picked it up last thrursday and have had it out for a few rides 25,30, 40 since then. Even though we had 20MPH winds and 25F temps this AM it was the ride of choice for the morning commute.

Nothing but good things to report - Its the cheap one (not the PRO) picked it up for $359 and at that price its a steal, hell its a steal for the $400 retail if you ask me. My built up Bridgestone has some competion now - but with brakes and a freewheel this bike will almost always win the morning commute duty from now on.

Its a bit heavy at around 20lbs, but the ride is good albeit somewhat harsh due to the geometry and aluminum. I've adpated to a non-steel rigid ride with nary a thought more about it since sday one. Its been real windy lately and the past few days have been all 20MPH+ and I swear the frame on this thing catchs more wind that my other rides. It is also a bit more twitchy than I am used to, but that only seems to come into play when standing - you need to control it otherwise you look silly as it flails about.

I got a 56CM, ironic that even with compact geometry I wound up with the same frame size I would have picked otherwise. The brake / hoods are a bit big and cheesy, but with the flip flop hub I doubt the rear brake will stay on very long anyway - oh and the seat is lame, but servicable unitl the funds come in for a better leaner one.

Specialized doesnt even have this one in their print catalogs. Cant figure out why because I think they would sell a ton of them even as a SS. Anyway, I was planning to build up a road SS (couple of sections of the commute are trying my resolve with no brakes and a fixed gear) and at this price its a great deal. Its a well made bike. Anyone else eying this one up?

ed