tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.comments2022-03-29T05:09:48.807-07:00This Girl's Bikedreamlethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09677470231992780003noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-61025453892559965902014-10-08T09:46:20.863-07:002014-10-08T09:46:20.863-07:00Absolutely gorgeous!!!! What more can I say....Absolutely gorgeous!!!! What more can I say....Carol Cameronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00241286094683449544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-53855396223019045012013-09-21T22:33:46.658-07:002013-09-21T22:33:46.658-07:00This is cool!This is cool!Charishttp://bestmemoryfoammattressreviews.us/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-3456238573090762092013-08-09T21:16:38.359-07:002013-08-09T21:16:38.359-07:00Okay it's a year later but here I am looking a...Okay it's a year later but here I am looking at this post so maybe others are as well. The mixte bike is a cool and practical solution. Many mixte bikes by Raleigh, Univega, Centurion, are lightweight and have derailleur gears = low gears for hills. The person just above pegged the problem just right: the original poster is trying to train for a triathlon on the same bike as doing daily commuting? Didn't we learn that lesson back in the 70's when everybody rode a "race bike", even to the grocery store? The mixte bike is fast, agile, stable, reliable, stylish, and accommodates many styles of apparel. I disagree ith the above poster in one way, Dutch style bikes are uber expensive, and somewhat dependent on living in some ultra cool urban setting where they can be sourced, whereas 80s vintage mixte bikes can be had from craigslist for about $80-100. With a few modernizations they can be ultra cool. I have 3 of them. Also have 2 "race" bikes from the 80s, a carbon fiber Trek racing bike, a mountain bike....what affords me the ability to have more than one bike is craigslist. Check it out. Get a mixte. Chainguards can be had for about $20. Don't spend $1200 to get a chainguard on a Dutch bike. Get a vintage mixte off craigslist. No, forget I said that...more left for me to high grade! LOLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-55320478110998814192013-05-29T18:02:09.309-07:002013-05-29T18:02:09.309-07:00How about a step through frame aluminum bike? I t...How about a step through frame aluminum bike? I think this would be a good fit (and what I'm thinking of getting, maybe).<br /><br />The benefits for commuting/city riding are somewhat upright seating, racks, step through, integrated lights.<br />Benefits for touring/etc are light bike, lots of gears, good components.<br /><br />It's not as pretty, but other than that, I think it hits part B: Very good for commuting. Reasonably good for the group rides. What do you guys think? I haven't bought one yet, just looking, and this one is a high possibility.<br /><br />http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/multi-use/source/sourceelitestepthrough<br /><br />Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01006628494981559465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-56086334724367616742013-03-12T04:14:27.216-07:002013-03-12T04:14:27.216-07:00That's cute. I want one. Now if it just had pa...That's cute. I want one. Now if it just had pannier attachments it would be perfect!Emmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11577785564798973867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-29913464874177137152012-12-20T10:35:45.267-08:002012-12-20T10:35:45.267-08:00Oh i too love bicycling in rain........
Visit my ...Oh i too love bicycling in rain........<br /><br />Visit my blog www.hikingideas.in for more<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03802735210501621904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-47546580908944457982012-09-27T15:16:12.849-07:002012-09-27T15:16:12.849-07:00i have got one, it looks good but has a few big fl...i have got one, it looks good but has a few big flaws<br />- not enough space for the mudguard , it either touches the chain or the crank<br />- rear mudguard/fender came off and developed a hole in it<br />- despite the mudguards you still get covered in water and mud<br />- the angle of the seat-tube is to relaxed and you are too far back to pedal comfortably and can even develop a knee injury<br />smaller issues:<br />- very heavy<br />- handle bars are extremely wide so you need as much room as a bus :)<br /><br />i would recommend to buy something else<br />Emilemilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09590523998141150355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-44580803166112877652012-08-23T03:21:17.893-07:002012-08-23T03:21:17.893-07:00A few observations: A Pashley Princess Sovereign i...A few observations: A Pashley Princess