Folks,
I was just in Italy on my honeymoon and saw a multitude of bikes like this everywhere. I knew that Italy was bike friendly, but I have never seen so many old bikes still in use!
Probably the coolest thing occurred when I visited Siena. My wife and I spied a small shop just inside the old town wall and went inside. Some of you may remember that I've had a 1960 Cinelli long term restoration project. The last thing I've needed were cotter pins. Between my non-existant Italian and his limited English, I was able to communicate my needs. Lo and behold, he had them! Then, he asked us into the back room, where he had an old road bike against a wall with pictures and thophies around it. The bike had belongs to his father and looked as if it was ready to ride right out of the shop. Gran Sport derailleurs, bar end shifters, 3 piece Campy hubs - the bike was beautiful.
So if you are ever in Siena, check out Cicli Rossi...
Oh yeah, we saw a lot of old buildings and stuff there too! :>)
Ciao for now, Mark Ritz Arcata, CA where I just finished a ride on my fixed gear Rickert.