Yay! Someone who is not afraid to have a loooonnnggg steerer tube and steep stem angle, and is prepared to post them on these forums! In that regard, the bike is very reminiscent of the commuter bikes in the Netherlands, parts of Germany and in France.
The short headtube on the bike does sort of limit possibilities with handlebar height.
You also didn't say in this thread why you opted for a bike that is quite a bit bigger than what you normally ride.
Did you consider flat, swept-back handlebars, or did the fact you had the brifters already dictate the drop bars?
On some of my bikes (older steel ones, not the CF or Ti or new steel tourer), I've used a rubber mallet with a block of wood as my homemade headset press. It's not something I'd recommend, however (see my bit about CF, Ti and new frames) and it's really important to ensure you have the right specced cups for the headtube!!