thanks for the replies everyone!
obviously it seems personal, and depends on what qualities make a nice ride to indivduals. dead or steady...
the thing is i have been trying to figure out a nice bike for my 40th and want something that i just love and will want to ride.
my ss is that kind of bike, an on-one il pompino. it is perfect. i want a steel geared bike i actually want to ride. not found that love yet. could be cross check is in the sweet spot too...i guess i want something that has a personality not a lack of one...the nice high fronted, high bb popmino has that (personality) in spades.