Here is an excerpt from the RR interview with Mike Barry:
Q: What decade in the past sixty years was the best for bicycle style? And in which country?
Mike Barry: .....As far as racing bikes go I would say that the best are the late seventies, early eighties Italian bikes. I don't think there is anything to compare to those except perhaps a Richard Sachs of the same period......
Wow, and I broke bread and shared a bottle of wine with Richie last year in Greensboro....I'm in awe Richie and I haven't even met your dog! For the record, I did send Richie's dog an email with a picture of my daughter's dog, my granddog.
If you don't subscribe to RR, help Grant out, subscribe and buy a few things from him now and then. I personally have not found a better shirt to sleep in or wear under a jersey than his woolie sleeveless t-shirts. You can contact Rivendell at 925-933-7304 or Box 5289, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Or, website is http://www.rivendellbicycles.com. Lou Deeter, Orlando FL