BlacktopCyclery.com Soma Buena Vista Mixte

Soma Buena Vista Mixte

I was recently commissioned to build a city bike for the spouse of a very good customer. It was to be a present at a surprise retirement party. The only requirement was that it be comfortable enough for a recently-returning rider while still being fashionable. Again, Soma Fabrications came to mind as they have perfected the practice of bringing practical bicycles to the market. Their Buena Vista frame seems to have been designed to be ridden with upright handlebars and rear drop out spacing that will accommodate just about any hub one may choose, while still be delivered in an attractive paint scheme. This is the one we chose.

I have always felt the wheelset should always be selected first for build, and in this case I chose the Soma Iggy 3-speed wheelset. The handlebars are a special item manufactured for Rivendell called Albatross bars. The “Jack Brown” tires, also a Rivendell product, have enough volume to provide a comfortable ride while still moving swiftly. The saddle used in this case is a sprung unit by Brooks, and the crankset, IRD Defiant.

Needless to say, the bicycle was very well received by the recipient and her guests at the party.

Specs:

Frame- 54cm Soma Buena Vista mixte
Headset- IRD Techno-Glide
Wheels- Soma Iggy 3-speed, 18t cog
Tires- 700x33c Rivendell Jack Brown (blue)
Saddle- Brooks B72 in brown
Handlebar- Rivendell Albatross
Grips- Whipped and shellacked Cork, matched to shifter
Crankset- IRD Defiant, 46t
Stem- Nitto Lugged Chromoly
Pedals- Rivendell Grip King
Bag- Rivendell Nigel Smythe Big Loafer