"...tradition, perception of ease of pedaling, and emulating bikes used in sports. But the most important is probably image."
So they are openly admitting they designed a product to cater to peoples ignorance?
Hmmm... on second thought, I guess that what most industries are thriving on these days, what with manufactured consent, created needs and all that.
So, the IF mode is a fashion bike for fashion minded urbanites. Fine by me if it gets more people riding instead of driving, but I sure aint buying it.