+1 If I could afford it, I would get one of each Italian brand, De Rosa, Bianchi, Cinelli, Pinarello, etc. and Merckx. I don't think Colnago really makes a bottom end bike. They are all near the top. Overpriced? Yes, like many others and that is the price of admission. If they weren't desirable, they would be like the French bikes in price!

I would argue that Colnago did a terrific job marketing too. But the history supports many of the claims and it does have its shares of winning noteriety including Eddie. Read this for more info:
http://autobus.cyclingnews.com/spons...o/?id=colnago1