Add a piece of PVC tubing to it as a top tube, paint it Rivendell and call it The Petersen. You'll save yourself $4300 and beat Grant in his own game.

Use it as a parts bike, install racks and make it a city bike, grab a skirt and ride it through town, you will find a use for it and thats all that counts.

Tell me for a step-through this does not look Manley. Slap a U.S army star on the side and ride. No one would think twice.
http://spookeaymarine.info/photos/hig8.jpg

I never expected to get so many interesting replys to my post. Thx for all the laughs and silly comments.

Since starting this post I received 2 more vintage bikes. A 1952 Birmingham Phillips and 70's Sears 3 speed. Both mens, so I will not be riding the Raleigh, posted pics in the Vintage ride thread. My niece will be riding it this coming next spring.

Thx, Elad

You may absolutely not ride it, but I have the perfect solution. It's a 1974 men's Sprite you may have to "fix up" for your tweed ride. You probably live about 10 miles from me. If your niece doesn't want the girly one, I'll be happy to work out a deal with you. Regardless, the Sprite is yours if you want it.

Very nice bikes, and a very lucky neice.

In my shop we sell a lot of women’s bikes to dudes.
Most of them are European…

It's official!: Apparently, you don't have to worry. Mixtes were not intended to be gender specific machines. Originally they were designed as an urban transporter that was easy to dismount and straddle at intersections and hop on and off when you bought your baguette.

Millions of dudes here in Japan ride open frames every day of their lives. The ubiquitous mama-chari is an appliance that is defined by an open frame. Mind you, the national sperm count is down according to health statistics. But that may be the natural effect of the high cost of education — two kids can bankrupt you for life! If you have already had a vasectomy, don't worry about it. I don't :)

+1!!!

http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/x...bud4/gulch.jpg

You made the right move and your man-card can be kept intact (for now).

Some will say they aren't girl's bikes, but they're referred to as girl's bikes for a reason.

Are you a girl? No? Then don't ride a girl bike.

:)

Elad, I hope we (you and I) have a solution to your concern. You should have a response from me. If not, I will phone tomorrow. This forum seems to be a man-heavy arena and I think that works to my advantage!
STS