Good job David at reminding us all of the richness of the CR list archives!
Re: eBay auction for Rossi bike...
Looking at this bike, I am reminded that the connection with Suntour, at least in the front & rear derailleurs, is undeniable (?) This particular bike has a rear derailleur more like Superbe than the versions I saw years ago, which looked more like Cyclone...
http://i21.ebayimg.com/
http://i22.ebayimg.com/
The brakes, Modolo Flash, and the tubing, Aelle, makes this a very flashy but nonetheless moderate model...)
Dale Brown
Greensboro, NC