Framebuilders - Large-Frame Mixtes: VO vs Soma

This is just a frame geometry question.

Looking for a mixte to share between two riders (5'9" and 6'3"). Considering new frames. The Velo Orange Mixte and the Soma Buena Vista are the two current candidates (http://info.velo-orange.com/FrameSpecs.html & http://somafab.com/geometry03.html).

The VO has a 57cm ST (c-t) and the Soma a 58cm ST (c-t). The VO has longer virtual top tube and chain stays. The Soma has a longer BB drop.

I'm confused as to which bike will fit better. I'm assuming that the VO has a longer wheelbase, but shorter ST, while the Soma is a taller frame but more compact.

If I'm planning on getting an adjustable stem and a QR seat for quick cockpit adjustments between riders, it seems that a longer wheelbase VO would be smoother between adjustments. Less chance of heel clip, longer reach for the tall rider but shorter ST for the shorter rider. Am I wrong?

height is not useful in specifying frame sizes, other than a casual observer can tell this is not a good idea. You're better off buying two $500 hybrids that fit each rider. Go find a fit calculator and play around with it, you're the only one that can make a decision like this, the bike is going to fit neither person.

I've got 8 mixtes and I'm 5'10. Two are Peugeot 54cm with pourtier bars& 1 MOTOBECANE 54cm with drops. The drops help stretch the cock pit. The Soma looks frame sweet. Graphite is a new color. Soma isn't quick to respond to emails but you may call them.
Or try these guys: http://www.renaissancebicycles.com/soma/soma-mixte/
The site also has their # Toll Free Phone: 1-(888)-829-8340 for bike questions.

PS: I'd ignore anyone trying to talk you out of a mixte frame. Some people just don't get mixte frames yet feel they can give their negative opinions.
Good luck

I'm not trying to talk anyone out of a mixte frame, I'm trying to talk him out of buying a bike for two people that could never properly fit on the same bike. And a relatively expensive bike at that. I love mixtes.

height is not useful in specifying frame sizes, other than a casual observer can tell this is not a good idea.

Happy Valley, eh?

Thanks RA. Good data point that a 54cm can work. I'm thinking a moustache or albatross bar so that you can stretch into the sweep but also grip the ends.

Opinions as to the difference in ST and TT between the two?

whatever bike you decide on, I hope it works out for you

I think on a mixte frame (and any frame for that matter), the st length is not nearly as important as the top tube length. I would personally shop for a bike that would yield a good compromise cockpit length with a given stem length and bar type for the two riders.
Honestly, unterhausen has a good point about how the bike will be a compromise for both riders, I would shop around on craigslist and the used market in general for properly-sized bikes for each rider. In the long run this would likely end up being cheaper and easier for both riders in question. After all, building up a bike (esp. with all new parts) can get incredibly expensive.

Cheers

6'2" on a 54? If you can live with something that wrong the brand should not make much of a difference.

I would not spend money on a brand new bike that is guaranteed not to fit me. You and the other rider are simply two different sizes. If you're completely intent on riding the same bike (Don't ever want to go on rides together? I hope we're not talking about a married couple.) then get something cheap on craigslist before you drop a grand on a bike neither of you will fit.