Originally Posted by XCSKIBUM

I'm not planning on buying "new" parts. Either lightly used or "new OE" take offs. I will be spending a fraction of the cost of "new" parts. I can recoup some of the cost should I decide to change something when swapping parts around.

I want to use this bike as a test bed to learn about the technology & I see no reason to spend $$$ for a top of the line bike for that purpose.

Other than the weight disadvantage, that is not a priority to me anyway, I see nothing wrong W/this frame for my purposes.

I have found that most "shops" be it bicycle or otherwise, are most interested in selling what they have in stock or what they can maximize their profits on. When/if I choose to "move up", I expect to have knowledge = to or exceeding that of the guy that is trying to sell me the bike that he has in his LBS.