Originally Posted by stapfam
Have I selected the right components? Will I be able to get up the hills on 34/27 or should I think about reverting to 9 speed and put an MTB 12/34 cassette and XTR derailler on? Am I going to be good enough for a bike of this quality or should I go to Wally-Mart and see what they have in stock.
Stepfam,
This is a pro-level race bike, so "no" you aren't good enough for this bike. But then none of us is a pro-level racer and most of us have a desire to ride fast (or faster), so I say be glad you did it.
One request (and I apologize for the strident tone), please do NOT put mtb gearing on a race bike. Campy can get you 29 teeth on the rear, use smaller chain rings if necessary, but not a pie plate for a cassette and XTR. You are a powerful, thin guy, just train it up and suffer on the climbs until you develop road bike endurance for the hills, it will come with practice. This bike screams for tri bars and a skinsuit and an aero TT helmet. Go for it, dude. Time to stepfam up to the plate. Masters races are in your future.