Hi, I wrote the review referenced previously on the Bruce Gordon Rock N Road tour, and I guess I just wanted to make clear that I think Bruce does make very good touring bikes. The problems I have had with him were mostly related to the fact that he didn't seem all that keen to help me fix the problems I had with the bike after my first tour, without charging me more money... but this whole subject is quite contentious and very subjective, because it was a few months after the sale. Having said that, I still believe it would have been better for him to have helped out the customer and take the trouble to make the bike work - but that's a matter of personal opinion.
Having said that, I want to emphasize that this is a very solid, good touring bike. Many people buy Bruce Gordon bikes and never have any problems - and they swear by them. Once again: He builds excellent touring bikes. But you should just be aware (which was the point of the review) of Bruce's "quirks" in terms of his strong opinions on how a bike should be. I think that if you go into the deal with open eyes and fully aware of all the possibilities, then he is quite happy to spend hours on the phone with you arguing over this or that aspect.
To tell you the truth, if I had to choose between Bruce and some huge faceless corporation that has no soul but lets you return stuff six months later with no questions asked, I would choose Bruce in an instant. Not because I particularly like the guy (but he's not all that bad), but because he really is something of a rarity these days - someone doing what he believes in, and does it very well - albeit with something of an attitude that grates on some people. So I disagree with some of his opinions, and I think he should have helped me more after the fact, yes, but in the end I still have a lot of respect for the guy and would recommend him to anyone wanting a touring bike. Just read my review, and understand what I'm saying there. I'm not out to trash Bruce Gordon and his business, but I WILL say what I think... sorry if it's not all nice and black and white, but that's just the way it goes I'm afraid!
The bike is much nicer now that I've replaced the stem and handlebars. Take a look at the final couple of updates in the journal for more on that:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/journ.../?page_id=8128
Hope this helps some,
-Neil