Hard decision
 

I have a 2002 LeMond Alp d'Huez Reynolds 853 that I've listed for sale. My intention is to take the proceeds and buy a 1987 Bertoni with Columbus Matrix tubing, completely rebuilt with Veloce 10 speed. Is this a mistake- to essentially trade for a bike made of lesser tubing but better components? Another thing is, I've never had an Italian road bike before and feel it's time. Even though it's 15 years older than my LeMond, judging by the condition of the Bertoni's paint, I'm confident it's a lot lower mileage. If I did sell the Alp d'Huez, it's not like I'd be totally out of LeMonds, because I have a Buenos Aires Reynolds 853.
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Do it! Life’s too short to not ride lots of bikes. Always fun to mix it up with an Italian

Italian steel rim brake road bicycles are all but being given away now. Personally I’d wait a week or two for something with lighter tubing than Matrix, which really is entry level, and Ergopower with aluminium rather than plastic shift levers. However the Campagnolo Zonda(?) wheels, if straight and serviced, are really good - light and durable.

I would keep the LeMond Alp d'Huez Reynolds 853, its a great bike and nice tubing.
Matrix tubes are Cromor or the common Cromo steel.
Fit is the most important consideration and you probably like your LeMond fit.
N+1 if you have the room and want the older steel Bertoni

Here's a thought: Buy the Bertoni and ride it for a month or two. Better yet, alternate between the Bertoni and the Lemond for a month or two. Keep the one you like better, sell the other one.

Done and dusted.

I would sell the Alp d'Huez first. Ride the Bertoni and buy it only if you like the ride. If you are unsure, look at other Italians. If you change your mind after a purchase, you can always sell it and start over.

In order to really know a bike , you have to ride it . Every bike you get is going to be a gamble to some degree. Even a bike that is your size can be either just ok or a super great bike. If it is possible to have both bikes for a period of time to be sure I would try to make that happen. This is especially important if you really like the bike you have , and it sounds like you do.

I surely like having different bikes to ride, but, that is switch I would not make. Do what you wish, it is your bike world.