Quote Originally Posted by pardes View Post
Any suggestions for the kind of frame I need where the bike is lightweight and high quality?
There are high quality bikes similar to that Vanilla but none of the ones that come to mind are particularly light.

Imported Dutch bikes. This one is an internally geared 8-speed. Very fun to ride! Alas, even the smallest frame was just a bit to big for me. Even with the seat all the way down my feet didn't completely stay in contact with the pedal on the bottom stroke (but I have really short legs so YMMV). Boohoo! Maybe I just need to do what the European women do and ride in heels.
http://www.dutchbikeseattle.com/html/bikes/oma.html

Electra has several models from which to chose so I'd recommend playing on their site. I've never had a chance to ride any, but they seem to be well loved by their owners. Here a just a couple of models that they have available and the Townie is available in anything from a single speed to a 21 speed depending on the gearing you want:
http://www.electrabike.com/townie/
http://www.electrabike.com/amsterdam/

Giant - Wow, I didn't realize until now how affordable they are!
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/women/

Darn! I saw one carried on the back of someone's car, that I just couldn't stop admiring every time it came into view, when I was driving down here for my move. I can't remember the name of the manufacturer though. I'm going senile already.