Thanks for the input surfjimc, I recall reading your stuff on C&V. I'm stuck right now trying to figure out what the Q-factor is all about and why it would be important if I can get a 110 instead of a 130 BB on this bike. I've always been more concerned about the chainline.

As far as using brifter or barcons, I haven't made up my mind yet. I'd always thought of bar end shifters when I thought of touring bikes. But the idea of using 9 spd Shimano 105s is appealing.

This is going to take a while. I hope you keep an eye out from time to time to see how I'm doing. I'm thinking about driving up this week to the Somafab shop.