First impressions of this bike after a 25mile test ride to and from work are very good! I'm 5' 9" and glad I went for the 54cm as the reach is just right and there's plenty of seat post remaining without feeling it's on it's limit (54cm is recommended for a rider height of 5' 6" and 5' 9" so I wouldn't opt for the next size up unless you are very long in the leg for 5' 9"). I chose the Nicasio + for the maintainability...so I like the cable operated disc brakes...they don't snatch either. The bar tape is particularly comfortable and has a quality feel to it. I love the flared bars as well. The gear ratios are more than ample with 42 x 11-46. The saddle is comfortable with cycling shorts on. It's a steel frame which was one of the biggest pulls for me...steel is real right! The tyres (650 x 47) roll nicely. Little touches like the silver effect plated chain look great against the black chain ring and rear cassette. The black fittings do scratch easily, when raising the seat post there was a burr inside the clamp which unavoidably caused a zig-zag scratch as I raised it (clamp was fully loosened off I hasten to add). Balfes (shout out to Christopher) have been great with the communication throughout the purchase and collection (the driver phoned me with an exact delivery time) When I brought it into the office it quickly gained admiring attention. Really pleased with my choice as you can probably tell :-)
