Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,176
Likes: 1,464
From: Saratoga, CA
Bikes: 1981 Bianchi Specialissima, 1971 Bob Jackson. 2012 Kestrel 4000. 2012 Willier. 2016 Fuji Cross 1.1, 1950 Hetchins, 194X James Fothergill, 1971 Paramount P15, 1973 Paramount P12, 1963 Legnano (x2), 1951 Hetchins, 2024 Canyon Endurace
All I can say is it is a rat-hole, but a really fun and interesting rat hole. I just went from early 70's as my "sweet spot" to now 2 early 60's a 1950, and a 194X (plus another 1940's bike that I sold). Where I used to be able to get a frame in and build it up "how I liked it" generally in a weekend, or a couple of months if I repainted it, to now spending many months (and way more time) sourcing the parts that make sense.
I say "do it". I'd go Italian or British (or what I did, both).