Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,045
Likes: 15
From: Lancaster County, PA
Bikes: '39 Hobbs, '58 Marastoni, '73 Italian custom, '75 Wizard, '76 Wilier, '78 Tom Kellogg, '79 Colnago Super, '79 Sachs, '81 Masi Prestige, '82 Cuevas, '83 Picchio Special, '84 Murray-Serotta, '85 Trek 170, '89 Bianchi, '90 Bill Holland, '94 Grandis
You ultimately have to decide for yourself what makes an "extraordinary" frame, what floats your boat. That could keep changing for a good long while. Then you'll know which frames to go after and which ones you truly appreciate, irrespective of the name on the down tube. It could ultimetaly come down to some quite subtle details. Keep looking and learning.
P.S. The cost-cutting kicked in hard in the early 80's.