As an owner of a le tour, I agree that the bike is a heavy beast. At least compared to the nice new columbus steel bike I have now. Its a nice bike, and I was contemplating having track ends put on as well, but decided against it. But for a project, I think it would be fun. One option for the "track ends" is to cut off the old ones, and flip em around. At least thats what the owner of my LBS suggested. Good luck, and I hope we get to see some pics.