thanks bionicycle for taking the time to post so much good information. yeah, i heard that the grips are poor design too, and i plan to have a new pair of those along with a few other goodies to put on mine when i get it. well actually, its allready on its way. i figured that for the price, if i really like it, it will become my next commuter (get it... NEXT commuter? c'mon, i'm laughing my tokus off here) and i will get another one for use as my lowrider project. la jolla meets la bamba.