from this point, it might get ugly

[Trek420]

Remember, if you get a Mondonico from Chris like Trek did, it will be custom made for you with all your specifications (room for fenders, etc like Trisk says); rather than a modified existing frame like Mr. DumpsterDiver is trying to shove off on you.

It will take longer, but might be worth it.

Knot necessarily, Knott. You can get a Mondonico or Torelli off the rack so to speak. I went full custom route because at the time i was looking for a bike Antonio the builder just happened to be in town. So why not get measured and get the custom build at no extra cost?

Otherwise I would have bought the closest frame I could and had Chris fit me.

There's been a lot of good advice on this thread but folks if you have a bike shop you love and a good wench oops, I mean wrench treasure them bake cookies, write them into your will, send flowers....good service is so important in this sport and apparently.....it's hard to find.

I feel very lucky after reading this to have several excellent shops in my area and two local ones I particularly like.

It's not the fancy custom build, over the years Chris has saved me the cost of my bike with his good sound advice: minor adjustments where I know others would sell me a new bike, his "sure, you could do this, but this is better and less expensive" approach.

And he treats my commuter with the same care as my road bike, I see he does the same for others.