I'll pipe in for the Italian contingency - how about a Bianchi? I'm thrilled with my XL Carbon. I never thought it would make a big difference. However, there's a hill in my neighborhood that I thought was too steep for me to climb, even with my triple - and on a Cannondale R1000, not exactly a big beefy bike to begin with! The first day out on my Bianchi, I tried it, and it was no problem - on a double. The second time, I accidently went up it again - on the big ring! It handles like a dream too - I'm much more secure and confident cornering and turning tighter circles.