Thanks for the info! I'll go with a 26.8 then and can still choose between Syncros and XT, those are the ones I have in 26.8. Still not decided which one it'll be. The original Specialized one does not hold a great appeal for me.
I agree with that frame being underspecced. However, I'm a great fan of the black LX that it originally had. I kind of grew up with it, it's supersolid and the black shiny finish is unrivalled. So I'm more than happy to build it partly according to original specs. I went for a White Industries cranks, though, just to spice it up a little.
I'll post pictures when it's done. Probably in a new thread.
Cheers,
Holger