Yeah, I got it a one-of-a-kind bike shop (read about it and the guy who runs it at http://www.chicagobikeshops.info/shopDetails.php?id=128). He really did have the bike sitting around new since then. Kind of par for the course at that shop. It was his idea to put 100psi 26x1.5 slicks on it. I blew out the back gumwall tire and we couldn't get a replacement so it's black now.

The kid seat is actually not that bad. It's called a wee ride and I feel pretty stable and can see and interact with my son while we are riding. He loves it so it's totally worth it. The seat itself comes right off with a single thumbscrew so I can ride unimpeded when alone.