WTB: pretty step-through or mixte frameset for 5'4.25" rider

[Andrew Turner]

Hey group! 

2 years ago, I proposed to my wife with a bike I built her but sadly, the frame is simply too big so I'm on the hunt. A step-through or mixte frameset would be ideal to hopefully add some wiggle room for frame size, but that's pretty much the only requirement other than a pretty paint job. In an ideal world it would fit 26" wheels, since that's what she's already rocking but again, not a deal breaker...not too many 26" mixte's out in the world!  

This isn't her hobby, so we're not looking for rivendell-level quality here, just something a bit more confidence-inspiring. 

Thanks, 

Andrew

[Roberta]

Soma Buena Vista mixte.

Handsome Cycles She-Devil.  You can choose from a large selections of colors.  Sometimes, they have  a "color of the month" or free color of your choice month.  I love mine for in city riding.  I can fit 38 marathons with fenders.  I have the 16 speed version.

[Mark Roland]

This is pick up only and you don't say where you are located, but keep your eye out for 26" hybrids. They make excellent town & country bikes, especially for more petite  riders. This one has a neat paint job--just put on some silver v-brakes and a silver stem and bars, add a basket and rack if she is so inclined. I fixed up a 26" for a friend last summer:

[Mark Roland]

Yikes, not sure what happened to that photo.

[Roberta]

Mark's recommendations are for 26" wheels; I'm not sure what mine are for.

Mark, funny, as I was telling BBDD just tonight that the bike I rode for 30 years was a Hard Rock and I liked it a lot, except for the reach to the handlebars.  I never knew I could get different handle bars to help my aching neck and then be delighted.  Good for me, as it caused me to search for a replacement and I found Rivendell.

Andrew, I really did like the HR except for the (now understood) fixable reach problem.  

Roberta

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 9:16:44 PM UTC-5 Mark Roland wrote:

[Sam Perez]

I own a lugged  shogun mixte that's a fun project it's 27  and is running 32c. More pics if interested.

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[Garth]

Andrew, Rodriquez Frames in Seatlle has made many a mixte/step thru frames over their extensive history (since the early 70's). I believe the www is rodbikes.com .  Their modest prices are for non-custom geometry, $200 extra for full custom. They have a photo gallery of their nearly 600 frames they have made. (Lots of scrolling !) In looking at their low-tube frames, keep in mind the proportions of the frames you are viewing.... meaning most have fairly short front-centers compared to say what Riv is making at this time. A longer front-center allows for more creativity in the curve of the "top" tube near the seat tube, allowing for better foot clearance. Seeing that their frames are custom, a longer front-center would be doable. Yes they know how to make "long" bikes as they just happen to specialize in tandem frames. They also just so happen to still like and offer 26" wheels for appropriate frame models. They also like rim brakes, but do offer the choice of disc. 

[Mark Roland]

Roberta wrote: Mark's recommendations are for 26" wheels; I'm not sure what mine are for.

Actually the OP said ideally looking for a bike that takes 26" wheels, which makes sense for a rider who is 5'4.25"

Rivendell Clems use 26" wheels for the smalls.  I still like riding 26" bikes, even though I am 5' 10.33333" (or I was a few years ago.)