Esoteric, NOT! We're riding bicycles that represent the end of "classic" bicycle evolution. These bicycles are a match, mechanically, for any "modern" bicycle. If they have 6 cogs instead of 9, what's the difference to an experienced rider? I was on a 65mi ride today with my friend, who has a 27spd LeMond vs my 12spd Nishiki. We ended up neck-to-neck after 5hrs of riding. I rest my case... .