Classic & Vintage - Is this guy asking too much $$ for this California Masi?

http://i19.ebayimg.com/02/i/05/df/0e/b8_3.JPG The dude is selling it for a friend and relisted the bike after it got no bids at $2000.

I PM'd him that I would offer $1200 and got no response :( . Did I insult him with that offer? If this was an Italian Masi, I think his price might be more justified, but i'm not a vintage bike expert.
Opinions! Please! :)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7211457274&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Interesting looking bike. No, I don't think you did wrong. Particularly, with a relist, & only slightly lowered price. For the asking price, I would have expected a bit more detail in the listing & more photos.

Personally, I am one of those that thinks much of the vintage stuff is getting too expensive.

For people who are trying to pull together an American bike collection, the California Masi's were seminal, much in the same way that the Blues Project or the Yardbirds were seminal to all rock and roll that came after. The Masi shops in California involved many, many of our finest American builders in their formative years, and so the bikes have a lot of historical collector value. They are worth what the market will bear, of course, and in this case $2K is too high, 1.2K too low, I think. If if were a Carlsbad Masi, the price would be closer to right...I'm thinking somewhere between 1.5 and 1.8K, maybe. The bike is in excellent condition, with period correct parts (it has been ridden, looking at the leather on the handlebars, quite a bit, but it was very carefully ridden).

And if the guy was insulted, that's too bad. Sellers have to realize that that is what they're doing: selling. If a seller lets his ego get in the way, he will make a trail of tears for everybody.

according to the serial number this one was built in 1980 San Marcos
the last one sold on ebay same vintage went for just under $500 for the
frame only. Given the Super Record gruppo and condition of the bike
1500 seems reasonable.

Marty

Size can matter as well, this is a big bike. While the Moulton built Masi's are very nice, the market does not value them as much, perhaps for a number of reasons, the fork crown is not one of the Classic Masi variants also hurts, but it was probably not the builder's choice. Bike with pre investment casting lugs also get more attention, it is the needed hand work perhaps of the stamped ones that is appreciated.

A Carlsbad Masi commands more, they have not come up very often lately. So, if you want a California Masi and it fits, a good choice at $1500. More than the market will bear at 2K it appears. One could easily buy a similar model in lesser condition then spend $500. on paint alone, so a wider view should be taken. So, maybe it is the size.

I think $1200 is reasonable number - I sold two of these California frames this year for less than $500 each - maybe I was to low one of the guys I sold it to turned around and sold in on ebay for $700, but even with those frame dollars $1,200 is reasonable.

I think $2 grans is way too expensive. Let's start with the frame. I saw several other posters reference simiolar frames selling for $500. For the large size take a $100 discount so value frame at around $400. A SR group can be purchased for less than a $1,000 - you can buy a complte bike Campy NR or SR for $600 sometimes - so figure $400 for frame $500 at most and $500 for group. That puts it at around $1,000. I would add $200 if the parts are original to this bike - so my high appraisal would be $1,200-$1,500 and low of $900. With that size frame I think $1,200 was fair. If it was a 56-58 and in excellent condition I would say $1,500-$2,000.

Look up Masi on ebay currently, a number of them have surfaced, these I think are from that possible Carlsbad, possible just beyond period or near the end. one I think is just a bit smaller and the other a wee bit smaller than that... pick your size. One was for sure Not built up by the factory.

Now the quiz, which one and why.

Previous post did not anchor a date...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Masi-bicycle-1976-Gran-Criterium-Carlsbad-metallic-blue_W0QQitemZ7212239379QQcategoryZ98084QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

7212239379

http://cgi.ebay.com/Masi-America-vintage-10-speed_W0QQitemZ7212177877QQcategoryZ98084QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

7212177877

above are the two bikes

Mooncake; Interesting to note that the auction ended & that there were no bids. Hopefully, the seller responded to you. Good luck w/' it. Looks like it is worth pursuing. Bob

mooncake i saw that bike also on ebay. one question i had is the rear brake cable housing just laying on the top tube and missing the campy three cable clamps? hard to tell from the picture, could possibly have braise ons, but doesn't look that way. i never did ask the seller the question as i thought the bike asking price also too high. i think you are right in the ballpark at $1200. seller definitely needs more pictures. good luck! ps also crank dust covers!

alancw3

the cable guides are brazed on
you can see them better in this photo
http://i16.ebayimg.com/04/i/05/de/b5/7b_3.JPG

marty

Look up Masi on ebay currently, a number of them have surfaced, these I think are from that possible Carlsbad, possible just beyond period or near the end. one I think is just a bit smaller and the other a wee bit smaller than that... pick your size. One was for sure Not built up by the factory.

Now the quiz, which one and why.

My guess is the super record-equipped one - Faliero would never have wanted the clamp to go over his signature!

... ps also crank dust covers!

Back in the 70's no self respecting racer or wannabe rode with crank bolt dust covers. But today to be period correct they are desired, must be the chrome, kind of like chromed alloy wheels on cars. Oh, yes must have the correct patent or Brev. stamping depending on year...

Capless and happy, but I do have some Chrome Campagnolo fixing bolts, best of both worlds I think. Practical style.

alancw3

the cable guides are brazed on
you can see them better in this photo
http://i16.ebayimg.com/04/i/05/de/b5/7b_3.JPG

marty
much better photo. obviously you are correct. brazons.

Back in the 70's no self respecting racer or wannabe rode with crank bolt dust covers. But today to be period correct they are desired, must be the chrome, kind of like chromed alloy wheels on cars. Oh, yes must have the correct patent or Brev. stamping depending on year...

Capless and happy, but I do have some Chrome Campagnolo fixing bolts, best of both worlds I think. Practical style.
but don't you suffer from the horrors of dusty crank bolts?

Dusty crank bolts? Q-tips were the weapon of choice against that horror.

but don't you suffer from the horrors of dusty crank bolts?

that is the least of my problems

that is the least of my problems
Yah, in yer neck of the woods I hear they're being called Crank Bolt Smoke Covers.

Back in the 70's no self respecting racer or wannabe rode with crank bolt dust covers. But today to be period correct they are desired, must be the chrome, kind of like chromed alloy wheels on cars. Oh, yes must have the correct patent or Brev. stamping depending on year...

Capless and happy, but I do have some Chrome Campagnolo fixing bolts, best of both worlds I think. Practical style.

thanks for the info. no wonder they cost me so much when i put them back on my bob jackson. i actually got them from someone in italy. i think those old bike shops in italy are having a field day unloading NOS that they probably thought they would never sell.