Mixte frames, Manufacturer & on display, S & W Sydney.



T

Terry Collins

Guest
Striking whilst the iron is hod, I thought it might be easier to ask
here (many eyes make light work, etc).

Has anyone seen any mixte frame bicycle son display in southern and or
western Sydney, including Sydney CBD? Need somewhere to take swmbo to
say "This is what I am suggesting you get"

Even better if they can get frames in as well[1], but I'll by a tube or
two just to compensate them from having one on display {:).

Then I'm after manufacturers of mixte frames, so I can arrange to order
one in at the correct size. It has to be an economical brand as well,
otherwise she will back out (too costly) or start stalling again. (sigh!).

[1] Yes, I build my own axes too {:). By reusing most of what she
already has, I can get this bicycle built and in use asap. Then we can
work on "upgrading" other bits when she sees that she is going to make
use of it. {:).

TIA.
 
On Mon, 08 May 2006 21:36:09 +1000, Terry Collins wrote:

> Has anyone seen any mixte frame bicycle son display in southern and or
> western Sydney, including Sydney CBD? Need somewhere to take swmbo to
> say "This is what I am suggesting you get"


For those who don't know, a Mixte is the style where you've got two
smaller tubes running from the head tube, either side of the seat tube,
and back to the rear hub. You've still got a reasonable step through, but
it's not the weak bendy style of step through "women's bike".

Terry, I haven't seen such a thing in the shops, but I have seen a folding
bike that was RRPing for around $300. It was basically a main horizontal
pipe with lockable clamps to bind the seatpost so you could telescope it
in. That's a shocking description. Look here: http://giatex.com.au/joomla/

Australian Cyclist reviewed the larger model here:
http://www.australiancyclist.com.au/showarticle.php?s=4&a=1386

Hmm, the RRP for that is a tad higher than I remember, but it could still
be worth a look.

--
Dave Hughes | [email protected]
"SCSI is *not* magic. There are fundamental technical reasons why it is
necessary to sacrifice a young goat to your SCSI chain now and then."
- Daniel M. Drucker
 
Random Data wrote:
>
> For those who don't know, a Mixte is the style where you've got two
> smaller tubes running from the head tube, either side of the seat tube,
> and back to the rear hub. You've still got a reasonable step through, but
> it's not the weak bendy style of step through "women's bike".


Like a Jones Bike?
http://gallery.mtbr.com/showphoto.php?photo=16819&password=&sort=1&cat=562&page=1
Mmm custom Ti, 2 year waiting list...

> Terry, I haven't seen such a thing in the shops,


No, can't say I can remember seeing one in the shops either. There was a
pink one up the road for the last council clean-up.

Parbs
 
Random Data wrote:

> Terry, I haven't seen such a thing in the shops, but I have seen a folding
> bike that was RRPing for around $300. It was basically a main horizontal
> pipe with lockable clamps to bind the seatpost so you could telescope it
> in. That's a shocking description. Look here: http://giatex.com.au/joomla/


Thanks, but nah {:).
My experience with every folding and U tube type bicyle is that they are
too soft and wobbly and swmbo isn't going to enjoy her rides on them
because of that reason. She has tried a few of these as well and felt
uncomfortable. Folding and compactness isn't an issue when you have a
LWB van {:).

If we can not find a mixte, we might look at a MTB with sloping top tube
(it is leg over problem we are looking at here), but I'm a little
dubious about that as well. Being stuck on a long seat post may or may
not be acceptable. I'll let her judge that one.


> Hmm, the RRP for that is a tad higher than I remember, but it could still
> be worth a look.


Well, I said $1,000 tonight. She doesn't want to, but when you point out
"look how long your old frame has lasted", it tends to win a few points
{:). I'll also win points if we get something under that {:).

It is just a matter of going through the options.
 
Parbs wrote:

> No, can't say I can remember seeing one in the shops either. There was a
> pink one up the road for the last council clean-up.


Well, if they are not around, then I might have to create one {:). It
really is cutting out a top tube and putting in the couple of long bars,
plus modifying the drop out.

I have an old step through that would solve the leg over problem and
give a temporary fix at worst. I could also tack on a deraillier hanger.

I also have a number of smaller frames for 26" and 24" wheels that might
be suitable, i.e. lower top bar, etc.

