I am not sure if it makes a difference, Meheecan or Italian? I raced on one (mexican made) after I crashed my Gios back in the stone age. Since I was a poor college student, another Gios or Motta (really wanted one of those) was out of the question. So, this ugly silver / brown, typical color for Benotto in those days, came along. It was my size and my price. I knew it was Mexican made but I didn't care. Tell you the truth, I can't tell the difference in ride quality. By then I have gone through a few frames since racing as a Jr. Within three or four days of riding, it was like an extension of my arms again. The Gios was 100th of a milisecond quicker in and out of the turns. I couldn't break this Benotto, and believe me, I tried. Benottos to me its like a Gios, it should only be that silver/ brown color.