Random Questions about ‘Old School Bikes’

[clever_sky]

Recently I’ve had the strange childish enthusiasm to start bike ridding again.

I guess after viewing this very amusing webpage, http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/strong feelings of nostalgia washed over me.

(How can they bike ride in heels and dresses? And ride without helmets or protective gear?!)

Sadly, however, I had out grown my old bike (something I had since I was about 8-years-old) and gave it away to the Salvation Army. Then I remembered my Mom’s ‘old school’ bike being stored in our basement. And I recalled my grandparents’ persistent lectures, given throughout my childhood, about the fine art of thrift and saving. So today I decided to boldly venture into the very dusty and the unknown (aka outside basement/gardening storage area)…and I reclaimed the quested bike. It’s a women’s green (with orange and white lines) Huffy ‘Wildwood’ Cruiser Brake, late 70s/early 80s model. I just love the light brown handles and seat! 😉

Here’s a picture:

Anyway, after washing off the years of dust and after my dad’s insistence of pumping air into the wheels it looked good enough to test out… However I discovered that the seat is too high, only my big toes can touch the ground (very scary since there are no brake handles). My dad claims that it’s normal and thinks its fine but I want to have the seat lowered a little bit.

So my question, as random as it sounds, is how low can the seat be on a woman’s bike and how much crotch room should there be?

And I’m also currently looking for a new beach bike, however I am presently intending on using my Mom’s old one until it breaks beyond repair. But does anyone have any suggestions on a new one?

Oh~! And just out of curiosity what kind of bikes do you guys ride and have had? And where do you usually go to with them (ex. the store, town, or picnic with friends)?

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