Thanks guys,
I'm very torn between trying to keep it original(ish) or going a little neo-retro (or whatever they call it).
Love the velocity stem, but not sure i like the options it leaves me with. I fancied some forks with a little longer travel (around 80-100mm) but really want to keep it sympathetic to the original colours (plus i really fancy some orange ano bolts!)
Had a very good inspection last night Anthony, no cracks in the frame at all, which is great news. All in peices, save the cranks as i can't find my bloody crank tool. Front mech has polished up amazing well considering, apart from the usual spots it's shiny shiny, as are the brake levers (typical, seeing as i'm looking at some grey/silver magura's very kindly on loan from a good friend)
The headset is a terrible mess, so unfortunately thats a-goner.
The front tyre is original, but the back is not. both seem in reasonable condition though the back one will be first in the bin when it goes. I'm thinking this may have semi-slicks on it for the time being after i lost my other bike to the missus.
I've got a long cage XT mech sitting underneath my desk, so i'll be digging that out (if it fits) but i'll be chasing him up at the weekend for all the outstanding bits.
the cogs are in pretty decent nick, though the middle front is showing some signs of abuse, the back ones will be fine after a clean and polish. the only thing i'm not sure about is the chain. as it's a total write off and the cogs are well used, i should be looking at a used chain too, right?
The gripshift will be aiding the build fund if anyone wants them (the pair if the other one turns up) as i don't really get on with Gripshifters. I shall be starting a wanted list very shortly for some shifters (been hassling rojo for some already!

)
a little thought if i do try and clean up the paint chips, as there are a LOT! how easy is it to paint match ? spot thing from halfords, or is it a little more hassle than that?
i think that's it for now, it's still stupid o'clock and i should be getting ready for work, not posting up here..
thanks for the help so far guys