

Maybe that's why the seat tube isn't as high as normal bikes...to compensate for not having the other pair of seat stays. It's just a mixed up mixte!