So, thank you all who provided input on this thread over a year ago. Since then I moved to Colorado, found a good bike shop, and confirmed that the shops I spoke with in CT were out of their league with this bike and didn't know their stuff. SO, I simply got better gearing for the mountains and a new crank (I know, a little silly from a performance for your $ perspective, but a treat for myself). Some day when i have the money I'll try to update the wheels. Here's some pics:
In other picture woreth news, I picked up a super cool classic custom TJ Quick (Reynolds 531, Sun Tour Cyclone mk1) set up for touring, and am now using that as my around town bike, and may start using for randoneurring...
