Current Projects chat and miscellany

The thing that distresses me most at the moment is the 'cockpit'. I was thinking a 26mm ahead for spotter bars as I barely touch the drops at the moment, too deep. Also, smaller hoods with inline gear and brake cables, I hate them coming out of the side like that. Any recommendations for a good (black if possible) 8-speed brifter? Could I swap the 8 speed cassette out for a more modern 9 or 10 speed one on my R540's?

Also, 1" to 1 1/8th stem shims are fine right? I have a personal vendetta against shims but it's not going to irreparably damage anything, is it?

I'd go Rival with this - I sold a groupset to Fox for £250 (I don't know if he's sold it) and it's a good looking, functional thing - but shifting is different. Or Apex, as everyone says that pretty much all that changes is weight saving as you move up the SRAM range.

I think shimming from 1 to 1 1/8 is fine - I run one on my EC90 SL's without issue.

Carbon front forks and an ahead stem are a much more practical option, and a carbon fork is IMO more comfortable than steel etc, there are also significant weight savings to be had.

I'd go for a KCNC sc wing (decals removed) stem to the bont bars and look for some ec90 or similar forks (you have a smallish headtube, which is your friend when looking for second hand carbon forks).