Frame Maestro Giovanni "Ciocc" Pelizzoli sold the Ciocc trademark to Stefano Bontani, Cesare Biondi and Biffi Guiseppe in 1991. My impressions are that they wanted to capitalize on the Ciocc name and introduced some lower-priced models to increase sales. Columbus Gara tubing was a bit heavier than SL and is described as a "road set especially suited for amateur and touring cyclists who demand stout, lightweight racing frames". Specs on Gara tubing at this link:
http://www.equusbicycle.com/bike/col...umbuschart.htm