I purchased a nice Schwinn Traveler at a second hand store. It is a ten speed from 1979ish based on the instruction manual that was still attached to it. the tires are original and not worn, and everything seems new. I'm guessing it spent the last quarter century sitting unused in a garage. It was a heaping $20 and is a really cool red. It is even my size, which can be hard for me to find used as I am 5'8" which seems to be a popular size for frames.

My problem is that it is a female style step through frame. I don't have any real issues with it (obviously, I'd prefer a male frame), but is there any structural/etiquette concern in my riding this style frame (I weigh around 200lb)?

It is like looking at NOS. A really nice bike.

Your use of the term NOS shows you are not that much of a newb. You got a great deal, I might have bought that to put in the living room especially if it's all original and has the manual hanging on it... it's a relatively inexpensive display piece and it's preserved state would merit display. All the same you bought it to ride and that's what it was made to do so ride on!

I actually use the NOS from working with vintage watches. I'm pretty new to cycling, I have a Specialized MTB, but have been wanting a road bike and came across this one.

1) Ride it
2) Wait for something better to come along
3) Sell it
4) Profit!

Or find a mens frame down the road, and swap the parts over? Schwinn to schwinn, very many parts are universal fit. I am having a hard time picturing this particular model. Is it steel cranks, or alloy three piece?,,,,BD

If you feel confident in your manhood riding a "women's" bike then I say go for it. Always seemed like needless gender classification to me

Nice find! You might want to put on new tires even if they look good. 30 year old rubber doesn't hold up very well and could be a safety issue.