I can now say I am a proud owner of a Merckx. I got the bike yestruday. I had to get the sloping frame because I wanted the black and silver paint job and Gita had only one left which was the sloping geometry in my size. So far I cannot tell the difference between a standard frame and the sloping, but I have only had a chance to ride it once. I had it built up with Ultegra 600 components and the new 2004 Ksyrium SL wheels. The 2004 Ksyrium Wheels really brings out the silver colors. The bike rides like a dream. I am still waiting on my road pedals. They will be here next week. In the mean time, I installed my old SPD pedals. I posted my first pic for everyone to check out. I will let you know tomorrow how the new bike does on a 50 mile ride.