I recently purchased the R700. I love the bike beyond belief. If you want a stiff bike, that will respond to you perfectly, I cannot think of many other bikes in the price range that will do that. The fact is, the R700 is essentially the same frame Seaco rode a few years ago. Granted the components and fork were different, but the frame is amazing. Plus, it is the type of frame you could honestly build up and it would not be putting lipstick on a pig. (Think BikeDirect)