Thanks again [MENTION=197614]fietsbob[/MENTION] - Rather than have custom machining done for this bike (that doesn't seem to fit me anyway), I think what I'll do is wait until after Christmas and cruise CraigsList for the cast-offs of those who got new bikes from Santa. Surely something will fit better than this! LOL

OTOH, I've got almost a $1K honorarium floating my way in Euros, and that might be the bulk of a new Clydemobile in my size. I'm looking hard at Surly Disc Truckers, Electra Amsterdams, and whatever else I can shoehorn a 2" wide tire onto. Any suggestions? Actually, I'd be just as happy with a coaster brake rather than a multi-speed. I don't need the gears because the bike is primarily for exercise and short commuting & my state is FLAT. I'm looking at Electra Loft bikes at the moment. Any other good coaster brake models out there that might tolerate super-wide tires?

PS - I'm not (repeat - NOT) interested in fixies - I'm a platform pedal guy - even back in the old days when I rode half-centuries. So the inexpensive flip-flop-hub bikes with their narrow road tires don't interest me.