I took my first baby step towards this project today. I ordered a headset. A small but symbolic first move. Cane Creek 100.TR traditional in silver.

You people have thrown a lot of great stuff at me. One, in particular has gotten me almost turned around. I thought bar-end shifters was a done deal. Now I've started a new thread to determine if STI might be the right choice.

Also, I need to do more research into understanding the Q-factor. I'm leaning towards a Sugino XD500T 110/74BCD 48-36-24t crank and a 12-32 cassette, but I'm on icy ground until I get a better feel for the chainline implications.