I can understand how the creative exploits by the painter on the frame might not be everyone's cup of tea. For me, there are three things that attracted me to the bike at first:

1) Lugged construction

2) Steel - Columbus SLX

3) My size: 53-54

The rest of it (the cross-hatch on the tubes, the rainbow colors) just came with the complete package, I can't pick and choose. Of course, the fact that it costs less than $200 is selling point too.
Fortunately, after I built it up and rode it, it wasn't that bad...in fact, it gives a very high-quality ride, on par with names like MASI and CIOCC also built in the same vintage years of early-to-mid 80s.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with the purchase. It really completes my desire to have a good quality bike each made of three different materials (steel, ti, carbon) in my stable.

The search continues to verify the original framebuilder...if only I can find someone who used to work for Titan, they might know.

Ride on!

weisan