Sovereign is not necessarily representative of the category of upright bicycles. That bike is designed for English country rambles and market shopping and has become popular mostly for aesthetic reasons. In any case, weight itself is not a huge issue for hills - the real weight is the rider and what stops you getting up them is the state of your muscles, not so much the bike. What's more key is a rigid frame, low gearing and your ability to stand in the pedals. There a wide variety of upright bikes available from many brands. I disagree with the poster who wrote that "an upright bike will be awful for longer rides". I've ridden my upright bike on 50 km tours and enjoyed it thoroughly. If your bike is hard on your knees it's badly fitted to you. Who says you have to hunch over your handlebars to do distance? Hunching over is something racers do to cut down wind resistance. Something often forgotten in these discussions that a heavier bike with a steel frame gives a much smoother ride, is a much better platform for carrying cargo and will last much longer.<br /><br />Given the hilliness she reports, if Manny had the budget, I'd invite her to consider pedelec bicycles - not the push-button/scooter type of e-bike - a bicycle you still have to pedal. Go for something German, not Chinese. It is quite pricey for a good one, but you'll use it all the time, even with hills and it's much cheaper than a car or scooter. It's quite hilly where I live, but my Kalkhoff Agattu has flattened the city for me. I also have a a bike from Amsterdam-based bike maker Workcycles - the Secret Service - a more modern upright Dutch bike, but with reduced ratio gears so that I can almost walk up the hill in first gear. (I got the pedelec because there are some hills on my commute with very steep grades, and it's not that I can't climb them on my Dutch bike, but that I end up quite sweaty and pooped at the top - which is not ideal for transportation cycling.) <br /><br />I have several problems with the design of the Mixte bikes you suggested. They don't have a decent mudguard - that's where a lot of the road grime comes from. A completely covered chain, Dutch-style, keeps your clothes clean and massively reduces the need for maintenance. These Mixtes also rely on caliper-style brakes - V-brakes, disc brakes, whatever, they're less durable, dirtier, and need much more maintenance than roller brakes. These bikes also have derailleur-type gears. I really don't see any advantage is having a derailleur for urban use - hub gears are a much better solution - cleaner, less maintenance, durable.<br /><br />The key problem I see with Manny's question is that the kind of bike one might use to train for a triathlon is not all what one would use for default transportation.) In my humble opinion, any attempt to square that circle will mean seriously compromising. 95% of what Manny wants to do is utility cycling: with one bike to do it all she'll end up getting something less than ideal for most of her transportation needs in order to be able to train for a triathlon. <br /><br />BTW, Velouria, I disagree that the posture on a Brompton is upright - it's 3/4 upright. Upright is your back nearly arching back from the seat. On a Brompton, you're still putting weight on the handlebars.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-13670180750889874472012-08-17T14:26:29.356-07:002012-08-17T14:26:29.356-07:00I'd say mixte - with a sporty fit and deraille...I'd say mixte - with a sporty fit and derailleur gearing. One caveat is that not all mixtes are the same! You can get one with the same geometry, tubing, fit and gearing as a loop frame (other than the loopiness of course) or you can get one with the same geometry, tubing, fit and gearing as a road bike. As far as specific bikes, I second the recommendations for the Betty Foy and Sweatpea, and would also add to it the Soma Smoothie - which is easier on the wallet. You might also consider a Brompton with the 6-speed lowered gearing. It works very well for me on hilly 20 mile+ commutes while keeping me very much upright. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-47439919773975223012012-05-21T06:25:20.514-07:002012-05-21T06:25:20.514-07:00I have (and love) the Lazy Susan. You're right...I have (and love) the Lazy Susan. You're right about the rear rack tubes - hard to get a pannier over bars this big..I had to try a few before finding this one that does fit and is hard wearing despite the pale colours (http://www.cyclechic.co.uk/shop/bags-baskets-panniers/messenger-bags-rucksacks/bolzano-pannier) but you have to take the plywood off the rack to allow for the clips (easily done).<br /><br />And I love that you chose that basket - i'm on the lookout for a front metal basket like it. Just waiting for the perfect bargain.