Ken, I have a theory. Like you, I've always wanted a Curtis. However, when you sent the measurements the other day it struck me that the bottom bracket is way higher than Curtis quote for this frame - you measured at 13.5" and they quote 11.9". Now, I know this can be an effect of which forks and tyres etc. you fit but not usually by this much.
This is not just Curtis that have BB height discrepencies. I've had both a Mk1 and Mk2 DB Alpine. The Mk1 felt great, stable, fun as if sat in the bike. Whereas the Mk2 felt tall, wobbly, clumsy and perched. I measured the BB heights and there was almost 2 inch difference - I sold the Mk2 because of this.
In terms of the way a bike feels this difference is huge and would probably make you feel very perched.
I have in the past spoken to Gary Woodhouse about the geometry of his bikes and he is fairly convinced his numbers are right. I know what I like and the Freeride model numbers just don't add up. For example, the website quotes 71 degrees head angle as being just right. Not for me it ain't. I think this may come from their BMX background.
As a comparison, my Orange crush has a 12" BB height with 67 degree head angle.The Curtis' 71 degree head angle coupled with 13.5" BB just doesn't seem right to me.
