I stopped in to my new favorite bike shop, Back Alley Bike Repair the other day and spent a few minutes chatting about valve caps (why people keep stealing mine and why they are not really necessary) and most importantly, I got the soft sell on the Soma Buena Vista Mixte. Made in California, the frame comes in gold and a pearl white that makes my heart pitter patter. I love their philosophy - practical, durable, comfortable, affordable - made for the everyday cyclist. I’ve had my Motobecane for more than seven years and I’m itching for something new. I guess I need to see one of these ladies in person.

As a side note, like most bike shops in Seattle, Back Alley appears to be a man’s world inside, but owner Ben Rainbow is quite possibly the kindest mechanic I’ve ever had the pleasure of taking my bike to. If you are in Seattle and need a shop, they come highly recommended.