I am back from the first real ride on this bike. here is what i have learned:

1. it takes approximately 20 seconds to adapt back to downtube shifting after about a 12 year absence
2. 140mm stems, plastic spokes, 1in carbon steerers, or some combination of the three are quite flexible
3. cinelli spinachis are great
4. the sound your wedding band makes against your spinachi when you hit a bump is the sound you expect to hear when your steerer fails (see #2)
5. the dia compe bsr brakes are almost worthless on descents
6. a 42x21 combo on the years first long 8% grade really lets you know how lazy winter has made you
7. a slipping friction shifter on the years second long 8% grade makes you wonder if your chain will brake before your legs explode
8. 12cm of saddle to bar drop feels just fine
9. despite 2 and 5, these wheels make a very notable whistle as one approaches 40mph.