steel--wanna play?

[TxDoc]

What about a VOlpe? He's an Ital-o-phile in regards to many other things....art, food, landscape, movies...
There's a new one I can get for 800.

I totally recommend Bianchi, but the volpe is the low-end cyclocross/touring model. For just a little bit more $ you could get the Eros that is also steel but a nicer road frame, and it comes with campy!
You can probably find most 2007 models discounted now, if you look for closeouts. Maybe you could even find a virata or a vigorelli at a good price.
http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_road.html
If he wants a cross bike instead, the nicer cyclocross Bianchi are aluminum, but they are light and nice.
http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_cross.html
Has he tried to test ride anything so far?

[mimitabby]

I did a test ride on the Volpe and thought it to be an awesome little bike (well, in his case, big bike)
I think that's an excellent suggestion if it's still steel (because you want steel)