We recently got a Takara mixte, its picture is in the "bikes" thread. DH has been taking it apart and says it is in incredible shape though the cables and brakes need to be replaced. Structurally, it is fantastic.

He asked me if I wanted to swap out the handlebar. The one on the bike is more of a flat style, I think it is more traditional on a mixte. I have to admit that when I test rode the bike, it was awkward! It was raining out, I am not used to having my feet not be stuck to the pedals (I kept trying to pull up as I kicked off), and my hands seemed so far out to each side. I was so wobbly!

I've seen mixtes with drop bars and I've seen them without. I can get used to riding it as it is, all it takes is practice. The bike won't be used for great distance but I could see it going up to 30 miles at times.

For those people riding mixtes, what have you done and what would you recommend? I have a lovely road bike and am not trying to turn this into that. This bike has fenders and will make a fantastic bad weather or "around town" bike.

Am so undecided! Anything we do can be undone, of course. I just hate to make DH go through extra work just to have me change it back.