^^^^^^ Didn't Raleigh make a series of bikes, across the line up, with that Team livery for a while. I backed away from a POS Raleigh Record once - stamped DOs, bolt on's, poor brazing, bottom end everything. Only redeeming characteristic was the livery. "Ah, no, thanks" So this frame does not surprise me. As for the the mix of frame and components: I quit thinking about it. The customer is always right. We had an "always right" in the shop yesterday. Really knew "his stuff" and we did not. Even accused us of breaking a spoke "that was not broken when I brought it in". I waved good bye as he huffed away, wondering what he did with the DT bottle cage that was installed upside down.

As to wearing gloves, normally no. "In these unprecedented times" yes, all the time at the LBS.

As to the brake housing route - my boss who has been doing C&V bikes for ages, and been UBI trained, insists that in front of the bars is the way. Horses for courses. Wadda-ell