I built up a really sweet mixte for my wife in 2008 and its the only bike she will ride. Its only a 10 speed but she says its the most comfortable bike she has ever ridden. I got the frame free from Bigbossman what a guy and built it from there. Powdercoated the frame and fork for less than $100.00 got a sweet Shimano Crane rear derailleur and Suntour front can't remember the model. The ride is a lot more stable than a regular ladies step through frame because of the double toptube and the extra triangle tubes. This bike sports a 27" wheelset with Panaracer Pasels TG tires. Sorry for the long winded answer but as I said she loves this bike. I found some bartape to match the cables and also some pink hoods too that I ended up having to order them from France,surprisingly inexpensive and shipping was next to nothing.