Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories and knowledge of Italian bikes.

Soon, I'll be scouring e-bay and CL to see if I can find my dream bike. You guys have opened up my mind and made me aware of so many different brands that I had forgotten about or never even heard of. Zullo, Tommassino, Pogliagi's are all brands I forgot about. I think I'll be much more open-minded now in my selection, although I think Bottecchia will remain on top. Brand recognition does mean something to me and I fondly remember a red, white and green one that oozed "passione Italiano" that a friend of mine had as a teenager. That might be a silly reason, but it is more of reason than I can give for any of the other makers.

Again, any thoughts on Bottecchia? I'll be looking for anything up to the mid 80's.

Good stuff guys, keep on schooling me on the Italians!