What is a Mixte bicycle frame?

The mixte – pronounced meext in French, but MIX-tee in English – is a step-through frame with a twist. The top tube is replaced by smaller-diameter twin stays that run from the top of the bike’s head tube down to its rear dropouts, bisecting the rear triangle.

How long does a chromoly bike frame last?

Chromoly frames are typically overdesigned well above the endurance (fatigue) limit of 0.54 of tensile strength. This means if the welds are properly done, you can expect what we call ‘infinite life’.

Where are Soma frames made?

Where does Soma produce its frames? They are designed in San Francisco. They are hand welded in Taiwan. Please note most big bike makers have moved most of their production to mainland China, which does not yet match the quality of Taiwan.

What is a step-through bike?

What is a Step-Through Bike? Step-through bikes are the compromise between the low-step and the step-over frame, which we will discuss shortly. Step-through bikes offer riders the most upright riding position and will also be the easiest for riders to mount and dismount by simply stepping through the curved frame.

What does Mixte mean?

/ (ˈmɪkstɪ) / adjective. of or denoting a type of bicycle frame, usually for women, in which angled twin lateral tubes run back to the rear axle.

What is a trapeze bike frame?

Trapeze. Splitting the difference between traditional and step-through frame designs; trapeze frames – offer easier mounting and dismounting coupled with a sportier aesthetic. Compact / Mini Velo. A bit of a wildcard option perhaps, but models with smaller 20” wheels are popular with good cause.

Does chromoly frame rust?

With its resistance to extreme temperatures, chromoly steel needs a special welding technique when building frames or joints. Chromoly steel is also treated before and after manufacturing to increase the natural resistance to corrosion, dramatically lessening the chance of rust.

Is chromoly better than alloy?

It’s lighter and stiffer than steel, but it’s also more brittle and easily damaged. Chromoly is slightly heavier than aluminum, but the frame can be thinner and has reduced stiffness, which provides a smoother ride. Aluminum, on the other hand, is more like glass, which breaks before it bends.

Are Soma frames good?

These are my general observations: Soma is a good basic frame, at a good price. There are better steel frames, but the Saga is available for $420, including fork, on eBay, and that is a good price, and a lot of frame for the money.

Is SOMA a good bike brand?

The Soma Smoothie is an incredibly desirable bike that certainly lives up to its name. Soma is a small brand based in San Francisco. Its philosophy echoes the area’s hippie values and it claims to make products for everyday cyclists, not just those wanting to ape the pros.

Why do women’s bikes have a slanted bar?

Thus, bike makers began making bike models just for women that slanted the top crossbar down so that the women could mount and dismount the bikes without lifting their legs very high. This tradition has continued to this day, even though most women don’t go around riding bikes in dresses or skirts anymore.

Are step through bikes heavier?

Step-through bikes are heavier and thicker than the traditional Step-Over bikes, the main reason is their construction. These bikes don’t have that top bar, so conventional support and protection, which also make them less sturdy by comparison.

What kind of steel is a fixie bike made out of?

The frame is made from 6061 aluminum and comes with a Cro Moly fork steel. This is a solid combination and it shows when you use it to build a bike. The frame includes cable stops, bottle mounts, fender eyelets, and other vital components.

What does Mixte stand for in bike category?

Mixte – Vintage Frame Design is the New Trend in Stylish City Bikes. The mixte – pronounced meext in French, but MIX-tee in English – is a step-through frame with a twist.

Who are the manufacturers of the mixte frame?

Rivendell Bicycle Works, another California-based manufacturer, has seen success with its beautiful lugged steel models, the Betty Foy and Yves Gomez – basically the same frame, loosely branded as “hers” and “his” bikes. I asked Rivendell founder Grant Petersen for his thoughts on why the mixte is still seen by so many as a ladies’ bike.

Do you need the right frame for a fixie bike?

If you are going to ride a fixie, it’s important to get a frame that is suited for that bike, as choosing the wrong type could have an adverse effect on its overall performance. I used to have that kind of problem too so I had to make sure the bike frames I used were the right ones.