well biked,

Thanks for the story, I enjoyed it, I've also been known to do a horse trade or two.

To the OP,

I have a Colnago Master Light, partly because I got a deal from a now closed local shop, and partly because I always wanted one, and partly because of the tubing, marginally because of the paint.

If I were to seek out one then I'd look for a Viner, or a DeRosa (with the heart, not the wheel for the "o"), or a Pinarello, or something else, or something I couldn't pronounce the name of, or basically whatever fell into my lap and budget.

Decide if you want newer or older, or something Italian "just because". To me, "just because" is a valid enough reason.

To all,
Did Merckx ever handle a torch? I really don't know, flame not intentional. Seems kind of like a meaningless point when the goal is the final result and the history to back it up. A great orchestra conductor may not be able to play the tuba, but as long as he can direct them then the music is all that matters in the end.