thank you all for the input! I have indeed entered into the paralysis by analysis (actually this is my natural state). Alan - I encourage you to look at the macho man! If you are the curmudgeon you play on the internet, it might actually appeal to your old school sensibilties. Apparently the paint job was inspired by Japanese bikes from the 80s. The Kona really was more of a compromise - it does boast thru axles but as I’ve never had them I am not sure how important they’d be, especially on a commuter. I am so picky I probably will never find a production bike that checks every box at a reasonable price. I’ve also heard that hydro discs make a huge differnece but every drop bar bike outfitted with these comes in at at least 2k. Hell, the only bikes I’ve ever ridden have been 25+ year old Schwinns and they’ve gotten me from A to B (I say as I true the rear wheel for the umpteenth time)...