One nit to pick regarding the strada-to-pista surgery. The stadas also differ at the inboard ends of the front and rear cages. In front there is a small quill, presumably to keep the foot from sliding toward the crank. On the rear cage there is a strap guide that is not present on the pistas. So, if you want to do a convincing conversion, consider mods to the inboard ends. Not sure how feasible this is, because I've never tried it myself.
Of course, cut down stradas are certainly period correct, even if only the outer parts are modified. I've just noticed that they are usually very easy to spot because the inboard junk is all still there.
Tom Dalton
Bethlehem, PA, USA
---------------------------------
Sneak preview the all-new Yahoo.com. It's not radically different. Just radically better.