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@edscoble
I would not says it have a magical ride quality, but different to a typical British audax bicycle.
The main advantage of the 650B lark is that they use less metal (394g 650B rims vs. 430g 700c rims) and rubber (290g for a 650B 38mm vs. 290g for a 700c 32mm), so it's not heavy as it look, quite the contrary (the Oak is 10.8kg with handlebar bag and pump).
Being able to run bigger tyres without sacrificing the geometry to make it fit, says 700c with 32mm tyres and mudguard (e.g. longer chainstay, slacker HT, lower BB, etc.), I can get away with having a very short 53cm top tube while maintaining a 73 degree headtube.
That I think the main appeal for me, the French front end geometry is more of a preference than it's being better, I liked having a handlebar bag as I can access my content easily instead of using a similar sized saddlebag, I liked being able to get out of the saddle without feeling the "tail wagging" of a rear load, the bike handle better with more weight on the front, and descending/ascending was very comfortable having a bit of weight in front for more tyre contact.
Saying that, I wouldn't says the geometry is relaxed, especially when mine was 73/73, biggest difference is the fork rake and offset, I can able to corner with precision and dodge potholes as I would on the Cannondale CAAD10.
*Pacenti PL23 rims.
**Pacenti tyres & Grand Bois tyres.