Around-the-block test ride...MARVELOUS! Smooth, agile, and wonderfully quiet. The original Superbe brake pads showed very little signs of wear, but I was concerned that their age made them too hard to be effective. I gave the contact surface a little work with a flat file to expose some fresher rubber, and they work surprisingly well! I'm hoping to get this machine out for a longer ride sometime later this week, but rain is in the forecast, so it might have to wait a bit more. Overall, I'm extremely happy.
I'm on the fence about the red toe straps, which have since been adorned with chrome tips. I might switch to white straps with red tips.
The white housing at the rear derailleur will be replaced with black or stainless coil.
Decals are expected to be delivered this week.