SirMike1983
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
They're actually late to the party. Raleigh recently had reissued "Superbe" and "Clubman" models. Some of the other companies have offered retro utility bikes as well. The sloping top bar is part of the "comfort" bike class aspect and lowers the leg swing height of the bike a bit. The diamond frame is more attractive anyway. The thing is that Schwinn, Raleigh, etc. all got bought out ages ago and are just names now. You actually get a better value by going vintage still, at least for the common 3, 5, and 10 speed bikes. For new production, I'd look at Pashley or Waterford, but we're talking big bucks there. Vintage is still the stronger offering, dollar-for-dollar in this category.