kylecycler wrote:I'll take back everything I meant about the aesthetics of 26-inch wheels - notwithstanding the practicalities, if someone doesn't like this, visually at least, there's something wrong with them, IMHO - I've never seen a bicycle that looks so 'right'...
http://theradavist.com/2016/01/firefly-for-jan-heine/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/fireflybi ... 3986789435
IMHO,from a practical POV,the rear caliper would be better in the rear triangle,though I suspect it's been fitted where it has due to the short c/stays,which rules out a rear rack,which limits it's carrying capacity,which rules it out as a serious load lugger.
The tyres(2.3inch) are huge and theoretically would cope with some seriously bad roads,but they're uber lightweights,so I ask myself,if I ride some seriously rough tracks on 700x40s(actual 37x37mm)tyres and consider them comfortable,and quick on tarmac.Would I need 2.3inch rubber? .
There is the possibility of fitting 2.1inch knobbles(?) which would handle anything.
The riding position looks a bit extreme to my eye but everyone is different.
That said,I think I'd refer a longer head tube for a more upright position with a longer steerer for some adjustment either way.
I don't like the idea of only having front panniers as it limits luggage capacity and of course offers no option of carrying luggage on the back where I prefer it for (lighter)touring.
As a tourer it's overgeared.
Where's the mudguards(fenders)?
From a purely aesthetic POV,though I like big rubber,there's a limit and I don't like amber/skinwalls,much prefer all black tyres,though don't mind reflective sidewall strips.
I like a more compact frame so would prefer a shorter seatube,steeper angled TT.
I don't like the black forks,or the gold headset,they're just plain wrong aesthetically to my eye.
The chainset hasn't got a lot going for it either.
With the rack off it looks more like a gravel race bike than a tourer and is geared as such too.
My personal 2d's worth YVMV.