Another thing - from my perspective, I"m not looking for the lightest thing out there. I commute on dirt and gravel roads, what do I need from light stuff? I commute on a 4130 cromoly frame with fat rims, a Brooks saddle and full fenders and flaps. Loaded, my 'muter is 33 lbs. If anything, I go faster on that than I do on my lighter bikes, just because I'm not as worried if I hit a pothole or what not.

If you like the look of the VO stuff, get the VO stuff - weight be damned. They build their parts to be randonneur/touring/commuting quality, not racing quality. To tell you the truth, I'd rather have the former. I can keep up on group rides with it, and can certainly blow them away when it comes to railroad tracks or the like. And, compared to their bikes half the weight of mine, it seems that mine climbs...just...a...bit...better...