Shopping Bikes...

[ninety]

Hello

I'm not sure this is something covered on the site at all, but I figure it's worth asking. My girlfriend wants a shopping bike and I want a project so I've decided to build her one. The only stipulation she's made is that it's a step through frame and she'd like it to be 3 speed. I've suggested a small normal frame or even a mixte instead, but apparently these are definite 'nos'.

I know that some of these things can be super-heavy, so my question is - are there any lighter ones? (I seem to remember seeing an old Lenton made of 531 on ebay a few months back) Makes to avoid or favour? Also, is there any hope of finding one with 700C wheels rather than 26" or are we getting too modern there?

Thanks

Andrew

 

[pigman]

The only stipulation she's made is that it's a step through frame ....... I've suggested a mixte instead, but apparently these are definite 'nos'.

I thought a mixte was the term for a quality step through?? Maybe I'm misinformed??

edit - like this example
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/vintage-mixte-bik ... 1587668431

 

[ninety]

Hiya - I thought mixte was the term for (like the one you've linked to) frames where there are tubes running all the way from the top of the head tube to the rear axle? When I was referring to step-throughs I meant more like thishttp://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-RALEI...d=ViewItem&pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item3f022bcd41

I'd totally go for the one on your link, but it's not my decision...

 

[hubgearfreak]

is this the sort of thing you're after?

i think of shoppers as small wheel jobbies

 

[ninety]

Yes, that's the rough kind of frame, right through to more Dutch style things. You're probably right with the small wheeled thing too - my bad. I think baskets, I think shopping. I think bikes with baskets...

 

[pigman]

here y'go fella, one up for sale here (I've no vested interest)
http://forum.ctc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=40918

 

[one-eyed_jim]

Have you considered a Moulton? They make great utility bikes, and the popularity of the Brompton folder makes the 16" tyre format among the most popular of the smaller sizes.

http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/ ... k3_196.jpg

They're very upgradeable, as well as being an iconic piece of British industrial design.

 

[ninety]

@pigman - that looks great, but sadly it's pick up only from London

@one-eyed-jim - while I met your idea with a certain amount of glee and a light going on above my head (I particularly like the one the picture), I have a strong suspicion that Esther won't share the Moulton love. That doesn't mean I'm not going to look though...

 

[David B]

I know that some of these things can be super-heavy, so my question is - are there any lighter ones? (I seem to remember seeing an old Lenton made of 531 on ebay a few months back) Makes to avoid or favour? Also, is there any hope of finding one with 700C wheels rather than 26" or are we getting too modern there?

You might find something to suit in the shape of a Dawes - I'm sure they made a non-mixte ladies' Horizon touring frame in 531 tubing at some point. We're talking late 80s-early 90s here so 700c wheels would suit. Similar remarks apply to the Falcon Black Diamond tourer (531 again) which I'm sure came in a ladies version.

David

 

[ninety]

@David B - thanks for that. I've just found a Dawes on ebay that might fit the bill and hubgearfreak may have something for me when he gets back from holiday. I reckon a ladies touring bike looks like the way to go, then mess about with bars and stem to get the riding position a bit more relaxed.

Thanks to everyone for all the help and suggestions so far, I'll update once things progress...