[Akirasho]

... U know the old saying... get off the pot or $#@&^???

Don't get caught out splitting hairs when you could be caught out riding!

The truth is, few of us will ride a frame unaltered in some way over years. I'm not saying that folks go on spending sprees or "upgrade" madness... but they tend to personalize the basics (the frame and perhaps the fork/seatpost) and make it their own.

You already seem to be hovering around the same basic frame... pull the trigger and ride!

BTW, my GVH baby from a few years back (about a year before Gary passed) built up frame the frameset.

Gary pulled a rabbit out of his hat to get me this specific frame (aero tubeset and paint scheme)! Aside from fit issues, don't discount building up your own frame even as a first bike. It's like a mother bonding with a nursing child (I know, somewhat disturbing imagery)!

 

[Akirasho]

... the price differences when compared to the components and frames is relatively minor...

I understand wanting to get a deal but again, you could be riding... and eventually, the whichever bike you choose will be far more valuable to you than any one else!

I built my first bike (technically, my 3rd, but the first since I done acquired the smartz to know the difference 'tween a headset and a crankset) back in '97 and never looked back! There are tons of build info on the web (far more than when I built my first) to help you through the rough spots... and those are relatively few as long as you have some aptitude... plus you benefit from a more intimate knowledge of how/why your bike works... especially if things go wrong on the road.

Haven't really had any dealings with GVH since Gary died, but during his tenure, you generally talked to Gary or no one at all. Maybe you caught someone on the can? Email 'em.

The old mode of operation at GVH may have changed as well. In the past, Gary had... ummmm access to a wide variety of frames. Don't know their current status... but given their past performance I'd still give GVH a look if I were in the market.

 

[Akirasho]

... oh yeah, Florida... where all this trouble started back in the fall of 2000...