OK, Since building up my Bianchi, I was one time satisfied with knowing it was a lugged steel frame. Columbus tubes and made in Italy, it was low mileage when I received it. Original tires and brake pads and rims had barely any signs of wear...

However, after spending too much time here, I began to get restless. Other than the raised "B" on the headtube-downtube lug, the frame was created in the late 80's - a time where cost-cutting measures had a firm grip on the competitive cycling industry. The end result is, as much as my frame is decent... I see more and more that its very.... ordinary.

The lugwork is plain and short-pointed thruout. There is no pantographing, or details in any of the seatstays or fork crown, or bottom bracket shell.. Gipiemme dropouts round out the package for a bicycle that was completely equipped with Shimano 105, from hubs to headset. There is no chrome and its painted a simple enamel black with decals under the clear-coat... again, ordinary.

It gets the job done and it rides along side carbon 4-5-figure digit bikes weekly, where it's remarked for its understatedness causing riders to look twice thinking its some vintage carbon bike... but it isn't.

Now I find myself searching for hours for something Japanese, and a bit fancier.. a Zunow would be great, but even an older Miyata Pro had me tempted on ebay...

WHAT have all you done to me!!??!?