I want to thank all responders. I can still mount a df with only a little pain if I am careful and still do ride a df. I also have a trek 820 ladies mtb with slicks that I have been using for around town stuff but one can not have too many options when choosing a ride! I have also considered a step thru but most are quite heavy. If I find a light one my problem will be solved. By the way, I am 5'9", 61 .
At 5’9” you do at least have an advantage over many of the other men on this forum when it comes to finding a Mixte that fits you well. I agree about most of the step through frames being heavy… It seems like all the American bikes with step through frames have to be cruisers, or comfort bikes. I wish someone would introduce a relatively fast set up city bike type, with step through frames; like I see advertised on some German Web sites, but only available in Europe… Oh well, right now I couldn’t afford one even if they were available…
and besides that I still like riding my Mixte anyway.
Well, again best of luck to you, whatever you decide to ride.