Ride report:

I've now given this enough time in the saddle to notice a few things...

1. It has the smoothest ride of any of my bikes, exactly like you'd expect from thicker tubing. It seems to absorb more road vibration than any bike with this size tires I've ridden.

2. While it definitely has a steady, solid feeling...it doesn't feel dead like the Miyata 1000 I rode...it still has some kick.

3. Given the tubing thickness and strength, it's really not that heavy...maybe 27-28 lbs before racks but after fenders.

In short...this is very close to being exactly what I wanted...something between a sport and full tourer that can do either depending on loading. I still need to ride with racks for a more full perspective.