paulb_in_bkln

So many mixte bikes have been built but I'm guessing not a big percentage with better tubesets. Not like diamond frame bikes. What do they use for the long diagonal stays, anyway? Longer versions of the same tubes used for the seat stays? My current project is three-speeding a mid-70s Peugeot mixte, but it's a vanilla frame, nothing exotic, and although straight and corrosion free, an eyesore finish-wise.

Bianchigirll 

JaccoW

Gazelle
Most of these are with Reynolds 531 straight gauge or double butted frames.
- Gazelle Champion Mondial mixte/ladies
- Gazelle Champion Mondial Semi-race (fendered model)

- Gazelle Sprint Race

Koga-Miyata
Many with Koga's FM-1/FM-2 Chromoly frames or HM-2 forks high manganese steel, often double/triple butted, some even internally splined.
- Ladies Touring (more pictures)

- Randonneur Lady

- GranTourer Lady + Traveller Lady


There is also the Raleigh Super Course mixte and probably many more.

CliffordK

Soma Buena Vista comes in tall sizes. Apparently now, only disc brake, and, of course, only tig welded.

The Gazelle above looks pretty tall, so the bikes must be out there somewhere, if you can find them .

But, yes, I can imagine the woes with sourcing tall Mixtes. Perhaps going full custom. I have to think that some of those Italian frames that are popping up were very low production semi-custom bikes, and some of the shops may still exist.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1980s-road-...w/183628318571

https://www.ebay.it/itm/BICI-DA-DONN...O/292947059463

Quite a few interesting Bianchis, but alas, generally with plain high-ten steel. Some of the vintage styles have pretty tall head tubes, and might work with a tall seat post.

Bianchigirll 

Salamandrine 

The Motobecane Grand Jubilee in Vitus tubing is a good choice, as already suggested. I suspect it will be the most common of the 70s French mixtes.

There were some mixtes of equal or better quality from the mid bike boom era. I had a beautiful Stella mixte once. A bit nicer than a Grand Jubilee. It was a great performing bike - total rocket. IIRC it had a mix of campy GS, TA and Huret parts. IIRC Bertin had a similar high end model. I'm sure there were others.

Also, Rivendell has been trying to convince everyone to ride mixtes the last few years. They have a couple nice models to consider, if you have the budget. All their stuff is top shelf. They tend to underhype the quality IMO.

JaccoW

Dutch ladies are almost as tall as the average US male nowadays and about 15% will be even taller so taller ladies' bikes are available.
@Bianchigirll
I believe the older Gazelle models came in at least a size 58, same for the Kogas which came in 50/54/58cm sizes.

non-fixie 

Actually, in this particular case I can.

It is currently sitting in my garage, not doing anything, as it's too small for me and too big for the mrs. It is a 60cm, BTW.

squirtdad

@Bianchigirll there you go

Bianchigirll 

JaccoW

Haha, I just googled for a random Champion Mondial Mixte and of course I end up rehosting a picture of one of your bikes. XD

Salamandrine 

Tall and high performance mixte bikes were a bit of a unicorn. FWIW, the early 70s Stella mixte I mentioned in my post was an unusually large size. I think it was about a 58 or 59 cm. It went to a tall girl.

Good luck finding one. In fact, you need to be lucky to find a bike like this. These bike boom era bikes are getting harder and harder to find. There was a much cheaper Stella mixte that I see from time to time. It might be more practical to go with a modern retro mixte instead, like the SOMA.

fietsbob

Miss Mercia from Mercian bikes UK ,

One passed through my hands 25 years ago..





...

CliffordK

Pretty Sweet!!!

https://www.merciancycles.co.uk/onli.../miss-mercian/

Not a true "Mixte", but a nice step-through.

Time for Gramps to get out the checkbook!!!!

Odd that I'm only seeing one size listed, and it is hard to find in their menus. IGH?



Hmmm...
Seeing single and twin top tube derailleur models in their rather dated catalogs.

https://www.merciancycles.co.uk/wp-c...0-Brochure.pdf
https://www.merciancycles.co.uk/wp-c...1-Brochure.pdf

I wonder if we're seeing a few restorations and NOS popping up on their website.
New with old-stock lugs and metal?

bdooner

Open Ladies Frame | Bob Jackson Cycles
$630. Lugged. Order to fit. Paint choice, decal choice, lug lined.
This would allow a lot of options.

