It's pretty interesting to look at them side by side, at least to me. I can't comment on ride because I'm attempting to salvage the red (italian), but if it doesn't hold, I'll be on the japanese one soon. The Japanese one is somewhat of a loaner until I figure out if I need it based upon the red's condition.

The japanese one had Biopace cranks on it when I picked it up (removed by the seller, I didn't need them, couldn't use them).. Not sure if it was stock.