I was pretty much kidding BIAK....talking to myself is a trait most of my friends endearing.. BTW...I'm taking my bike in to River City (where I got it) for its 30days check up...I'll feel better if someone tells me I did an OK job with the cables...

Sandra...You can get BLACK cork grips...those would look mighty nice with a black saddle. Ummm. Rivendell? Velo Orange? google it.
I do like the A bar...it's lovely and well designed. There is a whole page devoted to singing it's praises---if like me, you obsess over such things--
http://bessasandackerman.com/blog/?p=46
(you'll like the pictures too.)

I'm KINDA missing my old Raleigh, which just felt so differnet from all the bikes I've ridden since...Light, fast,...and it had dropped bars. I liked riding on them.
BUT...given the caution I wish to excercise with my most private and sensitive parts....sitting up straight for now is something I will happily get used to.

Maybe it's that lugged steel you all talk about so much that I miss and I would have had no idea...thought I was just being sentimental...