Originally Posted by
KonAaron Snake
Olmo wasn't that small and did make lower and mid-level models...you should be able to get one at a reasonable number (comparable to more desired brands like Colnago). I've never been especially impressed with Olmo and have no desire to own one.
I agree with JPZ - don't target a specific brand unless you know from experience that it rides especially well for you, target a bike that fits. I also like the smaller name Italians and you can usually find them at decent pricing since they have a smaller market. There is no best, just personal preference, taste and some mythology/branding.
An Olmo from the 50's or early 60's would be nice to have and unless you are very lucky not going to arrive cheap. I do not know there history but for a while they were out of business I believe, at least that was the comment from the bike shops when I was looking for my first road bike and had read that they were a good brand. In the late 70's-80's there was a revival of the brand for sure, to my mind it was in name only and only occasionally did I feel the bikes were special. I would not be surprised if they were contract built at that point.