...the only thing that commonly shows up near me is the steel forked Cannondales. So I don't think you're missing much. I have one, and it seems to ride about like the other sport touring frames I have in steel, except still stiffer, even with the long stays. AS already stated, I can fit 32 mm tires on mine, along with fenders, so it's in the regular winter rotation here. I've never owned and ridden any of the other bikes mentioned in the thread. I did not think I would like this bike, when I first got it. But I have grown to admire it over the years, as a pretty good design for an aluminum bicycle..