Thanks for all the responses. My primary motivation is simpler (in theory) shifting, maybe I just want to buy my bike something nice . If I was going to go weight weenie crazy, I'd be looking at retooling the entire drive train and wheels or better yet a new bike. Other than the BB swap (which I should learn how to do anyway) I can likely do all the work myself (built this bike up from parts and Ebay auctions last winter).

Gruppo: No peer pressure here - the local alleged "B" club ride drops me consistently in the first few miles, I can sort of catch up to the slowest if I hammer for the next 10 miles and the traffic and hills slow them down a bit Need to work on the "motor" more than the bike, I guess. The people I usually ride with are just happy we found the time to ride (e.g. or wives and children gave us a few hours off )

Sydney & others - if I do go this route, looks like I need to replace the BB to make it work. Which is what I wasn't sure about. Compacts may make more sense for the NEXT bike.