I was going to stay out of this one. But, I decided to add that around 1970-71, while riding around a great deal of Europe by bike, I noticed that just as many men were riding mixte-style bikes as women.
This was mainly in rural farm areas or industrial suburbs. Typically, the men were burly farm, construction or factory workers. Most bikes were fitted with sturdy racks and either with baskets or hefty panniers or even simple duffels tossed on top. It was not uncommon to see saws or other large hand tools partly exposed amidst their loads. I noticed their shoes were usually dusty or muddy work boots.
At that time, weighing only around 125 pounds (60 kilos), and riding on a narrow tired road bike, I surely must have looked more like effete sissy than any of the Workers riding along on their "Girls" bikes.
Upon returning to the US, I was again instantly reminded how inappropriate it would have been for any man to ride even a unisex Mixte style bike. Perhaps as Americans we have always been far too concerned with how we are perceived when riding our bikes.
Even the fact of choosing to ride a bicycle - rather than a pick-up truck or SUV - suggests one is making some sort of personal statement. I am often asked why I ride a bike to work and how far I have to ride. I am definitely considered an oddity and a curiosity. In Europe, at least a few decades ago, it seemed to be accepted as simply a practical alternate form of transportation. And the Mixte was a sturdy style of bike, suited to many different practical needs.
I suppose one of the few Good things about growing older is that one simply cares less and less what others may think.
BOB HANSON, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, USA