Broke and Starting out: Question>

[Crankin]

That's a nice looking bike.
But, I am going to be the contrarian. I rode around on DH's old mountain bike for about a year and a half. While it got me in cycling shape and taught me skills, I don't think it made me stronger. When I got my first road bike, (an average, entry level, aluminum, nothing special one), my average speed went up from 11-12 to 15 pretty quickly. I envy those who can keep up on group rides on old heavy bikes. I can't. I love riding my Jamis, but speed goes out the window when I ride it. It doesn't mean you shouldn't start out on an older, higher geared road bike or heavy mountain bike, if that's what you have, but I really don't think it made me a better rider. I just toodled along on the mountain bike, going about 3 mph, up some pretty big hills.
Just saying.

[badgercat]

Only $10 for that mixte? What a steal! Sounds like you've already had many happy miles together.

[Trek420]

Only $10 for that mixte?

Nice bike! Enjoy!

[Zen]

Only $10 for that mixte? What a steal! Sounds like you've already had many happy miles together.

I love hearing about $10.00 bikes

I once bought a bike for $25.00 and sold it for $770.00. But it was special.

Enjoy that bike.

[malkin]

Well there you have it; trick out that mixte: sell it for a fortune and get yourself what you want to ride.

Bikes: The new real estate!

[ultraviolet]

Nice mixte! I have a Takara mixte, too. Mine is red...and made even heavier with fenders, a rack, and a basket. (OK, so the basket doesn't really weigh much.)

[sarahspins]

Only $10 for that mixte? What a steal!

I just bought one for $10 but it wasn't nearly in as good of shape Plus it's kid-sized with 24" wheels (and SUPER cute.. pics when it's done being rebuilt).

I recently got a Takara mixte too (mine is Orange) and it's a very nice ride. Mixtes are surprisingly light for old steel frames - BOTH of mine (I have a Nishiki too, which has fenders, rack, and a basket) are lighter than my 2009 trek hybrid. If your Takara has alloy rims, odds are good it's not really much heavier than a "modern" entry level bike. You could put an alloy seatpost and handlebars on there to save a little more weight, and those are upgrades that can be done for relatively cheap.

I love riding my older mixtes just as much as my lightweight Felt road bike.. it all depends on what kind of mood I am, as far as what I will choose to ride... most of my rides lately are less than 15 miles (it's too HOT here for much more) so which bike I choose is less important than just getting out there and riding for a while... since most of those rides are only around an hour, just about anything is fine