update: i've borrowed the santana "team" that belonged to dr bob breedlove, of paris-brest-paris and RAAM fame [he died during the 2005 RAAM when he was struck by a pick up truck in colorado].

it's awfully nice--much nicer than the cannondale i owned back in the late 80s-early 90s--so my stoker and i are going to ride the hell out of it until we have to return it.

i'll keep you posted. thanks ALL of you for your great input, ideas, and suggestions.