Decided on a frame (I think)...components?

[Christopher]

Nice bike! Component-wise you have gone for something good and sensible - 105 is nicely made, reliable kit and very good value for money.

A pedant writes: have you given much thought to the rims, # and type of spokes and spoking pattern? How about Mavic Open Pro rims, 32 holes, 3x pattern, DT stainless double-butted spokes? A bit vanilla, but simple and strong - I ride that sort of wheel with no problems and I weigh 190 lbs. You can go for much lighter but more fragile wheels... It's easier to get the tires off and on Mavic rims than a lot of other brands (like Reynolds!). Velocity rims might also be great, never used them though.

Bit worried about those forks though. I had a Dawes with straight steel forks and the jarring from the front end was horrible. However I had it converted to curved carbon forks and it is still jarry so maybe it is more the frame - cheap plain-gauge steel, yours should be much more comfy. My nice bike, also with curved carbon forks, is a lot more comfortable.

[tjf9]

(btw, the saddle in the Cassaroll pic? I'm bettin' that's a honey Brooks B17 Pro. with the nose tipped up too high.... )

Yep, I think it is. So pretty!

have you given much thought to the rims, # and type of spokes and spoking pattern?

I haven't, but my bike shop did. I don't remember the details of what they did, but told me what they were doing, and it made sense at the time. I'll definitely find out what kind of rims they used-that's a good tip about some being easier than others.

Bit worried about those forks though. I had a Dawes with straight steel forks and the jarring from the front end was horrible. However I had it converted to curved carbon forks and it is still jarry so maybe it is more the frame - cheap plain-gauge steel, yours should be much more comfy. My nice bike, also with curved carbon forks, is a lot more comfortable.

I did not get a chance to ride this frame before buying - although my bike mechanic loves his Casseroll. I hadn't considered that I can swap the fork if I don't like the ride - I'll keep that in mind if I find it to be too bumpy. Thanks for the tips!