Wollstonecraft Mixte

Product Description

“Invention, it must be humbly admitted, does not consist in creating out of void, but out of chaos.” – Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

The mixte or step through frame is actually a unisex model although it may prove more appealing to women as it has a more accommodating design if you’re wearing a skirt. But it’s also useful if you have to make lots of stops and hop on and off all the time, as well as being a suitable alternative for those under 5’5″ in height (as well as over).

The hand welded frame is made of Italian made Columbus Zona steel tubes, which keeps weight down and strength up.

Compact geometry makes for a nimble and agile machine, excellent in traffic, while the short wheel base gives an unexpected bonus in terms of storage space.

Spring loaded brake levers and Sturmey Archer shifters (geared models only) are fitted to handlebars finished with Brooks real leather bar tape, stylish, classy and hard wearing, colour matched to the Brooks saddle. The vegan alternative is a colour matched Brooks Cambium with cloth tape, just like they used to use back in the day.

The wheels are hand built to a special order in the UK around Sturmey Archer hubs. We’ve standardised on the Sturmey Archer drum brake for front and rear. This means the entire system is encased in the hub, making it maintenance free. No slipping in the wet, no brake pads to change and nothing to go out of alignment. The hubs are laced to double walled, high polished, alloy rims with stainless spokes, ensuring a stiff, reliable ride and the wheels are finished with Schwalbe puncture protection tyres. If you really want to go low maintenance we can fit Tannus solid tyres. Never pump them up, never get a puncture.

Personalisation and customisation comes as standard. We’ll give you a shout after your order is placed to check what length and rise stem you would like to make sure the cockpit is comfortable. As well as discussing the gear configuration (front and rear cogs) to make sure your gearing is fit for purpose. You want more speed, or better climbing options? No problem.

Gearing, brakes and multispeed options:

We typically roll with Sturmey Archer drum brakes and hub gears. But we can also use classic calipers or coaster brakes. And we can tweak the gear ratio to suit your ride. Options are:

Single speed with drum brakes front and rear

Two speed kickshift with coaster brake – a two speed with no cables, you kick back to change gear and apply more backward pressure to brake. Drum brake or caliper on the front

Three speed freewheel with drum, coaster or caliper brakes

Five speed freewheel with drum, coaster or caliper brakes

Optional extras

Wooden mudguards front and rear 

Rear carrier with wooden platform

Puncture proof tyres. Solid tyres. Install, forget. Never get a puncture or lose air.

Specifications

Frame: 8Ball Cyclery single speed frame made from Italian Columbus Zona steel tubes.

Wheels: Super stiff 700c wheels. Sealed bearing Sturmey Archer hubs with drum brake as standard laced to silver double wall rims with stainless spokes and eyelets.

Tyres: Schwalbe Spicer in cream. 30mm diameter to soak up the bumps with puncture protection and safety line reflection.

Crankset: Sturmey Archer track crankset with Stronglight chainring.

Pedals: System Ex quill pedals.

Handlebars: Nitto or Soma moustache bars with bar end levers or shifters. Leather bar tape or cloth tape.

Saddle: Full leather Brooks B17 saddle in honey. Cotton Cambium alternative available.

Headset & Bottom Bracket: Alloy with sealed cartridge bearings to keep water and grit out.

Extras: Brass bell with a delightful ring. Leather lifting strap.

Sizing: Three sizes: 48cm (Small) for riders 5’5″ and under; 51cm (Medium) for riders 5’6″ – 5’9″; 54cm (Large) for riders 5’10” and over.

Please see homepage for delivery times. You can’t rush quality. Each bike is handmade to order. 

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