I used to have a grail bike: an Austro Daimler Vent Noir II in smoked chrome. Loved it. But I admired it more often than I rode it. So after about a year I sold it to another BF member who will ride it far more than I did. It deserves to be ridden. In its wake, I bought an old Univega. It's better for me. The price was lower, I like the ride just fine, and I don't feel guilty if I don't ride for a week or two. Just the same, I still scan CL regularly. Can't resist the hunt for a bargain Super Course or a International. But I now know that, for me at least, the hunt is more compelling than the actual bike.

Picchio Special: Are you planning a book on bikes and craft? I'd read it!