thanks for the props guys, it's much appreciated.
re fenders: i only ride in dry conditions so it's not really a huge problem for me - not huge enough to make me get fenders
my first ride on her was sunday morning ta 6am and it rained all day saturday in nyc. even when i see puddles, i try to avoid them when possible and when i cant, i slow down.
i dont mind a little dirt... i dig the clean look of the bike so im not going to get fenders. if i commuted or did rain-riding, i'd totally get fenders.