Thanks lads! I really appreciate all your support. It was a difficult decision to proceed, and has taken a while and some $$ to get to this point, but I have to say I am loving the progress, and now that I've had a chance to perch atop it seems to fit me perfectly. The proof will be in the ride of course, but so far so good. Here's a pic of where its at as of today. The build has now stalled on finding a front derailleur, but I think someone here might be lending a hand. A nicer seatpost and white saddle are also in the works. Fingers crossed...
Wow, I finally got a real ride in with the Boulder (around the block to test the gears really didn't count), and I am truly impressed! For such an old timer, it feels so good, like a cross between a rigid bike and a modern susser, with just enough suspension to take the edge off. Climbs well, and for me it fits like a glove, which I had suspected would be the case. It was worth the wait. It was also my first ride in toe clips in over twenty years, and I have to say I enjoyed the sensation, kind od like stirrups when riding a horse, just kind of gets you in control of your ride. What can I say, the XTR is smooth and crisp, the cranks are stiff, steering was precise. I didn't expect it to feel this good, but I sure am tickled that it does.