Hi... I wanted to resuscitate this thread with a question. I'm looking for a used Espresso or Norwester and wanted to know: Is the geometry of the Nor'wester that much more comfortable than that of an Espresso? The posted geometry specs don't seem all that much different.
I like to keep my seat about level with my handlebars, maybe an inch higher would be OK. I spoke to someone selling a 56cm Espresso who was about my height (5'11") and he said his seat was about 3 inches above the bars. I've ridden 56cm aluminum Roubaix in the past (my current Salsa Vaya is 57cm and fits well), but am thinking maybe a 58cm in Co-Motion's line would make sense, if only to avoid having to raise the seat that high.
I expect that any bike I find on ebay or Craigslist will be too far away to take for a trial ride. I know I can always raise the bar with an angled stem as another option.
Any feedback will be appreciated! Thanks.