Newbie question-what is a mixte??

[LoriO]

I know it is some type of bike, but what is it? I keep seeing it mentioned and would love to know what the heck it is

[sundial]

From TE's Guide to Women's Bikes:

A "mixte" frame and a "women's" bike frame are not at all the same thing. A true Mixte bike frame has two parallel bars that run from the handlebar stem, pass on either side of the seat post and run back to the rear hub. A mixte frame is as strong or stronger than a man's frame, though it weighs a bit more.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/wsdBikes.asp

[GLC1968]

Additional info from Sheldon Brown's glossary:

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.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_m.html

[crazycanuck]

Why are they so popular around here(on TE?)

[Tuckervill]

Because they're usually very beautiful bikes.

Karen

[dex]

Why are they so popular around here(on TE?)

• nice vintage look
• usually made of steel
• not unusual to find them in smaller sizes
• many (but not all) have a more upright riding posture
• you can easily ride them in a skirt
• can often be found for "bargain" prices

...all of those things add up to making mixtes great a great choice for commuting, errands or casual rides around town, or converting into singlespeed cruisers.

[LoriO]

Thanks for enlightening me!! I've been wondering and now I know.