@Binky you commented favourably on the spec for my new Cervelo. I guess we are similar ages and I think from your posts we have some cycling interests in common, mainly hills. An update for you. I took the Caledonia out on Monday for the first time, a flat rolling ride. When we got to the cafe my buddy sat down with his coffee and commented "that's a quick bike, Paul." About the best compliment one could hope for. We covered 37 miles to the cafe at an average of 15.4, chatted all the way and I can honestly say I didn't feel it was much of an effort.
I'm surprised. I knew she would be good but hadn't expected this. The feeling was similar to when I first mounted my Cervelo C3 ten years ago. Love at first ride. The Caledonia goes like the wind, I was able to ride in a way I haven't since my RTC and probably not for several years earlier. The 48/31 works well. At full speed I was on the 48 - 12 and my buddy, who is very powerful, was working very hard on his 52 but I could see he was still in the middle of the cassette so could have dug out more. If he had pushed it higher I could have hung on but not pushed ahead. The bike has never been about speed but I do need this ocassionaly on the club rides if the big boys turn out.
Every box ticked so far and I'm excited to see how she climbs. I can't quite believe the improvements in aero and the overall frame in the past ten years could make such a difference to a 71 year old. If you have doubts about the Pinarello and the gearing I think you can be confident the X7 will perform and 48/31 gives a lot.