My CdF is certainly alot faster than the Day One Alfine it replaced and probably a bit faster than a stock one with it's custom build and hand built wheels. They are never going to be as light or as fast as an out and out road bike but I don't think it is a million miles behind and I bet it is a darn sight more comfy with the compliant steel frame and bigger tyres! Both the Equilibrium and CdF are nice bikes on paper and the frames certainly warrant component upgrades, good luck in deciding,
Trevor.