Oh, Simon is -definitely- more than 27lbs. Steel everything. I can get to the highest gear on completley flat terrain, but as I mentioned, my commute consists of one increasinly steep hill.

The strangest part about Simon is that he WAS in good repair to start with--great repair--but horrendous to ride. I took him in for countless tune-ups and repairs and fittings when I got him. Everything was perfect, bearings like butter, gears shifted smooth as silk, brakes strong enough to stop my heart. It just always felt heavy in the back end. I tried hard to love him. But bitterness won in the end.

Harsh but true, Deb--I ignored my vehicle.