Since spring is almost here I'm considering another purchase - something Italian this time. I've never owned any Italian iron before, so I was hoping you all could give me some advice on decent brands, where to buy, etc.

I'm considering a DeRosa, Tommasini or Masi, made from Columbus Superleggera. I'm hoping to bag something in the 70s-early 90s era, preferably already built, but I don't mind building up again from the frame. Preferably, I'd like something with non-twitchy geometry, something that would ride acceptably well here in the East Penn valley (with its chipseal and potholes). I don't tend to beat on bikes, and I'd really like one that rides beautifully, as I've heard these things tend to do.

I'm budgeting anywhere from $1500-2300 for this bike, which I'm assuming should be enough.

My main issue is going to be fit, though. I do best on 50cm-51cm frames, but I can stretch to 52 and just barely squeeze onto a 49. I realize that the bigger frame sizes are more common.

Are there other brands I ought to consider here? Any other frame tubes (ex. SLX) to consider?

Also, if I have to build from scratch again, I am flummoxed about what part groups to use - e.g. do I go with traditional Campagnolo high-end parts, or is the use Shimano/Suntour (with which I am more familiar) out of the question?

I also understand that the threadings are a little different. Any advice about those? Do the bottom brackets require special tools, or can I get by with the English/JIS tools I already have?

How's the budget? Will I need more for this project, or is what I've set aside enough?

Lastly, other than eBay, CL or Hilary Stone, do any of you have recommendations about where I could purchase one of these gems?

Thanks, as always.