corkscrew - The new stem is an exact match to the old steel stem as far as dimensions and angles go and is just a better quality and better looking part... am really liking the slightly more aggressive position on the bike (at least my back is) and the new saddle has been great from day one.
The new saddle and old V GT derailleur are making me really happy... the bike is really stiff so having a little more cush for the tush is good and there is a reason the V GT is legendary as it is considered to be one of the finest touring derailleurs ever made and was also used by early mountain bikers due to it's bombproof construction.
Will be starting work on Extrabike v 2.0 here soon as I have collected the parts needed to turn my little sister's winter / utility bike into an extrabike... she just upgraded that ride with an Alfine 8 speed IGH and her new bike will utilize this new drive system.
It should be a really beautiful bike when it's finished.