[JohnnyB]

Yeah, those associations were the biggest reasons I did not want to get this type of bike. A hipster I certainly am not and I really wanted something functional more than fashionable. In the end though, it's been exactly what I needed. It only weighs about 8kgs, quick release nothing, a really good work out, fast and simple. I spent most of the last two years riding a full suspension trail bike around in China, which was utterly wasted in the city and which I didn't feel comfortable leaving anywhere without two big d locks and a cable, not to mention taking my seat off. This bike is also really good quality, but I feel like it's much less of a target and I feel comfortable with a single cable and no d locks. Ultimately, that's making a big difference to my riding pleasure around the city.