Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Mixte Gear?

My ladyfriend has been interested in a new bike lately, probably a singlespeed. Maybe fixed.

Does anyone have some tasteful suggestions for mixte frames? Maybe like the seat clamp is parallel with the headset?

I actually like the way they look and so does she, doesn't bother me.

The Soma Buena Vista http://www.ride-this.com/index.php/soma-buena-vista-mixte-road-sport-framefork-50cm-white.html?source=googleps - is one of the few new mixte frames on the market, as far as I know.

If you don't want to spend $400+ just for the frame, look on craigslist.

They're usually listed as "women's bikes", and there were a wide variety of manufacturers in the '80s that made mixtes, so you should be able to find a complete bike for $100-$200 to convert.





My ladyfriend has been interested in a new bike lately, probably a singlespeed. Maybe fixed.

Does anyone have some tasteful suggestions for mixte frames? Maybe like the seat clamp is parallel with the headset?

I actually like the way they look and so does she, doesn't bother me.

Thank you.

How much is this thing worth?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Peugeot-U08-Bicycle-Peugot-Mixte-Road-Bike-70s_W0QQitemZ270512951558QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3efbd41106

^what a comical video on that listing.

I know.

That bike is 100% original. Well, except for the seat :)

But seriously, my wife's FG is a Peugeot mixte, and I just finished a flat bar road bike for her on a Nishiki mixte frame. We think they look super effing cool.

I see that you're pretty close to where I live, and I see mixtes on craigslist quite a lot --- and at the local swap meets. Likely that guy wants more than you need to pay, since you'll be paying for all those 100% original parts that you'll never use. And $60 shipping? No need to pay that with so many bikes right near us.

Yes I noticed that too! The Inland Empire craigslist is filled with places like Yucaipa, Hesperia... that I know nothing about. I also do not have a car.

Maybe I'll try the swap meet. Or keep a closer watch on craigslist.

Bridgestone Kabuki is a nice mixte frame although I think you'd have to find one from the 70's or 80's.

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/IMG_0773.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/IMG_0790.jpg

I have a Kabuki, and though I love it, I probably wouldn't recommend it. The aluminum lugs are an interesting novelty, but the seat lug means it needs to use a weird seat post with a wedge (like a quill stem) rather than a binder. That Peugeot is overpriced with the shipping. French sizing is also a pain, though not such a problem if you get a complete bike. I'd also vote to watch CL -- I scored a Raleigh mixte frame with a decent tubeset for $20. If I were buying new (or in a big hurry), I'd definitely go with the Buena Vista.

I love it, I probably wouldn't recommend it. The aluminum lugs are an interesting novelty, but the seat lug means it needs to use a weird seat post with a wedge (like a quill stem) rather than a binder.

I just used the stock seatpost but you could add a traditional seapost collar if you really wanted to swap out posts.

^what a comical video on that listing.

Gotta love bikemanforu. All of his listings feature a video of him rambling like a maniac...even the ones for tire levers and chain lube. His video on cog installation is one of my favories.

I just used the stock seatpost but you could add a traditional seapost collar if you really wanted to swap out posts.

I don't think you can add a collar. The lug is aluminum, so you can't compress it in order to hold the seatpost. Someone should correct me if that's not the case.

Not much in the way of new frames. The Soma is your best bet, or if you have more money, Velo-Orange is coming out with one soon. Rivendell has one, if you don't mind paying through the roof.

I'd recommend buying a nice used frame, Miyata made a few with tripled butted steel, but most I've seen are just gas pipe.

BTW, french bikes aren't that hard to work on. Especially if you use the Velo-Orange bottom bracket.

what a funny video, "saftey levers" coulda sworn those were called suicide levers...

this thing?

http://commutebybike.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Threadless+BB.jpg

I don't think you can add a collar. The lug is aluminum, so you can't compress it in order to hold the seatpost. Someone should correct me if that's not the case.

You are correct that the lugs are aluminum but there is no lug at the opening to the seatpost. You'd need to cut a slot in the steel seat tube to allow compression and add a correct sized clamp. Really I don't understand what is wrong with the stock seatpost though? If anything it's an anti-theft thing since you need a wrench not an allen key to remove it.

You can see what I mean in the original pic I posted above or in this pic-
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/IMG_0789.jpg

Lots of mixtes and advice here: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?227038-Show-us-your-mixte-%28mhendricks-new-happy-place%29

This thing - http://www.velo-orange.com/grcrufrthbob.html - if you're going for a French BB.

Otherwise just get a standard Shimano.


this thing?

http://commutebybike.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Threadless+BB.jpg

You are correct that the lugs are aluminum but there is no lug at the opening to the seatpost. You'd need to cut a slot in the steel seat tube to allow compression and add a correct sized clamp. Really I don't understand what is wrong with the stock seatpost though? If anything it's an anti-theft thing since you need a wrench not an allen key to remove it.

You can see what I mean in the original pic I posted above or in this pic-
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/HandsomeRyan/IMG_0789.jpg

Ah, that makes sense now that I look closely at the mixte frame. Mine is a standard diamond frame, so there's a lug at the top of the seat tube. I'm not a big fan of the wedge in the seatpost. I suppose it does make it a bit more theft resistant, but that's mostly just b/c it's a pain in the ass to adjust, which impacts me as well as the thieves.

I really hope you held onto the Kabuki head badge. For all the bike's faults, it's a kickass logo.