Having freed the stem, it was time to replace (and hopefully sell) those aero bars, stem and shifters (for sale here:
https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads...rse-stem-microshift-bar-ends-shifters.433473/)
I don't have a real idea of build direction yet, so the plan is to put on some parts from storage and ride it some more to get an idea of what will be best for the build.
Checking through what I have stored, it seems I am well stocked in some areas an face a shortage in others. Plenty of thumbies, so I chose some DX ones for now and this was a chance to use my favourite brake levers again, but the only bars I have spare are my GT Duraliminium ones that are part of the components set aside for if I get another early GT - I'll have to use them for now, but I want to replace them before I damage them too much. In terms of bar ends, I appear to have got rid of all of them, including the Salsa ones that were by far my favourite I've ever used. I think I must have sold them for next to nothing at a bike jumble
So for now a temporary setup:
I've also found some very light silver bar ends and put them on it temporarily.
The main build decisions I can think of:
* seatpost - I need a longer 29.6mm seatpost as soon as possible.
* wheels - I like the look of the modern Gipiemme wheels , but I want to able able to ride some off orad too, so I think I'll need another wheelset and then have to decide whether I can justify keeping the Gipiemmes for road use or just selling them. It's harder to find the correct size wheels, so I guess I'll be choosing hubs and then either building wheels myself or getting some built.
* groupset - I definitely need to change the gearing, so should I replace the whole original Alivio groupset? If so, maybe the choice of cranks will lead the choice - I do have XT thumbies I could swap in if necessary.
* controls - I'll get a new bar - I like the idea of using a steel bar, since the frame, stem and bar ends will all be steel too. I'll probably stick with thumbies too and the levers will stay but be repainted.
I'd been wondering whether to stick with mainly black components or try to switch to mainly silver - but seeing as there will be a few parts that need refinishing, it may be that I use another complementary colour ..... and suggestions? The frame is a deep blue with heavy silver flake.