Yes. I've done both-- I replaced my Thor seat with the new CB CF adjustable seat before my 4300+ mile cross-continent tour (because the Thor seat, which had been somewhat abused, was cracking).
Honestly, both do the job OK. No complaints either way.
I have one in serviceable, but not especially pretty state I'd be willing to part with-- it is the one I used to bike from Key West -> Maine.
I'd probably suggest get it powder-coated/repainted, as the paint on the rear of the frame has been rubbed off by the lock I kept there.
Same here, except I still have the 50t in the front too, because I was too lazy to remove it.
I did the "ratio" mod of my brifter so I could have 12 speeds on the rear.
What stand is it?
My stand has a knuckle that allows you to rotate the bike, which you can clamp, for instance, so what to do depends on what the stand can (or can't) do!
Depends on the rider, and weight distribution for your equipment.
For me on my tour earlier this year, I could do:
- around 2 mph on a wide road where I can swing the handlebars a bunch without fear
- 3mph when "white-line riding" with limited swings of the handlebars
- 3.5 to 4mph+...