<br /><br />The bike is heavy but enjoyable to ride. As long as you don't mind being overtaken by other cyclists!Emilynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-77426030500425058622012-04-23T06:45:07.893-07:002012-04-23T06:45:07.893-07:00I added another bicycle recently and this is the m...I added another bicycle recently and this is the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden...it's the Jamis Earth Cruiser 3. Although in mens the womens model is available. Light and rolls with perfect balance. The 3 speed internal hub is all I need. So many compliments too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-48475848433771538242012-04-13T10:30:51.268-07:002012-04-13T10:30:51.268-07:00Definitely, the mixte. Tho' I've only tes...Definitely, the mixte. Tho' I've only test rode the Electra Ticino (just before buying the Amsterdam Royal 8i), it seemed like a great bike. I was in the market for an upright, internally geared bike. <br /><br />The Ticino was comfortable, yet still responsive. 21 spds, caliper brakes. If I'd had the money to buy two bikes, I would have gotten both, and am in the market for a good used, possibly vintage mixte to toy with.<br /><br />Before making my purchase, I'd posted on Bike Forums asking for other members imput on bikes. A few recommended the Globe Mixte as well. Linus also makes a mixte, but don't know much about it. All look good!<br /><br />Good Luck, happy riding.Sherrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00951353660143205438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-67515091711952282652012-04-11T17:49:24.991-07:002012-04-11T17:49:24.991-07:00If you and your parents haven't bought the bik...If you and your parents haven't bought the bike(s) yet I would wholeheartedly suggest my ride, the Globe Live 2 mixte. You might want to get fatter tires for it to suit the wet conditions of Seattle, but it's great on hills. Atlanta and its sprawl are monstrously hilly and I do just fine. I'm very comfortable on it--the seat never bothers me and my knees, back, neck never suffer on my commute which is 2.5 miles. I've been on longer rides with the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and enjoyed myself. For the price of the Rivendell or Sweetpea you could get a Live 2 mixte and a road bike off of Craigslist.<br /><br />Oh yeah, and you can carry lots of stuff.Courtneehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17621406858307689181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-64287648209848292252012-04-09T11:13:38.532-07:002012-04-09T11:13:38.532-07:00Hi, can I put in my two cents? I am lucky enough t...Hi, can I put in my two cents? I am lucky enough to have, um, all three of those kinds of bikes.... By buying them off of craigs list, having multiple bikes isn't so expensive, but that isn't actually what I am advocating. As mentioned in the post, an upright bike will be awful for longer rides. Mine I find especially hard on the knees, and much slower. It is great for short, local rides especially for grocery shopping or library runs.<br />I have a mixte 10 speed road bike which I do most of my commuting on, but I find the drop handle bars are very hard on my neck. The speed is nice (much less effort than a mountain bike--I would never go back to a mountain bike) and it maneuvers well in traffic and is easy on the hills. While I find it harder on my neck than the upright, it is kinder on the knees, and you get a lot more power from your legs for less effort. (aka going up hills feels much easier).<br />I also have a men's frame road bike with straight handle bars and this is my favourite for riding. I can ride it in most skirts even, once I mastered the lean the bike to mount thing, just not super flowy ones or pencil ones. A pair of leggings underneath can keep you modest if you are worried.<br />If you want one bike for what you describe, I would say get a mixte frame but a lighter road bike type one (Seattle is hilly, so you want light frame and at least 7 gears). There are loads of older (80s) ones available second hand even with light frames, but make sure the frame is the right size for you as lots of the ones out there were originally sold to teenagers and can be a bit small. As mentioned in the post, there are also some good new ones to be found. Be open to trying different handle bars and find the ones that fit your body best. You can always change handle bars, so it's not as important to get that right as the frame size which you are stuck with. <br />It seems to me that the hybrids on the market today are heavy and slow and in many ways the worst rather than the best of both worlds. The blog Lovely Bicycle has a discussion somewhere of the relative benefits/costs of second hand bikes to new ones which I found very useful. <br />Enjoy riding!