First problem is I don't really know these bicycles and I've had a
couple of "given" frames over the decades[1] that have "crumped"[2] and
whilst my reactions was "wtf, this is weird" and I was able to jump off,
or as in one case, slowly put both feet on the ground, swmbo doesn't
have the same experience and as you get older, you heal slower.

Second problem is that I'm not sure my oxy work is up to $10+/metre
Cro-Moly atm. So building one can wait for a few years.

Not to mention I'm going to have to strip[3] and repaint each and
everyone of them. Yep, i tried the local powder coaters once, never again.



[1] including a spot welded twainese nasty that I had to sloppily paint
because people kept on say it look a great bicycle {:-X).

[2] down tube parting was the slowly sinking and putting both feet on
the ground experience "My bike has Shrunk!". The chains stays parting
was a sudden total lock up complete with black rubber laydown.

[3] Chili or paint stripper. Haven't decided which is worse. Oh wait, I
do want another, more powerful dremel type tool, especially those
wonderful little wire brushes {:).
 
Ok, it's not local, and I'm not sure if it's in the current production
run, but it is a mixte, and it's from a great guy.

http://kogswell.com/m.html

Is acquiring an old Raleigh mixte frame, stripping, painting and
building up with all new alloy parts, a 700c wheelset with a Nexus hub
gear and perhaps Paul New Racer brakes out of the question? That'd make
a sweet bike.

New Racer brakes (canti or centre mount, allows 700c on a 27" frame)
http://www.paulcomp.com/racer.html

AB.
 
Random Data wrote:
> On Mon, 08 May 2006 21:36:09 +1000, Terry Collins wrote:
>
>> Has anyone seen any mixte frame bicycle son display in southern and or
>> western Sydney, including Sydney CBD? Need somewhere to take swmbo to
>> say "This is what I am suggesting you get"

>
> For those who don't know, a Mixte is the style where you've got two
> smaller tubes running from the head tube, either side of the seat tube,
> and back to the rear hub. You've still got a reasonable step through, but
> it's not the weak bendy style of step through "women's bike".
>
> Terry, I haven't seen such a thing in the shops, but I have seen a folding
> bike that was RRPing for around $300. It was basically a main horizontal
> pipe with lockable clamps to bind the seatpost so you could telescope it
> in. That's a shocking description. Look here: http://giatex.com.au/joomla/
>
> Australian Cyclist reviewed the larger model here:
> http://www.australiancyclist.com.au/showarticle.php?s=4&a=1386
>
> Hmm, the RRP for that is a tad higher than I remember, but it could still
> be worth a look.
>


Here's a mixte set up as a fixie (noice...)

http://bikecult.com/works/archive/ralemixte.html

DeF

--
e-mail: d.farrow@your finger.murdoch.edu.au
To reply, you'll have to remove your finger.
 
Giant ladies style frames (in 2 sizes) are very common in their lower range of mtbs. Upland, Boulder, Rincon etc. I doubt that they'd be as bendy as the old women's bikes. Mixte style frames would be heavier than these. Check their website.
 
Andrew wrote:

> Is acquiring an old Raleigh mixte frame, stripping, painting and
> building up with all new alloy parts,


Nope, no problem (if I can find one). Probably wouldn't be all new.
There is nothing wrong with the TA crankset and whatever pedals she has.
Okay, a new brooks is probably in order too.

I doubt if I'm going to be able to replace her steel bmx handlebars. I
took them off once and was promptly told that she wanted them back on.


> a 700c wheelset with a Nexus hub gear and


Nexus. Must look into them.
I only know about Rohloff, SRAM, Shimano and Sturney Archer.
Oh wait, it is Shimano Nexus. you had me for 5 minutes.

I'm still chasing a price indication on these atm.


> Ok, it's not local, and I'm not sure if it's in the current production
> run, but it is a mixte, and it's from a great guy.
>
> http://kogswell.com/m.html


I think the red tube caps are just a tad excessive {:).
Will keep it in mind if I can not find a local source.
OTOH, the Bicycling Year book lists 72 companies who deal in frames {X-(.
 
slaw wrote:
> Giant ladies style frames (in 2 sizes) are very common in their lower
> range of mtbs. Upland, Boulder, Rincon etc. I doubt that they'd be as
> bendy as the old women's bikes. Mixte style frames would be heavier
> than these. Check their website.


We'll be looking at that sort of frame if we can not find a mixte.

