For *me*, changing a flat on the rear wheel of the BF can be tricky. Here's why - the rack puts some "inward" force on the rear seat stays, so as you put the rear wheel back in, you need to subtly pull apart on the rear stays. This isn't at all uncommon when you have a rack on your bike. My touring bike and my tandem are the same way. I can manage those.

The reason it's hard for me on the BF, is that, because of the hub, there 's no quick release lever. Instead, there's a bolt and a little locking doohickey (technical term, I know). The locking doohickey has to be in a certain direction when you slide the rear wheel back on. I'm one of those people who has trouble walking ang talking at the same time , so I struggle with pulling the rear stays apart while managing to keep the little locking doohickey pointing in the right direction. It's a piece of cake when someone else is around to help. One person pulls on the stays, and I can slide the rear wheel right into place. But left to my own devices, I struggle with it. I find it frustrating, but I don't have alot of patience for it. Jeff doesn't seem to have any trouble with it (He thinks it's "user error". ) What it probably comes down to is that I don't have great upper body strength.

Re: the beam - it's somewhat like riding Softride, but stiffer. I don't bounce on it. I think some people might, though; if you don't have a "round" pedal stroke, you're definitely more apt to bounce on a beam bike.

I just measured my inseam yesterday (after trying on a vendor sample that wasy way too long ) I'm 28.5 inches from crotch to floor, barefoot.

Susan