not much of an update since the owner never responded to my email. It's an anonymous craigs list email and there is no other contact info. The post is still up so maybe the owner just hasn't checked their email yet.

First I must say THANK YOU very much for the most thorough and thoughtful email.

OK, let me try to address some of Bubba's comments:

- if/when owner emails me, I will make an appointment to see about fit. And I will definitely keep it in mind that the 56 may be very different than my current 56. Thanks for pointing that out!
- will keep the stem issue in mind as well
- not too concerned with freewheel weight
- I went to a used bike shop today (the infamous Karim) and saw an old Bianchi with the bar end shifters. I think it might be a bit awkward but guess I'd have to get on the bike and try it out to see how I really feel. The guy wanted me to go on a test ride but I opted out of that. The place kinda gave me the creeps.
- I'm fine with Shimano (lower end is OK) and know nothing about suntour index shifting - actually I don't know what indexing is but I can do a quick search
- as with indexing, I know nothing about friction shifters (google, here I come)
- I'm all for extra gears so thanks for telling me how I'd go about doing that
- spin and twiddle? that's a new one. Can't wait to see what google comes up with.
- if/when the guy/gal emails, I may call for more info on the drivetrain quirkiness issue.

Thanks again! I'll keep y'all posted!