Very interesting narrative - thanks for the detailed component info. I've been looking for a silver Shimano 10 speed RD and wasn't aware of the 7700 GS - for a vintage Trek project. I found a NIB 7700 GS RD on ebay UK for the friends-and-family price of $355! I think I'll keep looking....

You've got a beautiful shine on that bike and the components. What polishing products did you use? Any tricks or things to avoid?

Those MC70 brakes are really nice - and they have lots of adjustment mechanisms. The front canti posts are very close.

Interesting to see a '531' sticker on the seat tube - maybe a replacement for the original '531 cs'?

I'll be interested to hear your impressions of how it rides - those Cadillac 470 mm chain stays are really something!

Congrats. on finding a great bike and doing such a nice resto-mod.!