Originally Posted by
wassertreter
I'd like to build a nice step through for my significant other. She is not doing huge distances, but rides very regularly for short commutes and errands. Ideally I'd like to use a belt drive with IGH and nice mechanical disc brakes. This means having to mod an existing frame most likely.
Candidates:
Riv Clem Smith "L":
https://www.rivbike.com/products/cle...style-frameset
Nicest looking, and lowest step through. But built to haul load, which could mean stiffer/heavier than needed. Also expensive.
Soma Buena Vista:
Buena Vista Frame Set | SOMA Fabrications
This has light and supple Tange Prestige tubing, but the classic mixte style doesn't really do it for me.
New Albion Starling:
Starling (Frame/Fork) ? New Albion Cycles
This could be a compromise. Not very expensive too, so the money can be spent on the frame mods.
Vintage Mixte: same as Buena Vista, but heavier.
Custom: this would really stretch the budget, and I'm not sure all the custom builders can achieve the curvy look on the main tubes that make the Riv look oh so swish.
All these bikes seem to have regular chains, not belt drive.
Unless you just want to replace a front fork with one that accepts disk brakes, I'm skeptical of modifying the frame. If you have experience and enjoy making frames you can modify it yourself; otherwise I think you will get a better and cheaper frame buying one built belt drive. (From your comment on her riding, I don't know if this is important to her, or to you.)