[QUOTE=badger_So now the major hurdle is just *getting* to one of the Kona dealers and taking a test ride. Hmm.[/QUOTE]

Take it we are talking Mountain bike. Main point is standover height and reach to the bars. Then there is height of the bars.

I like to have a small frame and standover does not really come into it- I also Ride a Tandem and this is way too tall by usual standards. The Bianchi has 3" standover height but the main thing about this bike is it's "chuckability" I can get my knees on the crossbar and manoevure around obstacles comfortably. Reach on the thing is just right for me and funnily enough my old bike, that was a 17" frame , felt exactly the same on reach. The bloke who bought it is 5'10" tall and other than saddle height he has the bike set up exactly the same as I did. In fact he has shortened the reach by putting a very short stem on from the 100mm that I used to have. When the occasion arises- he does adjust the saddle height on the Bianchi and he reckons it rides better than his bike. (Why do you think I sold It)

Then there is the height of the bars. Reach and height of the bars will adjust out but when you get a new bike- If the reach is too long or short- get the shop to change it before you buy. All I had to do with the Bianchi was a longer seat stem and FOC swop before I left the shop.

Good luck on the New purchase- But as a Kona rider occasionally- you will not be disappointed- Good bikes.