Sounds like you have good mechanical ability. I got this in April and I really love this bike. Be aware the brakes pads suck and so do the pedals. I changed them out for Kool-Stops and a decent pair of platform grippy things from my LBS. Wheels will need to be trued and after the cables stretch after a few miles the brake and derailleurs need to be adjusted. All in all nice commuter/tourer and its steel and won't break the bank. I can never find anything in my size on C/L so I opted for this. I am not sorry.Free shippint to the lower 48 and I paid not tax also a good thing. http://bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/tourist.htm