I had always read about how comfortable steel frames are, but the only steel frames I've had until this were cheaper mountain bikes with heavy high-tensile frames and forks. Steel...comfortable? Eh...

Then I got this bike and understood the truth behind what is often said. This frame is almost frighteningly flexible (compared to what I'm used to), and it does have quite a compliant ride to it. The fork is pretty flexible, the original cantilever brakes had a lot of shudder, common to this type of setup I understand. My other steel bikes never had that, probably because the forks were too rigid.

Now with the trekking bars also (offering more ride compliance to my hands and arms), it's really quite a comfortable bike. The Verve is also very comfortable, though in a different way. It has a relatively rigid frame and relies on the suspension fork and seat post to deliver a similar level of "ride comfort".

Thanks for the compliments, all. My leather-brown tape should be here on Thursday. I can't wait to get the cockpit finished up.