Hello Charlie ,
Those of us who have worked in bicycle shops , and who have sold bicycles to distinguished gentlemen ( or even to young punk kids ! ) when those customers happened to be dealing with some sort of flexibility problem , or with some sort of balance problem . . .
We realize that the terms , "ladies' bike" , or "women's bike" , or "girl's bike" , are not only possibly irritating to some women , but also just plain wrong !
I've sold bikes to quite a few "adult" people who did NOT want a "diamond" frame . Sometimes these folks were men , sometimes women , sometimes elderly , and sometimes they were not old enough to buy beer .
They almost always had a knee problem , or a back problem , or a balance problem . One guy was just ultra-paranoid about his , uhhhmmmm , private parts . He said he hadn't ridden a "diamond" frame since he was a little kid .
One term for the "men's frame" is "diamond frame" .
If you're talking very technically , about 1890's bicycles , it can get more complex & confusing . But basically , if you say diamond-frame , we know what you are talking about . If you want to be geometrically correct , perhaps that shape is actually a double-diamond frame !
We all know what a "dropped" handlebar is . How about a bicycle with a "dropped top tube" ?
When selling bicycles , I very often used the terms , "diamond-frame" , and , "dropped-top-tube frame" . If you think that sounds awkward , just try saying them a few times . I like the way they roll off the tongue .
And of course , there used to be quite a few "mixte" frames ! Now those were a sensible idea .
What's the best idea for frame strength ? Because you DEFINITELY want to stay away from a frame that is so flexible that it's hard to control ! One idea is to look for a frame which does NOT have the two tubes parallel to each other , that go from the head-tube to the seat-tube . If they are parallel , and the frame works well , don't worry about it . But , if they open out , getting farther apart , as they go to the seat tube , it makes a big improvement in frame strength .
There are all-Campagnolo equipped , Schwinn Paramount , 10-Speed , and 15-Speed , dropped top tube frames , which Schwinn called "Ladies' Paramounts" . They have elegant Prugnat lugs .
Less expensive of course , would be a dropped top tube model , in a Superior , or a Super Sport , or a New World - or even in a Varsity , or a Suburban .
ALL of the Schwinns mentioned above , were available at some time , with up-right handlebar , and wider saddle . But , they are usually easier to find with dropped handlebar and narrow saddle . As always , if you need to have the handlebar - stem - saddle swapped out by the local bicycle shop , make SURE that they appreciate the left over parts ! If they don't know how valuable those original parts are , take them home with you . Don't let them wind up in the dumpster !
But , since you use the name , "Threespeedcharly" , there are PLENTY of really nice Raleigh , Sports , 3-Speed , dropped top tube frames , which Raleigh called "Sports Ladies Models" . These bicycles are usually desperately seeking good homes !
It seemed to me that I was seeing at least one good Raleigh Sports , with a dropped top tube , for sale cheap , on eBay , every week or so .
More expensive or course , would be a dropped top tube model , in a Superbe , or a 10-Speed Sprite .
For a good deal on a mixte framed bicycle , look to the French . There are many inexpensive Peugeots , and maybe a few Gitanes , with mixte frames , desperately seeking a good home .
Check the garage sales .
Check you local bicycle shops . Ask what's in the back room , and needs to be adopted .
Rescue a bicycle today !
Most of all , enjoy !
Best of luck .
Cheers ,
Raoul Delmare
Marysville Kansas
> Hello to all: I'm recovering from a brainstem stroke and my doctors say
that
> I have more than enough balance to cycle again, but away from all traffic.
> There's a one mile cement oval in a park about 20 minutes from home and I
> could put a bike in the trunk and drive to the park for an hours' worth of
> exercise. Have any of you had a stroke and resumed cycling? What problems
did
> you incur?
> What sort of "affordable" classic or new bike would you recommend that has
> very stable and predictable steering? I'm leaning more towards a ladies
step
> through frame. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Charlie