I will be installing new ergo levers with a jtek shiftmate. I have learned a bit from the housing thread, but I'm questioning how much extra length typically comes with the rear derailler cable. Should I purchase a tandem shift cable or will there be enough length to go around the jtek pully?

I still have the housing lengths from the STIs...can I cut the brake housings at the same length as the sti housings? This would save me some measuring, leaving only the shift cable housings to cut.

Suffice it to say I'm nervous about doing this work, but if I blow it, I can go to the LBS and have them help me...for a mere boat-load of cash (since I didn't buy any of the parts from them). Still, $350 vs $450 is a big difference, and in my mind, I can't justify that kind of price difference to shop locally.

No problem with the cable length.
Replacing a housing is easy and cheap, replacing handlebar tape is a bigger job and easier to skrew up. Make sure the housings and cables are right before installing new tape.

Al