Chris, I tried 1st Flight, they even returned my emails and have been a good source of info. The best solution they could come up with to aid shifting on the front mech is increase the spindle length. As it's a custom unit this could be an expensive piece of machining - so I'll look for the campy mech for now :?
Elev, thanks but I do need a 34.9 for this. The over-engineered aspect and the little lube holes on each pivot really satisfy the child in me, it's a great bike to "tinker" with!!!