Regarding sizing:

That sounds pretty close to what I have. I am about 6', but I haven't measured all of the other measurements. I am on a 55 and it is quite comfortable. I swapped from the stock 110 mm stem to a 120 mm after riding a bit, but that is the only fit issue I have addressed. The shop I bought from did a simple swap of a rigid alloy seat post for the suspension post and I did get some credit when I swapped the tires to slicks. With 750 miles on the bike I have not had a single problem with the chain, other than that I have to lubricate it.

All in all, it is a nice bike. It is a bit heavy, but it handles well. The low top tube is actually nice in town, as it gives you LOTS of room when stopped, and it also makes mounting a breeze (I can just step over the top tube).

God bless!
Wayne J.

Thanks wayne. I just wanted to make sure I was getting the correct fit. Sounds like it was spot on.

Now to wait for the 2007 models to start shipping.

Anyone have suggestions for a decent but lighter wheel set I can pick up for those faster ride days?

I just need something that is lighter but the same dimensions as the existing Alexrims Ace-19 rims so I don't have to mess with break adjustements every time I swap wheelsets. Cost is definately a factor.

I actually think that a suspension seat post can be a wonderful thing. If you are riding over very very rocky trails, it can allow you stay seated and thus will improve your bike handling. That is exactly what happened to me when I lived in phoenix and regularly rode South Mountains trails on my cannondale F1000 hard tail mtb. The rock shox seatpost greatly improved my riding there. And I am not talking about wussy terrain either, I was able to climb all of National Trail (except the 30 foot waterfall area) after getting that post.

I did not notice a definite change in leg length because I was so busy noticing that my seat was no longer being shoved up my rear end by anything larger than 2 inches.

For road bikes, I am not sure.

I like my felt bike suspension seatpost. It's about the only aspect of the bike I would transfer to my next ride.

Nay. M520's. You already use them, they're cheap and they work like gangbusters...but you already know that.

Rear rack, trunk bag and a new seatpost. For the seatpost get a RaceFace Evolve XC. You won't find an easier adjusting seatpost on the planet. Brooks saddle. That should just about eat up all your money