1. it's just as heavy/light as other bikes in its class.
2. wheelbase is spot on with several other bikes like it.
3. judge a book by its cover --

I had my 2008 7.3 at 39lbs with pedals and I made only a couple minor changes. I was not a fan of the 7.3's Gold but it grew on me and besides, it looks waaaaaay better in person.

true -- rear drop outs are bomb proof.

The thing rides super nice. Don't knock it till ya try it.

 That rear piece is less likely to break, but I still cannot come to terms with how uggly it looks (I mean the bike as a whole). But again, maybe I am just being ridiculous.

 met and spoke to shaums in whistler this year, cool guy. nice bike too.

 I dig the totem with the white crown...

 That is a buff lookin bike

 lush

 wow

 dopebike!

 really doesnt look good, the back wheel is too far forward

 That thing looks heavy as fuck