Andy,

Thanks for the amazing breakdown and photos. Lots of points and questions that merit reply, but would say yes I am keenly aware of the vast extent of the details and the potential for diving into the rabbit hole head first. I tends to fit my personality and I approach all hobbies that way.

I’m new to cycling with road bikes. I love details and minutia like domed vs flat and as I mentioned before, have a great affinity for all things Italian after living there as a student. My hope for this first bike is obviously classic/vintage (hence the posting in this forum), original with period correct parts of the highest caliber available at the time, etc. I’m not diametrically opposed to a restored bike if done very well and accurately, but I’d prefer a vintage bike that is ready to ride or close. My leaning is early 80s at the latest, but love 60s and 70s as well. I get that these dates directly affect the availability of certain high end components based on the fact that they were yet to be introduced.

I’ve got my eye on both small shop and larger production stuff but nothing is set in stone. Looking forward to this process and learning more and more importantly, riding more!