When Machka's favourite bike was stolen, we looked at a variety of replacements, including a Vivente but it certainly wasn't this model, but its predecessor. It seemed well-equipped, but at the time just wasn't quite what she wanted, and I think there were issues in getting one in the size she wanted.

Looking at the bike as linked, that sure is a well-equipped one. I would change out the saddle for a Brooks B17, and upgrade to a higher Shimano level of pedal, but that's all personal preference. I like the idea of the TRP Spyre discs. I would also not be quite certain about the level of shifters (again, my preference has been Ultegra, but as alluded to earlier in this thread, the Sora could be regarded as a lower level but robust option).

Yeah, I could pick it apart, but for someone looking to hit the road straight away, this bike doesn't need anything else. And the bonus is that it's equipped to be a commuter as well with the dynohub and lights.

The other models also look interesting.

There doesn't, however, appear to be any mention of weight on the website.

And I could probably, with some astute internet buying, build up a similar bike for less cost.

Footnote: Oh look! I just discovered that one of the Tasmanian dealers is my former randonneuring riding partner!

Find a therapist. you have obvious emotional problems

http://www.bikeforums.net/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by saddlesoreshttp://www.bikeforums.net/images/but...post-right.pngwell, your particular situation doesn't apply here. the brand bike you wanted was
available in the configuration you wanted..........but due to price, you CHOOSED not
to purchase that one. there would be no need to change out the brakes or the
fork or the hubs in your case

OP is in a similar situation. for six months (or more) prior to purchase he extolled
the virtues of the 920 while pooping on the LHT as an inferior unpolished turd.
he was fixated on the quasi-mercenary look and ignored any and all advice. he
knew before spending two freakin' grand of borrowed money that he'd need to
replace the brakes and gears and shifters, and i don't know how much else. he
knew the wheels were crap, but instead of heeding advice, posted links to an
exotic prototype $30,000 tandem hand-built by underpants gnomes.

No he doesn't! That's frustration and possible a bit of anger showing. Both occurr when someone spends a lot of time in good faith advising someone about something and the potential pitfulls of someone's potential choice only to have all that advice and the advice of many others all of whom are VERY EXPERIENCED in the field the OP posted about, TOTALLY IGNORED and then have the OP start yet another thread but this one complaining about the problems they are now having because they didn't followthe original advice given to them.

I either put such people on an ignore list or I refrain from offering them advice. Whty should I or others takethe time to compose a well thought out and cohsive reply if we know in advance it's just going to be ignored?

Frustration isan emotional thing but you bring that upon yourself.

Btw, I know a fellow who circa 1975 went to Victoria, B.B., Canada, bought a chep used 10-speed and then rode to Newfoundland.. THAT shows you do NOT have to have a multi-thousands dollars bicycle in order to tour long distances.

Good luck and cheers

I'm 62 yrs old the clock is ticking down. I don't have time to waste. I'm gonna get the best bicycle I can afford, before they strap me into a wheel chair.
My father-in-law died in front of me while I attempted CPR. So I think about my death.
Live well !!

Time to put this thread to rest.

Closed.