We have seen the giant ladies about, but they didn't look too likely.
Anyway, will wander by the local dealer now that I know where he has
shifted to.
 
Terry Collins wrote:

> Striking whilst the iron is hod, I thought it might be easier to ask
> here (many eyes make light work, etc).
>
> Has anyone seen any mixte frame bicycle son display in southern and or
> western Sydney, including Sydney CBD? Need somewhere to take swmbo to
> say "This is what I am suggesting you get"
>
> Even better if they can get frames in as well[1], but I'll by a tube or
> two just to compensate them from having one on display {:).
>
> Then I'm after manufacturers of mixte frames, so I can arrange to order
> one in at the correct size. It has to be an economical brand as well,
> otherwise she will back out (too costly) or start stalling again. (sigh!).


I've seen locals riding mixtes in central sydney. There's occasionally
a mixte parked outside the new economics building at sydney uni. I
think one masser rides mixte at times. Additionally, the bike parking
outside broadway supermarket is pretty good for viewing rarer bike
types. One afternoon: a mixte, two classic ladies, and a folding
toyota ladies.

Now as far as buying a mixte frame... no idea. For showing on the web,
rivendell frame makers are bringing out men's and women's mixtes at a
mere 4000au and a two year wait, but you can show beautiful pictures.
Haven't seen any mixtes sold in bike stores / available for display.

I actually saw a green mixte on Sunday afternoon outside an antiques
shop in Newtown. I should have stopped and offered to buy it. If I
see it, I'll ask if its for sale eh? No height sizing problems on a
mixte, only reach, and some of that could be solved with albatross
style handlebars, no?

yours,
Sam R.
 
> Nope, no problem (if I can find one). Probably wouldn't be all new.
> There is nothing wrong with the TA crankset and whatever pedals she has.
> Okay, a new brooks is probably in order too.


www.shifterbikes.com in melb have cheap Brooks' at the moment. $95 for
a B17.

> I doubt if I'm going to be able to replace her steel bmx handlebars. I
> took them off once and was promptly told that she wanted them back on.
>
> Oh wait, it is Shimano Nexus. you had me for 5 minutes.


Sorry.

> I'm still chasing a price indication on these atm.


Price guide from aebike.com
US$115/138 plus shipping for an 7/8sp Nexus kit. ?/1.5kg
US$128 & SH, 8sp SA kit. 1.5kg
US$54 & SH, 3sp & coasterbrake SA kit. 1kg

More:
http://aebike.com/page.cfm?action=catalog&PageId=30&category=475&type=T

> I think the red tube caps are just a tad excessive {:).


But it's nice isn't it? (Tyres must be filled with nitrogen ;-)

You need a 'Bicycle Revolution' type place to source an old mixte. I
think one with a new paint job and shiny new bits would look trick.

AB.
 
> Nope, no problem (if I can find one). Probably wouldn't be all new.
> There is nothing wrong with the TA crankset and whatever pedals she has.
> Okay, a new brooks is probably in order too.


www.shifterbikes.com in melb have cheap Brooks' at the moment. $95 for
a B17.

> I doubt if I'm going to be able to replace her steel bmx handlebars. I
> took them off once and was promptly told that she wanted them back on.
>
> Oh wait, it is Shimano Nexus. you had me for 5 minutes.


Sorry.

> I'm still chasing a price indication on these atm.


Price guide from aebike.com
US$115/138 plus shipping for an 7/8sp Nexus kit. ?/1.5kg
US$128 & SH, 8sp SA kit. 1.5kg
US$54 & SH, 3sp & coasterbrake SA kit. 1kg

More:
http://aebike.com/page.cfm?action=catalog&PageId=30&category=475&type=T

> I think the red tube caps are just a tad excessive {:).


But it's nice isn't it? (Tyres must be filled with nitrogen ;-)

You need a 'Bicycle Revolution' type place to source an old mixte. I
think one with a new paint job and shiny new bits would look trick.

AB.
 
Hi Terry,

what about

http://www.shogunbicycles.com.au/METRO-AT-LADIES-PURPLE.html

Only single toptube, and in alu. but pretty much guaranteed(sp?) to be
at the cheaper end of the market

No longer a true twin top tube steel framed mixte, but not many other
options new.

plenty of older brands incl hallmark, shogun, recardo, de carlo. check
out some older shops that might still have a nib(new in box) bike out
the back. In melb we have bicycle recycle to go to.