Hey there TohTruck!

I personally don't like the Carpe, it just doesn't aesthetically appeal to me. I'd rule both the Raleigh Misceo and the Trek DS out in preference to the Jamis Coda Sport, instead. In absence of the Coda, I'd go with the Misceo.

The Fuji Feather admittedly, is a very beautiful bicycle, but it has two things I thought you wanted to avoid, drop handlbars (for a more upright sitting position) and beauty (a target for thieves).

Phat Cycles is the name of the bicycle brand, but to which model are you referring us? We need additional information to extend an opinion, one way or another. Of course, at this point, I think you already have a pretty good idea as to which bike you really want

Hey, TohTruck!

No1mad has a great idea, I think! Just go to REI in Soho. Converse with the salesperson there who knows bikes and test-ride a few while there.

If you decide to make your purchase there and you sign up to become a member, you'll have the best warranty ever. If something should happen to your bike, like a cracked tube or something, they'll either replace your bike or give you a complete refund. That could be five or ten years from now. If you're a member, you don't even need a receipt, because it's already been saved onto their computer disc.

OTOH, if you really want that Brougham and your heart beats for it. True love just can't be denied!


- Slim

PS.

The Trek DS has a suspension fork. Bikes that cost below say ..$1000, generally don't have really great suspension forks, and are more trouble in the long run than what they're actually worth.