Giramondo 700c

This is the first touring bike I have ever bought, and it has not disappointed. The handling both loaded and unloaded is to be admired the most. However, when loaded the handling really excels. I am able to move with speed and grace through turns and up hills like never before. The wide tires coupled with the steel frame take away a lot of the road chatter I had with my last aluminum bike. I love the way that this bike lives in both worlds of gravel and road. You want it for trails just let out some of the air. You want it for road, pump it up and it rolls like a Cadillac. It is really refreshing to arrive at my destination at the end of the day not as exhausted from fighting the bike and load it is carrying the whole way.
The gearing is very low (you could climb a brick wall) and I often have to ride in the "Big Dog" gear even when loaded.
The racks work well and are built of quality materials and a good addition.
The ample spacing that allows for wide tires with fenders is a real plus.
The seat is good and most people upgrade anyway, so no diatribes about how I care one way or another about it. The components selected for this bike work well together.
The bar end shifters take some getting used to, but the front friction set shifter makes it easy to take care of any chain drag. In fact I like it so much, I may change over the rear as well to the friction setting. If you are not used to them watch out when getting on and off so you don't bump them. I like them for their durability and simplicity.
The brakes are good, react well when needed. They do not have any problems stopping when loaded.
Handlebar wrap is okay and I will keep it until it wears out.
I love the " no paint job" paint job. Keeps it off thieves radar, and I don't worry as much about scratches.
If I had to choose something to change, it would be to leave the headtube long and allow the rider to cut it down to their preference (I like a more upright position to look at my surroundings), but that is the breaks with a mass produced bike. I have had this bike a few months and already had a crash ,due to cheap pedals, but the bike was alright and bounced back enough that the riding for the weekend wasn't done.
Bottom line this bike is solid, simple to own, and easy to love. I hope I have this thing for a long time and the adventures abound. If you are on the fence about this bike, I got friends with Surly and Salsa bikes that like mine better. So get this bike, stand out from the crowd and get the wind in your face!

After purchasing (possibly the last one) in the spring of 2021 the Giramondo has everything a noob like me could ask for. Im new to cycling and I’ve only logged a little over 200 miles outdoor on this bike. Im just under 6ft at 185 lbs and the medium fits. At 30 gears, living in central / western IL., every gear has been used and the selective shifting is dreamy. The tires have quite a bit of tread for smooth road riding. The saddle is great and this can be realized after getting the right padded riding pants/shorts (and about two weeks of riding). Its always windy here and I’m really feeling that drag with the weight of this bicycle, the upright seating design, and the knobby tires! Lets be honest though, the bike is set up for everything else though! Im hoping to get a few distanced rides in by the end of 21. Great bike!!!!