Crazy Idea??
07-05-22, 06:38 AM
#1
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Crazy Idea??
My wife started riding her mixte last week. This is the 2nd. frame I built. I have been considering one for myself as I like the look! So had a wild thought. To see if I really like one what if I located a frame removed the TT and brazed in the twin laterals? I know this would be a hack but it would give me an idea.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
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07-05-22, 07:30 AM
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Sounds like a fun project! a few things come to mind - none should stop this project. Post progress pics. there will be several little problems to solve - like rear brake cable routing but nothing insurmountable.
1 - Stripping and then brazing/welding to something that has been painted and has who-knows-what inside the tubes isn't very fun. Wear a mask.
2 - The bars might be a bit low if you're using swept back bars
3 - Making a race bike into an upright bike doesn't result in great handling so I would try to start with an upright-type bike. This helps with #2 as well.
1 - Stripping and then brazing/welding to something that has been painted and has who-knows-what inside the tubes isn't very fun. Wear a mask.
2 - The bars might be a bit low if you're using swept back bars
3 - Making a race bike into an upright bike doesn't result in great handling so I would try to start with an upright-type bike. This helps with #2 as well.
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07-05-22, 05:02 PM
#3
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Tom, what kind of handlebars were you thinking of using on this project? Road handlebars (drop bars) require a different geometry than if you are using upright bars (like a North Road model). A Mixte lends itself to around town casual riding. Upright bars and a step though frame make getting around in town easier.
I think it was on the Classic Rendezvous list that someone observed that male French manual laborers after the war liked riding Mixtes because they didn't have to swing their legs over all the stuff they loaded down their bicycles with. The same can be true when you are riding a touring bike. Swinging a leg over a packed bicycle doesn't get any easier as we age.
The problem I see with your possible project is that the frame you modify may not be quite right anyway so you will be putting a lot of effort into something that is less - and maybe a lot less - than optimum. My recommendation is to do it right from the start. Maybe make an around town frame 1st with upright bars? You will always want to use that. I like riding mine for more than just running errands. It is nice at the end of the day to go for a few easy miles sitting upright. It's like going for a walk without having to change into a cycling kit. I'll say it again that a road frame designed for drop bars does not convert well to upright handlebars.
I think it was on the Classic Rendezvous list that someone observed that male French manual laborers after the war liked riding Mixtes because they didn't have to swing their legs over all the stuff they loaded down their bicycles with. The same can be true when you are riding a touring bike. Swinging a leg over a packed bicycle doesn't get any easier as we age.
The problem I see with your possible project is that the frame you modify may not be quite right anyway so you will be putting a lot of effort into something that is less - and maybe a lot less - than optimum. My recommendation is to do it right from the start. Maybe make an around town frame 1st with upright bars? You will always want to use that. I like riding mine for more than just running errands. It is nice at the end of the day to go for a few easy miles sitting upright. It's like going for a walk without having to change into a cycling kit. I'll say it again that a road frame designed for drop bars does not convert well to upright handlebars.
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