Update: after swapping the tires out and that saddle this weekend, it's a pound and a half lighter. I don't mean to bad-mouth the stock Kenda's since they are solid dependable tires and seem to never wear out, but they are so heavy and slow-rolling. Big difference when you put on your particular favorite tires.

I've got about 150 miles on it so far. After one week of commuting (that's only about 80 miles for me) the Dawes is exactly what I'd hoped for, with no unpleasant surprises after I got everything lined out. The replacement Shimano freewheel is silent and seems to have a higher quality of materials and construction, so I have to agree with Almost trick and advise an upgrade from stock for this bike.