I started utilitarian biking two years ago (grocery store, etc.) and have been regularly bike commuting since February when my commute went from 15 miles to 5. Currently I have two bikes, both mid-70s steel work horses. The dilemma, and why I am bringing it to you all, is how to best accommodate my changing desires in a bicycle.
-Schwinn Collegiate: Fits great, but recurring flats make me think the wheel needs replacing - tried new tire and new inner tube. Gear shifter unreliable, but 5 gears in theory. It was fairly rusty when I got it off of Craigslist ($50) and apparently they don't make that diameter of seat posts anymore. Not sure I trust the integrity of the steel enough to put a lot of money into it.
-Raleigh Sport: Bike was free, with some initial clean up. Handlebars are stuck and I would prefer them to be an inch or two higher, but it is lighter than the Schwinn and doesn't bother me on the 5 mile commute. 3 gears but such a delay that it might as well be a single gear. Currently this is my commuter bike. (Side question: How else can I unstick the handlebars? We - two strong people - tried pulling it apart and were only able to partially raise it.)
I would like a bike where I can shift gears easily, dynamo lighting, and fits well so I can start doing longer distances. Lighter wouldn't be a bad thing, but I feel like a reliable low gear would suit just as well. I'm partial to steel and vintage bikes, like being upright, and don't particularly care about speed although I feel if I started riding longer for fun I might.
Would it be better to frankenstein the Schwinn to suit my needs - wheels for dynamo hub, gear shifter, handlebars - or to find a new bike with all of the above? Theoretically I could take those components and put them on a newer frame down the road to even out expenses.
Or - pay to get the Raleigh fitted and hope that includes unsticking the handlebars? This doesn't add the dynamo lighting but would make the bike more versatile.
Re fit: I'm a fairly short female who bikes in skirts and dresses. I haven't come across any new step through frames that aren't cruisers or awful quality, although the local Craigslist market is great for vintage bikes $100-$300 (or cheaper if you hunt).
*I want a dynamo lighting system because I use my front basket frequently, which makes for an awkward off-center and partially blocked light attachment on both bikes. Safety, increased use, etc.
Thoughts? Suggestions?