Sweet!!! Does the back wheel rub the seattube when it gets hot out?

I'm guessing compact must refer to the chaistays, wheelbase, etc...

I am of the mind I cannot tell much difference in Italian bikes of similar type/purpose and construction. An SLX bicycle of good construction and similar tube diameters, geometry and size is not going to be significantly different from some other nearly identical brand of Italian racing bicycle with the same tube set.

orrrr... you could go Japanese: its not SLX its something... dare I say, better? as some above... you have an slx columbus frame. Try some Tange? you might like it.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...efeb664bcb.jpg

What he said ^^^^,

It's all about the angles. My Merckx Corsa Extra handles completely different (more responsive) than either of of my Colnagos.

Oh to have such a stable to choose from.

I don't agree with this. At one time I had both a Trek TX 900 and a colnago master. The Trek was a better bike in every way. Especially when fit and finish were concerned.
I think colnago's are overrated and overpriced.

They're the Rolex of Italian bikes...flashy, well marketed, everyone knows them. They aren't usually my thing, but they are for some others...they tend to be towards the extreme side of quick handling and tight geometry.

As said earlier - a Merckx guy is probably going to like De Rosas.

The Colnago Super is a pretty dang nice bike...they've been around for a long time, and I think that's with reason.

...heat expansion is the very reason they made them with the proprietary adjustable rear dropouts. :)

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3aee092a15.jpg

I have a pro Miyata and I've had a centurion Iron Man with tange 1. I can definitely say the Merckx rides better than both. Does this bike have tange prestige?

hah- you already have some Japanese steel then!

I was suggesting a zunow, if you can find one, because they are (on the top end) all hand built from custom tange tubing and Kageyama (builder ) loved italian bikes and was not shy about taking Italian geometry and design elements then adding his own engineering and vision. Others may correct me, but on the whole, other Japanese makers are more conservative and are based more on french & american designs.

The Ironman is definitely designed in America- even if built in japan from japanese steel, its not actually a born in Japan ride. (I quite like the IM ride though!).

the Miyata would probably not be tange- they had their own steel.

I really like my Zunow Z-1. Handles kinda like a Cinelli. Fast like a Pelizzoli. Panto's all over like...a Zunow.

....and my EM Corsa Extra rides so much differently than my DeRosa Pro. Both SLX, within 1cm of same frame size, and perhaps 1 year apart.
DeRosa is rumored to use an SP downtube on larger frames (mid-80's), and maybe changes in the fork, but IDK for sure.

A bunch of butted R531 in the group and they ride differently as well.

Be different.
Buy a PRX tubed frame. :Dhttps://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d1aa2b41ed.jpg

just to throw a wrench in: have you tried a r753? if you are interested in various vintage tube-sets this is one that is a must: I have to say, nothing rides like my look r753. maybe its the slack yet race ready angles, but ..its not all that: the thing sings.

Than sounds like a cool tube set to try but it seems rare.

I do need some PRX action. Already have an MS frame, love the creased tubes.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a6ed9883c2.jpg

Ha, that's a good one.
I love me some Italian bikes. Personally, I think it's more about geometry than anything else. And more to the point, the geometry that suits you.

That Gios..very nice.

Reynolds 753R
 

I believe Jetboy is referring to Reynolds 753R, the R standing for "race" meaning the stays are also 753 although, some will say the R denotes thinner tubes but I doubt this as my 753R uses a standard 27.2 seat post.

Those brown hoods are a nice touch. Did you plan & select them, or did they happen to come with the shifters?

I planned and selected them when the black ones I had needed replacing.
They are from Hudz.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...205856d27c.jpg

Just to let you guys know. I ended up buying a gios compact pro. I got it at a great price and now Im in love withhttps://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...25c5c364ac.jpg
the azure color.

That bike whips, get a picture of it in front of some water or a mural and watch the likes roll in

Basso Gap. A different feel to it than some of the other Italian steeds I have ridden. Love mine. Rossin ELOS Professional. Rocket and effortless. I have never ridden my dream bike from age 11...Ciocc...weirdly.

I'll let you know at some point about my Cromor Faggin!