What is it about Italian bikes? If we could put our finger on it, we wouldn't be asking this question.

I have been fascinated by Italian bicycles ever since I saw my first Legnano back in 1969. The Italians have a certain sense of what? Style? Craftsmanship? Design? Whatever it is, it's there. Someone above mentioned "passion". Maybe. Mystique? No doubt about it. The Italian bikes are not always the strongest, lightest, fastest or fanciest. But there's no denying that they have a certain panache. The high end Italian bicycles were always beautiful, executed to a very high standard, and just a little different from what everyone else was doing. Anyway, they're a natural fit for the undisputed best gear, Campagnolo-- which has a mystique all it's own.

So go ahead. Ask the question. Just don't expect an answer. The finest things are always just a little bit inexplicable and mysterious.