....and about thirty other members who spend their waking hours on other forums such as Serotta and BDC.

This was not my favorite version of this bike though, as he kept tweaking it.

Absolutely AMAZING bike (and a great owner), but I too liked some later iterations more. He ended up using a very cool custom made lugged quill stem I LOVED.

:rolleyes: Is this suppose to give you cover for the spurious comments about cars, spandex, etc?

That is an artificial criteria you choose to apply. Others see a collection of compatible parts and take the best in their opinion to achieve their goals.

Personally I appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into a quality steel frame, but have no particular preference in components as of yet, and will field a variety for variety sake.

For me, it was a matter of money. My friend offered me the Cross Check at a price I couldn't resist.

cinco, I find that brifters make riding more pleasant. I'm fine with downtube friction shifters, too, but brifters are more fun. My 3x9 Ultegra setup has very closely spaced gears and shifters (brifters) right near my hand, so I can shift very, very often, which improves speed and efficiency. It may not be a huge improvement, but the improvement is pleasant. It also allows me to maintain a higher level of exertion. Contrast it to a 3-speed: with a 3-speed, the gears are way-far apart, so I shift down and reduce my effort to match the gear I'm in. The reason I choose a 3-speed is that it exposes the difference than comparing my 3x9 setup with a 2x7 setup.

These redos by companies leveraging classic names that really disappeared several mergers/bankruptcies ago are pretty manipulative. At least the BikesDirect Motos are a good deal.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...premio_red_xi/

Where can you get a Maxway?

I actually much prefer the one posted above. For me the combination of colours just clicks.

Also worth looking though his other bikes. The Agordina is quite stunning. He is a great guy to buy a bike from.

This could be simplified to "he's a great guy."

This is the gentleman who assisted me in getting my Marnati. He's the one who surprised me with the Silca pump and also gave me a lift to an ATM when we had CC issues at the shop.

From Maxway?

It doesn't look like they sell directly to consumers, though. Maybe your bike shop can order them, but they may prefer to sell in large quantities.

Interesting that they use True Temper tubing, since I believe that's made in the USA.

http://www.maxway.com.tw/proimages/6322_b.jpg

I just asked my LBS, my price for the International is $4100. I think it should have a modern Campy Super record group for that money.

Mike

4100ish is actually about right.

2000 (roughly) for the DA group, 700 or so for the wheels (depending on the wheels, I'm assuming something impressive) and $400 misc.

That puts frame cost at $1,000.

This is a Raleigh International Made in England with Campagnolo Components! Cost $400.00 not $6000 or is that 6000 Yen?

http://i428.photobucket.com/albums/q...rightprof1.jpg

$4,100, and two years ago, the same shops would be telling us that steel is outdated technology. Heck, there are entry-level aluminum frames for far less.

-Kurt

You make it sound reasonable. Do you think it is?

Aluminum frames are now cheaper to make than steel. I'm guessing you know that, so maybe I don't follow what you're saying.

I don't think it's a bargain, and 4100 is still a touch high, but for a full DA group, yes...that's about what it's worth.

By how much could steel frame construction have gone up in price at China Incorporated?

-Kurt