I now have a 2013 Mixer as an insurance replacement for a 2009 model and I’m really disappointed with it. The ratios on the’09′s Alfine 8 internal hub were a bit irritating because there was often a need for somewhere to go from 8 (in relatively flat Manchester, UK), but they appear disastrous on the ’13. I can’t even imagine using 1-4, 5 only once in a blue moon, 6 on the odd journey, 7 occasionally, 8 60% of the time and 9…oh, there isn’t a 9. The mudguards must be from a 1950s district nurse’s bike and I’m sure they’d look cool on a 1950s district nurse’s bike, but on a 2013 Mixer?! Their build quality makes them feel like they’ve been transplanted from a different bike as well. The pedals would be good if I was a 4′ feet tall ballerina, but I’m not. Being a 6′ bloke I ordered a large bike so I’m gonna have fairly big feet aren’t I? What happened to the near-slick tyres? And the bright blue spokes? Who lets their 4 year old do their day job? Bike designers certainly shouldn’t. The ’09 would have got 5*s, the ’13 only gets as many as 3 because the concept of hub gears with disc brakes on an urban frame is a real winner for me. If a dodgy geezer in a pub offers you my ’09 Mixer, snap his hand off.

I’ve had my Mixer for about 6 Months, and ride about 50 miles a week (mostly commuting, but plenty just for fun). I LOVE this bike. I sold my distance road bike to buy this one, and am very glad I did. It’s comfortable, as fast as you are, and twice as durable. Just make sure you know that it’s heavy, probably 60% heavier than my previous bike. This was a plus for me, since I want the strength and don’t mind working for it. No parts have worn out or broken, and I ride it in a really tough environment. I would highly recommend this bike.