I know what you mean about smallish hands and long-reach brake levers. About the only non-Italian parts on my Bianchi are Shimano aero brake handles, KoolStop brake pads, Serfas ARC saddle, and Continental tires. I simply could not panic stop securely with the original Modolo Speedy brake levers, but the Shimanos work out very well for me, as would old-school Weinmanns. Unlike yours, my Bianchi cannot accommodate racks or wider tires, so it is strictly a fair weather midlife crisis toy, but much cheaper than a Ferrari or a Lamborghini.