CliffordK

Pretty sweet. Are they still made in the UK?

And any size one wants.

Be careful on the "upgrades". It adds up quickly when one adds some chrome, head-badges, fancy lugs, good tubing, etc.

Can you get the Hetchins style curly stays on that frame?

non-fixie 

No worries, it's always nice to be able to help.

steelcollector

Here is a mid 70's Gitane Mixte I recently built for my sister. Converted it to a single for her as she requested.

scarlson 

I was going to say that the build quality and tubing on the later ones with forged dropouts is as good as anything from Japan from that era. Upon reading the Wiki, I see they were likely made by Bridgestone, which makes sense given what I've observed. Tubing is "575SL triple butted". Rides fine as far as I can tell, and I know someone who tours on one I set up for her. The only caveat with the Olympian is that it has rather small clearances for really fat tires, even with 700c wheels. 38s not possible with fenders, but 32s are fine. But on the other hand, not a lot of bottom bracket drop so it's a good candidate for a 650b conversion.

Bill in VA

Both of these were what also came to my mind, since only rarely have I seen vintage high end mixtes even back in the day. With the Bob Jackson you can get chrome (my big favorite add-on). Additionally, Rivendell Bikes makes the lugged Cheviot frameset that is a step-through in 50, 55, and 60cm sizes, although the 50 and 55 are listed for fat 650B tires, so thinner 700C 'may' fit since the chainstays are longer and the brake reach is shown as a longer 65mm..

Not vintage either, but they look it with 1" threaded steerers.

Doug Fattic 

since6 (Gramps), why not make a frame for them yourself in one of my frame building classes? I've been teaching them for over 40 years. Yes it is in my self interest to say this but hear me out. While the up right position is not as fussy to get acceptable, a frame built just to your grandkids dimensions (while still allowing them to grow) will make their rides easer (or faster, pick one). Double butted tubing comes in a variety of wall thicknesses and the lighter stuff would work great in this instance. It isn't just about the weight and losing a couple or more pounds, the ride is more lively and comfortable. Some don't understand that distinction. When I align a frame with cheaper tubing (like hi-ten), there is no spring back, it just stays where I pull/push it. That translates to a dead flat ride feeling as well.

Starting when my daughter was 6, I made her little custom frames. I made another when she was 9. She would always ask me why she was so much faster than her friends. She also took great pride in riding something her dad made just for her.

Herbie Helm (the guy that sometimes helps me teach these classes) and I have observed that older guys typically make better students. They aren't concerned if they struggle or make mistakes and have had more life experience working with their hands. In fact it really doesn't matter how naturally talented you are since we will do whatever to take up any slack if necessary so a student finishes with a pro quality frame.

Frame builder's Supply in Portland has mixte lugs but they aren't your only option. I've got a ton of vintage and modern lugs too. As they grow you can supply them with another frame to keep developing a new hobby. And no this isn't your cheapest option.

Doug Fattic
Niles, Michigan

merziac

A-D are ones to be on the lookout for, I have one that is a bit rough and wasn't cheap but is 531 and pretty cool. Also have a 78 Moto Grand Touring with Vitus that's very nice, a split TT so not a true "mixte" but plenty close enough, Ms. merziac loves it, just doesn't ride it enough. Need to convert it to upright bars for her.

clubman 

As noted, step throughs can be very sweet. This Gardin has straight gauge Columbus Zeta tubes but it's light and nimble as all get out.

Paramount1973 

Haven’t seen the Fuji Sagres mixte mentioned. It had triple butted Valite tubing, I have a 1985 model sitting in my basement, waiting until I can get to fixing it up. Nice bike.
https://www.classicfuji.com/SagresMixte_1985_Page.htm

Honusms 

Here’s a vintage British mixte frame that I recently equipped with a Campagnolo Chorus 11 speed drive train. It has Campy dropouts, Reynolds 531 decals on frame and fork, a Claud Butler headbadge and decal on the seat tube and a “refurbished by Bob Jackson” decal also on the seat tube. Nice, frisky ride!