Finally an update! Sorry I don't have "better" photos to share - yet. Just haven't taken any of the finished product.

Was able to sand the stem down enough to get it to work. Redished the rear wheel myself and slapped on a rear cog (don't recall the size - will have to check). With the hub I have, there wasn't enough room for a lock ring, so I'm running it without one.

Added a rear rack (Topeak) and had to use P-clamps to attach it. No problems there. Using the MTX bag with the fold down panniers for my commuting and it works great. Able to carry all my clothes, my laptop, lunch, tools etc without any issues. Pretty sure the heaviest my bag has weighed was last week when I had all of the above plus 3 lbs of steaks I picked up on the way home - 23 pounds.

Have used it for over 50 commutes to work (25 miles round trip) over the course of the summer and haven't had any issues. Running a front brake only and since I'm not trying to set land speed records with it and ride cautiously around others on the MUP trail, I haven't needed anything else. Rarely need to use back pressure to help me slow down (which is good considering the lack of a lock ring)...

Next upgrade might be fenders, although very likely I'll be switching over to my mountain bike for winter commuting purposes and the upgrades to this bike might be put off until spring.

Here are a few "artistic shots" taken during my commute. Will get some of the actual bike posted soon - of course I promised that awhile ago, didn't I?

View from your seatpost collar

View from side of the road

Speeding past our Habitat for Humanity Warehouse Mural