I bought a Novara Randonee last month and have been riding it around town as my utility bike. I have a 2300 Trek that is a jet plane by comparison, but I, too, like the feel and ride of the tourer. When I'm feeling full of energy and want to zoom up hills, I ride the trek. the rest of the time I'm leaning more and more towards the tourer. It's great to have two completely different bikes. I especially enjoy just tooling along on the Randonee without any concern for speed or acceleration. My Randonee must be 30lbs before the U-lock and other stuff I put on, so every few days I feel the urge to jump on the Trek for the sheer pleasure of pedaling a light bike.