I'm a newbie to all this and have no clue what I'm doing. I strength train, backpack, swim, and run, but sadly, haven't owned a bike in a very long time. I was finally able to get one only knowing I wanted something that could be versatile... go on dirt roads, rocks, trails, potholes, bridges, paved bike paths, the highway, and so forth. I just went 23 miles on the thing yesterday along the oceanside of Alaska on all terrain stated above and it did me well! It was a gloriously smooth ride. I am wanting to get upgraded handlebars now. I know I don't have anything to compare it to and still have a lot to learn, but this bike has me so excited to use it, all the time! It listens to me! It's sleek and simple, and if it keeps up as it has it will be lasting me a super long time. I love that I can race with it if triathlons are in my future, too! It truly is a lot of fun to ride! It's peppy =)