That news updates isn't good... Sure having shorter chainstays would provide a more direct feel and have the rear wheel draft the seat tube...but 2mm is a tad close for comfort. I sometimes like to put on tires bigger than the 700x23 variety for those rougher roads. With 2mm clearance, a 700x25 is likely to rub the seat tube and a 700x28 is probably totally out of the question... I guess I won't buy a Litespeed Ultimate toward the end of 2006 after all... Maybe the Tuscany or the Vortex? I guess I'll decide on something after summer '06.