from this point, it might get ugly

[Triskeliongirl]

I might just have to go with a great Northwest Builder instead.

You know Mimi, it could be much worse. Most of us don't have 'great builders' in our backyards. You seem to have a *selection* of local custom builders, so you have to be careful in weighing advice from folks that don't have that luxury. Another advantage of going local is they will better understand your interest in a bike that is fast AND accomodates fenders and wider tires. Where I live you would be told it can't be done. Where you live its de rigeur. Enjoy the bicycle show. I think that should be a great start. Enjoy your veloce, and just give yourself some time to figure out what YOU want your dream bike to do. A funny story on the Italian builder thing. When I got my custom orthopaedic crank set in california, I mentioned to him my idea to bring it to Italy on my next trip to europe, walk into a framebuiders shop, and tell him "Build me a bike around this" you know, like the faucet commercials. While I was half way joking I was half way serious, and he told me in no uncertain terms what a bad idea that was. First of all, you need to be able to communicate with your frame builder. Secondly their philosphy is very different. They are steeped in racing culture. To them a women is a small man, and they expect her to ride a racing bike in a deep aero tuck. They won't use wheels smaller than 700c, etc. He said even he wouldn't build me a bike cuz he is in CA and I live in TX. The crank set is different because I flew there to be fitted and that can be done in a day. But a bike, he would want to start by observing me ride my own bike, and then when he builds it put a fit stem on, and again observe me riding it, etc. as he tweaked it. Things that can only be done LOCALLY. So yes Mimi, I strongly support your decision to go LOCAL.

[mimitabby]

Trisk, I am fluent in Italian, and after reading two italian books on bicycling, I think i know their bike lingo okay too.
So don't you go trampling on my pipe dreams, okay?

(having said that, I'm not likely to buy an italian bike on my next trip... but you NEVER KNOW )

[KnottedYet]

My "pipe" dreams all involve Reynolds steel....

(when does a "tube" become a "pipe" anyway? And what about "pipettes"?)

[mimitabby]

and who is this Reynolds person anyway?
no kidding, Steel is the only way for me

[KnottedYet]

and who is this Reynolds person anyway?

LOL! Mimi, you are a hoot! Can't wait to see you at the Bike Expo!

[mimitabby]

come early on sunday..
darn I was hoping that you were going toanswer my question.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Mimi, I know it's been awful for you....but it could have been way worse too. I've heard stories of people who waited YEARS for their custom frame- and when it came it was all wrong. Happily you only lost a couple of months in the timeline of life on this project, right? And now you have added experience and knowledge that will ensure everything comes out right this next time.

I am curious, however....I certainly understand the wanting a steel bike (steel rools). But why exactly is it that you want an Italian frame? What is it specifically about Italian frames that you can't get in other frames?

[Triskeliongirl]

Hey Mimi- just to have closure did the bike make it back safely, and has your credit card been credited yet? Just let us know when its all straightened out. What about the wheels? Were you able to stop the order or had he already started building them? -e