I didn't consider that in other contries bicycles are not build and graded the same way as in germany.

Canuck descrips a ladies bikes (it's not "womans bicycle" then - I live an learn...) much better than I did. In Germany a bike is a common vehicle, not for sport only. I use my trecking bike 1) on my way to work every day and I drive fast. Only sheet ice forces me to use a train or our car. 8)

It's the best idea to try it yourself, Graham. Enjoy riding your bike kilted... I'm the type of gent in trousers that overtakes You with a wide grin (and dead flies beween his tees).

The KILT thing: Germans generally denote Kilts as scots skirts (Schottenrock). I know, for may of you in this forum it is important to emphasize that Kilts are not skirts. And I know many of you think that man should not wear skirts. I appreciate that, but I beg to differ. I respect you and there is no need to shout KILT!

Wolfgang

1) In German it's "gelaendegaengiges Reiserad", but Germans love english designations (and actually create new englisch words like "handy" (for "cellphone")). As far as I know, that's a kind of nonsens germans share with the Japanese only.