Today I rode Hedwig for the first time since the Pashley arrived. It's amazing how different a bicycle can feel if you haven't ridden it in awhile! Like putting on your street shoes after roller skating. She felt so small and light. And she is, compaired to Violet, but I wasn't expecting to feel that big of a difference.
Which got me thinking. I've had my old Fuji mixte sitting in the kitchen since last July.
The original plan was to rebuild her with new alloy wheels instead of the original chromed steel. Mainly to increase braking in the rain. But I now have two bikes that brake wonderfully when wet, so why bother replacing the wheels on the Fuji? By using the perfectly good wheels that she has, I can actually afford to fix her. Riding Hedwig today inspired this thought. I found that I love the sportier feel of the aluminum mixte frame, and love the heavier, sturdier feel of the Pashley. So how about a middle ground bike? A heavier lugged steel mixte for those sunny days.
Now, it's just a question of whether of not to keep the drop bars.
I say go with what you're comfortable with. Have you used dropped bars in the past? How do you feel about them? It took me a while to get use to mine, but now I like having the variety of different bikes, with different looks, for different purposes. I still don't have a Mixte though, so I will have to live vicariously through you. I rode a lugged Shogun mixte a while back ago and almost purchased it, but decided to go with the Raleigh Lady Sports instead. Enjoy. Looking forward to seeing the finished look.
ReplyDeleteSue - I used drop bars (on this very bike!) when I rode it all the time as a kid. So, not since I was about 15 or so. I'm still debating. I may give them a try at least for the nostalgia. :)
ReplyDeleteFrom Willyjake : "Actually, "drop" the drop bars and mail them to me here in Richmond! I had some Nitto Randonneur drops on my leightweight road bike and just don't care for them at all on that style bicycle....I'll scrounge up a swept handlebar for you!"
ReplyDeleteSorry I accidentally deleted your comment! I may take you up on that. I want to give the drop bars a chance first though. Feel free to scrounge around and let me know what you come up with!