What do you think of the Wilier La Triestina for around $720. I am looking to get my first nice frame while moving up from my current 1998 Cannondale Cad2. I like my Cannondale but it is too big for me at 54cm. I need a 52 so I am in the market.

I'm looking for a mid range frame and was looking to spend between $350 and $700.

Thoughts??

Well if you like the Cannondale...why dont you stick with a Cannondale?
The Specialized Allez frameset is in that price range.

I would stick with the Canonndale but newer frames are not only hard to find in 52cm but are a lot more money than this one. I thought about the Allez frame but am not a huge fan of the way the bike feels.

I have the Wilier Izoard. Part of my decision was because of its relative rarity versus a sea of Cannondale, Trek, Specialized, Giant, and Cervelo bikes around here - not a knock on these brands. I have the Allez with triple crank for my winter bike, but now that I know, I'd sooner pick the La Triestina. If you haven't arleady looked at it in person, the triple-butted aluminum also incorporates internal cable routing! A nice detail for its price.

One more thing, I don't think Wilier sizes their bikes in 52,54,56, etc. They're in XS, S, M, L.....their S is more like a 51 though, so you might fit an M. Try both sizes if you can.

Go custom steel.

Gotta love it when somebody lobs a grenade like this - totally irrelevant to the OP's query - priceless. That's like:

OP: hey I'm looking for a basic commuter car.
Response: buy a Ferrari