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@GA2G
These are my opinions so far on the bikes in this thread.
For close clearances, a lightish and agile frame, a very reasonable specification at a keen price, excellent handling and handsome looks, the KHS Flite 100 is the one to beat. Adding this a bit late - the Rocky Mountain Boroughs 2009 comes close in ability and beats it for pricing. With some black rims, maybe deep-section (my taste, and not very trad) it would look sexy. And everybody agrees with my tastes on sexy. ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
The Kona Grandwagon is spoilt by a really ugly and out of place stem (aheadset). But apart from that, its not too shabby.
The Colnago Super could do with a different chainset and stem. Both just look agricultural on such a potentially fine bike .
The Marin Ignacio is an interesting one. Though not very remarkable to look at, it keeps its charms under the skin. It's triple butted, in frame AND fork. Should be light and a rather rewarding ride.
I saw a Bianchi Via Condotti this morning, coming up the OKR. Its nice, pretty even, but is it worth the extra more than the Fuji Feather?
I actually prefer the Bianchi Via Brera over the Condotti. With some drops, it would be a lovely thing.
Prices for some bikes have gone way up, like the standard Bianchi Pista Steel. I suppose its to stop people who like the Condotti from just buying the Pista Steel instead, and not bothering about the pale blue colouring, and higher price of the Condotti? So by raising the price of the Pista Steel, at least cost won't be as much of a factor in choosing between the two. Silly though, because sales would then be lost to less expensive bikes, from other manufacturers.
There is a reason why in some cases, 2009 bikes are listed, and not the 2010 models. In the case of the Rocky Mountain Boroughs, its because the 2010 model was not sold in the UK, and it looked ridiculous anyway - a total rip-off of the Felt Brougham, except with colours reversed. The SE Premium Ale is quite passable in the 2009 guise, but irrecoverable in the hideously coloured 2010 version.
The Cooper range of bikes are simply way over-priced for what they are. Nice looking, but I'd seek value elsewhere.
Its a shame the Specialized Langster Steel only comes in red. Its quite beautiful, and ticks all the boxes. The Fuji Feather competes in the same price category, and has the added bonus of being available in several colours. More options for later customising. But for looks, I think the Langster Steel is possibly one of the very best looking steel bikes in any price category.
Viva have just shit all over Fixie Inc. and from an incredible height. In fact the Viva Duro, while rather ordinary in profile, needs to be seen up close, to appreciate its twin-top-tubed beauty. Gorgeousness.