Hi Merckx Wannabe! :-) Welcome to the forums! No big deal about the threads! This is a place for good people to come and speak, tell, advice others, and make good friends! The bike does look very nice! Good thing that you were able to repair the damage! It is funny that you fell of the bike! Hey guess what? I fell off my bike several months ago too! My fall was for being stupid and taking a cell phone call while wearing toe straps! Don't do it! I ate about two spoons full of dirt! :-) You may have paid too much for your bike, but the supply does determine price if there is a high demand! I would probably have paid the money too, so no big deal anymore! Over here in Mickey Mouse land, I have been very fortunate to find them. I'm a collector/rider/flipper, but I think I love flipping the most! I really get excited about finding them. Would there be a possibility for you to take a trip to Italy, or France and look for another vintage road bike once you decide to get another one? France and Italy are definitely closer than America. Since some of the best bikes are French and Italian, I would definitely make it a life goal of going there and finding a dream bike at a good price.

Don't lose hope! I know that one day you will post pictures of your newly acquired PX-10, or a vintage Italian beauty! I've been very fortunate to have owned three PX-10s, Two Tommasinis, a Rossin, Romani, (all sold), and currently have a Bianchi Trofeo that needs a crank,and post and saddle. I few days ago I bought a Basso (Italian) that was about 2.5 hours from me. I went to pick it up, but I bought it in the dark, and was careless because I did not notice that the top tube had been painted over. They did this to cover oxidation (rust). I was a little dissapointed until I rode it yesterday and today on the trails. That bike has an unbelievable ride. I never have spoken so well of any road bike, but this Basso really put a smile on my face while riding it. It has the smoothes ride, it is definitely fast and responsive, and moves like a stallion! I highly recommend this brand for you in the future! I don't think that they are as expensive as other Italians either. The others are phenomenal bikes, but the Basso is by far my favorite so far.

Definitely continue to ride, maintain your bike in top shape, and don't lose the love for these beautiful road bikes. Give me a choice between a high end carbon fiber and a vintage high end Italian, and I'll take the Carbon Fiber in a flash, flip it, and buy myself 10 plus Italian gems from the 70's-80's! :-) Welcome again!

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