How much difference...

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

I don't know what Alfine gears are And the bike is over 12kg!!

yeah it's not the best site, but basically there are fixies, hub geared behemoths, touring bikes. mostly steel but some carbon and a flourish of alloy. the best way to view it is to take standpoint of building your own.

but steel is generally heavier than alloy and carbon. you could always buy a ti frame....mmmmm...nice

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

are you just looking for a way to reduce road vibrations, i.e., are you hands getting sore? if so (and you already have flat bars), the easiest solution that worked for me were ergon gel hand grips.

 

[vickster]

Thanks I will stick with the Specialized for now and hope the roads don't get worse...may treat myself to some new beast next year...I do like the look of the Whyte hybrids and also the fact they are a British company

I could always ask Pearsons to build me something with flats