Hi guys,

I just built up my Velo Orange Rando and have only put 90 miles on it--but I really love it so far. I normally ride a 54, but I used Rivendell's sizing guide and decided to go up to a 57. With a Nitto Technomic stem I have the handlebars level with the saddle, and everything seems to click in terms of comfort. With rack and everything built up it was 25lbs, but it feels like a very solid smooth ride. The bike isn't twitchy in the least, but keeps a steady line, and although I've heard people say that bikes with it's level of trail are tough to turn, I feel like it responds well enough. When I really crank down on the pedals and sprint it doesn't seem like I'm going that fast, but the speedometer says different. The bike really doesn't feel that much different going 30mph than it does going 15. The only thing that feels weird to me is that when I stand up and sprint with my hands on the hoods the bike sways left and right more than I'm used to.

With a handlebar bag it handles great. I had about 15lbs in my bag today and it rode like the bag wasn't even there. I even took it (and the bag!) up to some hard pack trails and it held its own.

Compared to my Surly Cross Check it's a much more beautiful and comfortable ride. This Saturday I'm going to take it out for a 50 mile ride to the beach and back to see how well it does long distance.

Here's the photos of it after I built it up:
http://gallery.me.com/valdez01#100153

Any other VO Rando owners out there? What are your impressions?