I disagree grant is trying to catch any current 'wave'. He has consistantly provided to a niche market for the few people who DONT follow waves. If he's trying to cash in on the current trend, he'd be far better off offering track frames, which are for more trendy than loose-clearance touring frames. Same could be said for road bikes and carbon/ti.

I too find the double front to be silly (single speed should be single - I did have to chuckle at your 2/4 'single' speed comment); but personnaly doubt its the result of 'over engineering'. Quite more likely, the result of having doubles around the shop. Regardless, if one likes the bike but dislikes the double, it doesnt take much to remove a spare ring.

A good piece of engineering was the angled rear-facing dropout. Track ends arent suited well for those who prefer a rear brake. Having said that, I would personally prefer to see a standard horizontal drop, as it makes wheel removal quicker and cleaner. Guess I gotta ante-up for a custom riv for that, though.