I agree with LOTEK. I would also throw in Ciocc. But also the components are very important, the more complete the better. Components such as anything Campy, Zeus, top line of Huret and Suntour Superbe or even Cyclone to a far lesser degree. And they all should be friction shifting-of course.

The newer companies that LOTEK mentioned are in the same old craftsmanship league that took pride in their work-where making money is not the issue (ask Sach and Rivendell about that), and they enjoy the art of their work and reflect that artsy look in their bikes. Problem with the new guys is that they don't have an outlet to get new classically built components with friction shifting. The old Campy's, Zeus and Huret displayed very artsy craftmanship by engraving or cutting designs into their product, the Suntour stuff was not as artsy as those others but their product was much more reliable and faster shifting.

I do feel a sense (hopefully) that some production shops might be starting to go back to some of that artsy looking stuff of the old days while using modern materials; take a look a the Merlin Cielo, Colnago Master X-Light and the Serotta Ottrott and you can see what I mean. But these newer bikes are very expensive with the Cielo costing $6k plus.

But I'm one of those weirdos that just never have liked the look of a weld around the tube look, nor can I get into black wheels and spokes, handlebars seat post etc. It looks to industrial for my taste; sort of cold and unimaginable.