Yes, quite interesting Rad....... Are you sure there is a complete inner metal tube going all the way through the top tube on your Super Prestige? I mean, if it did it would make good sence. My bike has the cable guides brazed into the top tube (one in the front, and one in the back) sticking out about an inch, but it doesn't run all the way through (that I remember anyway).

I do know that when I replaced my cables two summers ago, I had a hard time trying to fish the new cable (housing) out into the exit tube. Seems like I had to snare it to get it through. This does have my interest piq'd though. If the guide does run all the way through, I find it hard to believe Tommasini would only do that to certain models. Since mine is the 'comp' model (competizione) and lower on the food chain than top of the line 'Super Prestige', maybe they did.

Four years ago an RBR member sent me scanned copies of original early 90's Tommasini sales brochures sold through 'Colorado Cyclist', who was one of the stateside importers at that time. The brochures were eye-opening to say the least. They showed every paint option they offered, and they were all beautiful. I remember the 'Super Prestige' was top of the heap, and listed for $970 for frame and fork (in 91-92 dollars). The 'Comp' was a bit cheaper at around $800, but had the lightest frame in Columbus SL. Of course all this is before 'Sintesi' or 'Tecno' models came out, by a good 7 or 8 years. All the Tommasinis' I ever seen were beautifully made and gorgeous in paint. Absolutely breathtaking.

Unfortunately, I had a computer crash shortly after that and lost the pics (yeah, tell me about it)