Yup, it does seem to be popular! I too was looking at the Bianchi (Volpe) but went with the Long Haul Trucker, though largely due to my size as I wanted the strength and length it has. Rode them both at Harris and the LHT just felt much better to me. Definitely love it so far!
As for weight...ain't never seen it naked so not sure. Certainly not weighed in ounces, but then again neither am I
