Thanks, non-fixie for your input ... if you are ever in BC, we'll talk. I really appreciate you sharing your imaginings re tube shifters, etc.. I'm more inclined to keep the bike and modify it to make it more usable for me (or for others in my family), however I'm short on ideas; you've given me a few good ideas. Would you mind elaborating about how I might reduce the weight? I'm thinking the only option is upgrading the wheels. Cheers & Groetjes!