Buena Vista Disc Component Specs:
- Headset: 1-1/8" (threadless external cup; SHIS: EC34/28.6 | EC34/30)
- Front derailleur: 28.6mm, bottom pull
- Seatpost: 27.2mm; Seat clamp bolt included
- Hub rear spacing: 135mm OLD hubs
- Gearing: Sliding dropouts make the frame compatible with derailleur gears, internal geared hubs, and single speed
- Brakes: IS Disc mount. Will fit post mount with IS adapter; 160mm rotor recommended (will not fit rim brakes)
- Compatible with downtube shifters (covers not included for bosses)
- Chainring fit, max.: 50-34t double, 48-36-26t triple
- Bottom bracket shell: 68mm wide, English threads
- Max. Tire Fit: 700c x 45mm, 650b x 50mm (Size 42cm of the disc frame is NOT designed for 26" wheels like the rim brake model. Will fit 700c x 42mm tires with fenders)
- Water bottle bosses: 2 sets (top of downtube, under downtube)
- Racks mounts: Low rider front pannier rack, mini front rack, rear rack
- Max. Weight, including rider and cargo: 270 lbs
Why should I get a Buena Vista Disc instead of finding a vintage mixte on Craig's List or buying one of the cheaper new mixte bikes I've seen on the internet?
First off we are happy you are looking for a bike, any bike. Just make sure it suits your needs and fits your body.
Advantages over vintage:
1.) You can use modern gearing like 9-speed or 11-speed cassettes. Vintage mixtes were designed for 5 or 6-speed freewheels which are harder to find and also don't provide wide gearing for hills.
2.) Materials on old bike may be of lower quality, might be high tensile steel or plain gauge CrMo, which makes it heavier to ride or carry. Also they are flexier since they don't have the larger diameter thin wall tubes of the Buena Vista. This is a bike you can ride long distances (enjoyably) even with loaded panniers.
3) Good luck finding a used bike that fits you. The Soma comes in 4 sizes to suit folks 4'10" to 6' 2"
4) The Buena Vista Disc version fits modern Disc Brakes: Better for speed control and wet weather stopping, also allows use of wider more versatile and comfortable tires.
Advantage over new cheaper mixtes:
1.) Materials on competitor's bikes may be cheaper, might be high tensile steel or plain gauge CrMo, which makes it heavier to take upstairs. And won't absorb road vibrations as well. With Soma you get name-brand CrMo tubing.
2) Sporty geometry: Most complete mixtes are design for upright cruising in the park or for short commutes. You can't ride them very fast. Your body will be in an awkward position when standing up to climb hills. The Buena Vista can be built up as a comfy cruiser, too, but its longer top tube allows you to also build it up like a road sport bike or hybrid. The bike shop can tune it to your body and flexibility.
3) Also we offer 4 sizes. Lower cost mixte bikes are usually offered in one or two sizes only.
What are some reasons of getting a mixte ("mix-tee") over a regular "men's" frame?
1) It has a lower standover height than a regular road or hybrid bike, which allows you get on and get off the bike in the front of the seat, which has its advantages. Example: You are carrying a trunk bag or baby carrier on the rear rack and you don't want swing your leg over the seat and accidentally kick your baby. Also you can more easily straddle the bike when you are stopped at a light. And it's easier to share with shorter or less experienced friends and relatives. Older riders with less flexibility may find the mixte easier to mount and dismount. It is also easier to ride a mixte in a longish winter coat.
2) Style: Some who like these bikes like it for its vintage styling. Before we launched our Buena Vista, both men and women in our city were scouring garage sales for this charming style of bike.
3) Less likely to hurt the family jewels in an accident.
Can I do loaded touring on this frame?
Short answer is "yes you can".
You can install a rear rack, but make sure the model is disc brake compatible. Our matching fork has eyelets for mini racks and pannier racks.
Rear and front loads affect the handling of road frames more than purpose-designed touring frames. For a more pleasant ride experience keep loads in the back under 22 lbs. and front loads under 10 lbs.
Max. weight limit with load and rider: 260 lbs.(120 kgs.)
If you intend to take your bike on multi-day tours, you need to make sure your component choices are suitable for that type of riding (i.e. durable tires/wheels, bars that give you more than one hand position, wide enough gearing climbing hills, etc.)
