Richard,
You are exactly correct. Sitting Presidents have restrictions on accepting gifts. Remember the bru-ha-ha about President Nixon keeping the dog? Don't remember the dogs' name; but I do remember the ruckus.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
I would guess that Mr. Carter's refusal of that bike had more to do with the restrictions placed on a sitting president in regards to "personal gifts" than anything else. Now, of course, Mr. Carter is a private citizen and no such restrictions apply. Richard Reno Green Bay, WI. where it's -8F with a wind chill of -15 NO riding today!