woooohoooooo.... those are some sweet wheels! I ride the Ksyrium SSC... (the ones a year before the SSL) and really like them... they are way lighter than my open pros were and stiffer... I did not notice a huge difference in flats either... but I DID see an increase in speed that I just didn't notice at first... downhill they are really stable too. The only thing to be aware of is with those bladed spokes you may feel some push/pull in crosswinds. no biggie, just FYI

as to steel... Lemond makes the Zurich WSD too... nice bike! Just another test ride to add to your list... I don't know much about Seven, other than they're supposed to be a great bike too...

happy shopping!