I used to get sucked in my big names and top of the line models. Not so anymore. However, with what I have learned about quality road bicycles, I published in a feature article on MY "TEN SPEEDS". This page, Determining Bicycle Quality - Contents, is much of what I have learned, about bicycle frames and the quality associated with them, over the years.

Hope this is a help.

I might add that on the weekend, I scored a Bianchi "Premio" for a good price. Look for pictures of the crappy work on this bicycle. There is actually a 1/8" gap on the drive side chain stay to drop joint - truly substandard.