i did make one change which i forgot to mention and that was to put conti ultra gatorskin 25mm tyres on, replacing the ultra pro 23mm. was getting plagued with punctures. i have been spoilt with shimano 105, and ultegra shifting and braking on previous bikes, this has campag veloce, which is defo not as slick, nor are the brakes which are RC ?, previously unknown to me. overall though the bike rides superbly. honk up hill and the bb area feels rigid with no front mech or break block rubbing. the bike feels stable and as bianchi claim with the kevlar/carbon inserts on the rear triangle and forks, really comfortable. as yet though i have not done more than a 35 mile ride in one go, done lots of those but not more. blimey ive gone on a bit, well you know what its like when they are new..