Define a Mixte
07-09-15, 02:38 PM
#1
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Define a Mixte
I am wondering if a bike needs to have two small tubes originating from the head tube to the rear in order to be classified as a Mixte. Some that I have seen have a single tube until it meets the seat tube where it splits at a lug into two tubes all the way to the rear. I am in favor of calling both styles Mixte, but I would like to hear other opinions.
07-09-15, 02:58 PM
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I think it's the basic geometry that counts,so a forked tube would count as a mixte. But, I do think the twin tubes look much more elegant.
07-09-15, 03:07 PM
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07-09-15, 03:12 PM
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A Mixte,
A very nice Mixte
A very nice Mixte
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07-09-15, 03:20 PM
#5
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The "top tube" of a mixte angles down from head tube, past seat tube, down to the rear dropouts. It doesn't matter if it's a single tube like the one you saw or a double tube. People seem to prefer the double tube, and those are the ones I have. However I've seen "women's" sport or mountian bikes like the one you saw.
07-09-15, 03:31 PM
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The "top tube" of a mixte angles down from head tube, past seat tube, down to the rear dropouts. It doesn't matter if it's a single tube like the one you saw or a double tube. People seem to prefer the double tube, and those are the ones I have. However I've seen "women's" sport or mountian bikes like the one you saw.
. BTW, I retired last Wednesday.
07-09-15, 04:07 PM
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Is this term ever applied to modern bikes? I prefer that term over womens' bikes simply because I have read here that this style is also preferred by men who have difficulty straddling a mens' bike. I notice that on modern bikes the "top" tube doesn't extend to the back dropout.
07-09-15, 04:34 PM
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I hate the word Mixte, shouldn't it just be Mixed? 
07-09-15, 04:47 PM
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I think the term "mixte" is USA. In Europe the double tope tube is commonly referred to as an Unix Bicycle. In other words for both genders as a transportation commuter for people dress for work or play.
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07-09-15, 06:10 PM
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Unix sounds too close to Eunuch and that makes me uncomfortable.
07-09-15, 06:25 PM
#11
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Is this term ever applied to modern bikes? I prefer that term over womens' bikes simply because I have read here that this style is also preferred by men who have difficulty straddling a mens' bike. I notice that on modern bikes the "top" tube doesn't extend to the back dropout.
07-09-15, 06:31 PM
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I am wondering if a bike needs to have two small tubes originating from the head tube to the rear in order to be classified as a Mixte. Some that I have seen have a single tube until it meets the seat tube where it splits at a lug into two tubes all the way to the rear. I am in favor of calling both styles Mixte, but I would like to hear other opinions.
Mixte[edit]
One particular type of step-through frame is called a mixte. In a mixte frame, the top tube of the traditional diamond frame is replaced with a pair of smaller tubes (lateral tubes, or lats) running from the top of the head tube all the way back to the rear axle, connecting at the seat tube on the way. The normal seat stays and chain stays are retained. This provides the lower standover height of a step-through frame bicycle while avoiding some of the additional stresses the step-through frame bicycle places on the seat tube.
Mixte (pronounced [mikst]) is a direct appropriation of the French word meaning "mixed" or "unisex". The usual North American bicycle industry pronunciation of this loan word is /ˈmɪkstiː/.[9]
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.[9] The FNCRM (Fédération Nationale du Commerce et de la Réparation du Cycle et du Motocycle) calls this style a sport. [10]
Other named French styles of step-through frames, in addition to mixte and sport, include berceau, Anglais, jumele, col de cygne and double col de cygne.
r
07-09-15, 06:56 PM
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07-09-15, 10:03 PM
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I pronounce it "throatwarbler-mangrove."
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
07-10-15, 04:19 AM
#15
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Mixte?
or No Mixte?
"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 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."
07-10-15, 07:16 AM
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This is one of those words like patina or forte that are so commonly mispronounced that you sound foolish if you pronounce them correctly.
Sometimes, it's best to go along and get along.
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07-10-15, 07:36 AM
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Unix make me think of the niche mainframe operating system. I wouldn't want that either. lol Maybe I need to look into a mixte while I could still get one. I may want one about the time I turn 100 and will not be so happy throwing my leg over the bar.
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07-10-15, 08:07 AM
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I don't know what that frame style would be called.
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07-10-15, 11:00 AM
#19
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Mixte is a French word. It means coed when referring to a secondary school.
07-10-15, 01:52 PM
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Still learning
07-10-15, 06:00 PM
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07-11-15, 05:01 AM
#22
Death fork? Naaaah!!
Single top tube and triple stays. Still a mixte?
Top
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07-11-15, 05:21 AM
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07-11-15, 06:07 AM
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Most purists would say, NO, they're not mixte's. According to the Wikipedia page they're 'sport' frames. Wikipedia isn't always right, most of the bicycle pages are simple one person's opinion and lack a factual foundation.
07-11-15, 06:18 AM
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The purists are wrong.
This Suteki is her other mixte.
This Suteki is her other mixte.