This seems like as good a place as any to post. I got my new Mercier Galaxy steel. Being a vintage biker, I feel better on steel than aluminum. I tossed (put them away till my friend picks them up) the pedals that came with it and put on SPDs. I personally think the rack that came with it is kinda flimsy and I may replace it with a lighter yet stronger one I have in the garage.
I'm getting it ready for some rides coming up in August. Barlows posted some info in the Texas forum on some rides (populaires)which are gonna be held by the Lone Star Randonneurs. This sounds like fun.
I rode it around the lake acouple of times and she is a blast! Fast and responsive. Like Rogue Leader said, the brake pads feel like you're stopping on old brake rubber so a replacement of pads is in order. This will be a good time to try out those Kool Stops.
I've been riding vintage bikes with downtube shifters. The Galaxy has brifters and you can downshift with the thumb! That's a first for me. Here's a pic of her, ain't she a beauty?
Ernest

PS: I'm 5'7 and got the 56cm. She fits just right!
PPS: Nothing wrong with aluminum! I was looking at the aluminum bikes long and hard but steel just feels like an old friend to me. This bike, my Dawes SST and my old Schwinn Super LeTour are my favorite bikes.