+1 on all of this, while I didn't involve my DW, I knocked it out of the park Christmas before last when I scored and outfitted this for her. She hadn't asked or even thought about such a thing, but was absolutely thrilled to get it. I love it when a plan comes together.
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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.