I built up a Smoothie ES with my LBS (who are fantastic) this spring. I cannot get off the bike now. Before buying it, I test rode a Casserole (awesome but out of my price range), several Surly bikes, and two Soma bikes (one a Smoothie one not). I found the Soma bikes very, well, smooth even with inferior components, and very, very responsive. It's very "zippy," nimble, and takes the knocks. I have some very rough roadway to cover and some curbs and the bike just about floats over all of it. I did put on Velo components and some good rims but would have done so on any bike since I ride all the time. It takes fenders, heavy loads, rack and still looks good. Don't regret my decision in the least. In the end, it was only about $200 more than if I had bought the stock Surly Cross-Check. But my LBS was awesome to work with and continued to be helpful with minor adjustments here and there during the break in period. I wouldn't have built it myself, that would have been much more expensive. But all in all, it's been a great commuter for me and it should be for years to come.