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-67119308286061519832012-04-06T19:44:53.204-07:002012-04-06T19:44:53.204-07:00do you regret replacing your Bianchi?do you regret replacing your Bianchi?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-39580976232322507252012-03-22T06:54:38.161-07:002012-03-22T06:54:38.161-07:00I was looking at a number of different models when...I was looking at a number of different models when I was in the market for a bike, but for reasons of convenience (as well as performance) I decided to get a full-size <a href="http://www.montaguebikes.com" title="Montague Folding Bikes" rel="nofollow">folding bike</a>. I can ride everywhere I need to, and it's also really easy to keep inside.Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01717941308616724770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-77132553588336267562012-03-21T18:47:20.629-07:002012-03-21T18:47:20.629-07:00But it's a girl's bike. There's no ho...But it's a girl's bike. There's no horizontal bar. Have things changed since I was a kid?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-3077918683069150842012-03-21T09:48:04.899-07:002012-03-21T09:48:04.899-07:00I ride an older Centurion mixte which I love. It ...I ride an older Centurion mixte which I love. It gets me where I want to go, and with rear rack and saddlebags, I can carry what I need. <br /><br />I vote for Mixte!Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424803040418244129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-32648839480486531092012-02-23T10:15:44.285-08:002012-02-23T10:15:44.285-08:00Beautiful bike.Beautiful bike.Sherrillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00951353660143205438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-52025135604392415352012-02-21T09:52:37.506-08:002012-02-21T09:52:37.506-08:00Just found this updated post with your Schwabb cru...Just found this updated post with your Schwabb cruisers, handlebars and pannier. LOVE the look! I am ordering the same bike you have and adding the same tires. Would love to get your input about my other add ons. Thinking of adding the Civia 'loring' front and back racks http://civiacycles.com/bikes/loring/loring_i-motion_3_speed/#build in place of the basket and back rack on the PPS. Also fell in love with<br />Portland design works 'Bourbon' grips. http://www.ridepdw.com/goods/grips/bourbon-grips%E2%84%A2 Then I found the Axiom shopping 'bagsket' http://axiomgear.com/products/gear/baskets/rear-side-mount/shopping-pannier-bagsket/ What do you think?drgnflyzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04885437766708883322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-48406061740775700352012-02-21T09:36:44.159-08:002012-02-21T09:36:44.159-08:00I have been researching which bike to buy and thin...I have been researching which bike to buy and think I have settled on the Pashly Princess Sovereign. I am ordering some aftermarket add ons, like the same tires you added! Would love to see some pics of your Pashley with the new tires and handgrips.drgnflyzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04885437766708883322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-9783580032297578632012-01-22T06:12:03.522-08:002012-01-22T06:12:03.522-08:00Where'd you go, no updates in a while!Where'd you go, no updates in a while!Magali Vazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07824875035565548632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-23522864414915648632012-01-03T16:10:02.468-08:002012-01-03T16:10:02.468-08:00Globe makes a bike called the "haul 01" ...Globe makes a bike called the "haul 01" or "haul 02". I got the 01 and i love it! it has 14 speed and about a 250# weight capacity on the back incorporated rack. problem was the tubes are too big for panniers to fit them and too wide for a child seat to straddle. I got creative and made a child seat out of a milk crate and DYI panniers. again, I still love the bike because, even with a 4 year old on the back I can still peddle up the steep hill from the american river to old fair oaks with a coffee in one hand.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-79658372894607237242011-09-25T05:48:18.528-07:002011-09-25T05:48:18.528-07:00I just got a Po Campo "Logan" I think, i...I just got a Po Campo "Logan" I think, it is great for the back rack, and then to carry in to a shop or wherever you are headed. I am very much enjoying it. I hope you are enjoying your pannier. I also have a Pashley Princess! Such a classy ride!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726646815778569168.post-53685442058966314032011-09-25T05:45:33.604-07:002011-09-25T05:45:33.604-07:00Oh my, it is fabulous! I have too many bags as we...Oh my, it is fabulous! I have too many bags as well! Not a bad addiction as addictions go though...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com