Oh, the Walds were definitely a thing in the early '80s among a certain slice of the populace. Normal-sized dudes walked in to buy the tallest frame available (in our shop that would have been a 27" Fuji or Puch, or a 27" or 28" Panasonic depending on the model), swapped out the gumwalls for whitewalls, got Grab On grips ("sponges") to replace the handlebar tape, got chrome rectangular mirrors (one on each side of the bar), shorty Wald fenders, and several "stretchers" (bungee cords), Vise Grips clamped to the seat post, and as many "flettahs" (reflectors) as we could fit into the spokes. They then walked out pushing the bikes that were too tall for them to straddle and ride. Paid good money for that.

You think I'm kidding.