Originally Posted by Wildwood
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.
I'll let you know about the MTB cassette after the 3rd 15% hill of a morning. Will be having compact in any case and the Largest Road rear cassette it is possible to get so it may not be necessary on such a light bike that works.
Went back to the LBS today and There may be some good news on the Frame- I will be going for the smallest frame made- a 51cm- and there may be a possibility- providing the factory have not sold all the batch made early in the year- of a Compact frame aswell. Having ridden compacts for 7 years now- I think I would prefer one.
Now as to those pedals- I will be staying SPD. All the current bikes have them and I do not want another pair of shoes floating around the lounge- It will be bad enough having the bike in there when I get it so I do not want to upset the wife again this year. Never know- I might want to get some OCP bib shorts.