That's a fine ride, right there.
I always remark on these bikes as I stumble across them, but I do think the Kestrel fork in fact makes for an aesthetic improvement.
Dark anodized rims and the black-and-silver alloy 840 RD fit right in with the effect.
It's good to hear the 840 elicits some appreciation - I picked up one of these with about 1200 well-cared-for km on it for $20 from a former time-trialist this Spring, and the Mavic collection (gathered also "with only faint intentions") is starting to fill out.