plowmanjoe

Looking to get a bike for my girlfriend. She's 5'4" so something smaller than 50cm. budget is around $300, if possible. trying not to have to customize or build up at all. new or used.


mixte or stepthrough frame

3 speed minimum, would prefer internal hub.

mustache style bars

cromo steel would be a bonus


the overall aesthetics are pretty important to her. I would love to see the options out there since I'm having a hard time searching for this specific kind of bike.


the best one I've found so far is the state azure, but she doesn't love the blue. https://www.statebicycle.com/collect...-azure-3-speed

Papa Tom

The bike you linked to above isn't what I'd call a true "step-through" frame. Check out the Schwinn link here and tell us if this is what you mean by a step-through: https://www.schwinnbikes.com/product...rban-step-thru

Darth Lefty 

$300 is a very low budget for a complete bike of any style. It's also rare for mixtes or ladies bikes to be chromoly, though there are some. Proper mixtes with the double tubes are also usually drop-bar bikes. So you might just need to relax...

Another bike like the one you linked is the Priority Classic, which has an aluminum frame and belt drive and is a lot lighter. I had one, it was good.

You'd do well to look on Craigslist, or indeed here on Bike Forums, for a classic Raleigh or other brand. There's a another guy one forum over who's been shopping lately and you could follow his example: https://www.bikeforums.net/general-c...ame-sizes.html

Here's some old reference material:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...end-mixte.html

Here are some very, very nice bikes
https://www.somafab.com/archives/product/buena-vista
https://www.rivbike.com/collections/...0-eta-november

Joe Bikerider

https://biria.com/bike/eb-lite-8-int...nexus-8#bike-1

i have one of these and love it. They also have other gearing arrangements on the same frame. Enjoy.

plowmanjoe

Thanks for everyone's input, appreciate it. I was lucky enough to snag a 2007 bianchi milano on c-list for 180. leaves some room in the budget to change out the bars and saddle.

I-Like-To-Bike

Glad to see the OP found a bike suitable for his girl friend. There are a lot of good reasons for a step through/"girl's" frame and one doesn't have to be a girl or woman to appreciate it.



I bought this Biria made Calvin in Germany in 1998 for my 16YO daughter for 491DM (approx.$300). She selected it principally because she liked the color. I was happy with her choice for its features including Nokian 47x622mm tires on aluminum rims, full fenders , chainguard,kickstand, lights, rear rack and basket, 3speed Coaster Sachs Torpedo IGH and good looking aesthetics. She used it to travel back and forth to Heidelburg for socializing with friends.

She moved on but I still ride this bike, 22 years later, especially in the winter due to its easy on-off geometry and reliable all weather braking. And it still looks good even with a little wear and tear.

Joe Bikerider

Whatever gets you out the door. Glad to hear of you and your daughter enjoyed the bike. When I can get out and step over and go thats a good day.