Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.ZoeS
07-20-09, 01:40 PM
So, I love mixtes. Gotta be one of my favourite frame types in existance, but fairly hard to come across. I am torn between two:
http://image6.usedottawa.com/YOW9417495.1.jpg
and
http://image1.usedottawa.com/YOW9614486.1.jpg
The first is a Bianchi ($125), the latter is a Raleigh ($75). Both are steel and fairly low-end stuff (not trash bin worthy by any means, but certainly not worth more than their respective prices).
I like the colour of the Bianchi - which means that if I got the Raleigh, I would probably end up having it painted, which is another $150 - but the frame is a couple inches smaller. I know that's not the end of the world with mixtes, but currently when I ride the bianchi and take a sharp turn, my knee connects with the handlebar. I have already ordered a new handlebar (and other accessories) to outfit the mixte I go with, and they rise about 4", so it would probably work that way. The Raleigh - although I have not seen it in person - looks to be at least a couple inches taller.
The Bianchi is in great condition; the Raleigh is in fair condition but everything is functional. Both are 18 speed. The Bianchi is quite light but I have not had the chance yet to lift the Raleigh.
So... thoughts? If the small frame will not be a problem once the new handlebars are on, I'll probably go with the Bianchi. I suspect, too, that the Bianchi is a better quality bike and probably lighter. However if you guys think the larger frame will make a big difference in how comfortable the bike is, I would go with the Raleigh.
I wish I could have them both now and test them both, but alas, they are on opposite sides of the city from each other!
Zoe
http://image6.usedottawa.com/YOW9417495.1.jpg
and
http://image1.usedottawa.com/YOW9614486.1.jpg
The first is a Bianchi ($125), the latter is a Raleigh ($75). Both are steel and fairly low-end stuff (not trash bin worthy by any means, but certainly not worth more than their respective prices).
I like the colour of the Bianchi - which means that if I got the Raleigh, I would probably end up having it painted, which is another $150 - but the frame is a couple inches smaller. I know that's not the end of the world with mixtes, but currently when I ride the bianchi and take a sharp turn, my knee connects with the handlebar. I have already ordered a new handlebar (and other accessories) to outfit the mixte I go with, and they rise about 4", so it would probably work that way. The Raleigh - although I have not seen it in person - looks to be at least a couple inches taller.
The Bianchi is in great condition; the Raleigh is in fair condition but everything is functional. Both are 18 speed. The Bianchi is quite light but I have not had the chance yet to lift the Raleigh.
So... thoughts? If the small frame will not be a problem once the new handlebars are on, I'll probably go with the Bianchi. I suspect, too, that the Bianchi is a better quality bike and probably lighter. However if you guys think the larger frame will make a big difference in how comfortable the bike is, I would go with the Raleigh.
I wish I could have them both now and test them both, but alas, they are on opposite sides of the city from each other!
Zoe