Originally Posted by
Poguemahone
+very many. The lesser known US builders are a bargain, and I think the best avenue for the cheaper collector. I think even the better known ones are by and large undervalued. There's also any number of very small Italian builders, little known outside of Italy (and sometimes barely even there) that produced beautiful work. Finding one requires some dumb luck and patience, but they do exist.
They run cheaper than "name" Italians and are often built far better.
I think there are other advantages too...people don't know what they are and that can make for fun conversations. It means they tend to attract less attention, which I consider a plus. I think they're easier to get back if stolen...they stick out. As you said, I think a lot of the time they are much better made bikes and the price is a huge boon as well. I'd much rather have an odder marquee...something like a Picchio...than a 10speed Drives import.