Tiagra works great and has held up MUCH better than expected, even after racing and a few falls. Quick handling off road, stable on the road. Slightly sloping top tube increases standover height. The wheels have proven very durable, even when I underinflate the tires and get pinch flats. There's no skimping on parts as with the Surly Cross-Check.
Versatility is also a real strong point.
I commute on this bike all week and then ride off-road or race it on the weekends. I would also have liked top-tube cable routing, but I don't know how feasible it is with STI road levers. The neon paint jobs, green for 2000, orange for 2001, are not my thing, but I wouldn't let it deter me from getting this bike. If someone held a gun to my head and said I could only own one bike, this would be it. Great bike for the money great rims good pedals and everything works well together.