So I'm finding myself having to make all sorts of compromises to keep this in budget. The included Dura Ace seat post was hacked to save a few grams, so it's useless for the height I require. I had to buy a pretty basic one for 30 bucks at performance bike. I also went ahead and got a cable kit there just to save time and get it on the road, so no celeste for the time being. I slaved over it half the day, being meticulous about everything, and just when it's about to be complete, the included shifter cable for the front derailleur is about 2 freakin' feet short. So I'll have to hit up the shop at school and snag one tomorrow.

The best news, though, is that when I first picked up the bike, I saw little nicks here and there where I thought some surface rust had started, but as I've cleaned it, every little reddish brown mark has come right off. Just some sort of caked on specks of dirt. The chips I have found are not to the metal, and there's only one big scar that's been touched up on one of the chainstays. All in all, this frame is really, really clean. I'll be excited a couple of years down the road when I really have time and money to invest into making this something really special. But as it stands, it's a great alternative to the commuter and will be a fun bike for fast rides with friends.

All in all, it's looking really great and I'll be excited to finally ride the thing this weekend.