Thanks for all the comments thus far. I've read every word. I'm a researcher and like to have a handle on things before moving forward, and then move forward with a purpose and reason. Coming from a camping background, things have changed considerably in the last decade as far as gear. Light fast and mobile (and cheap). From 20lb camp stoves to $8 stoves the size of your thumb and a s.s. mug. Interesting that I built this 10 years ago from a pile of junk and now I'm building a bike to achieve the same thing --- lighter, faster, mobile, and cheaper. And the process is exactly the same. Begin Step 1 but you better know how the heck you plan on achieving Step 4