Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Masi Gran Criterium ca. 1970

So I've had my dad's Masi stored in the attic for over 20 years now, and it's just about time for some spring cleaning. (He wouldn't let me donate it, for good reason I understand now). But it's not fair to anyone to let the bike just sit and collect dust, so I want to sell it! The only thing is, no one seems to be selling anything remotely similar!

So I've got a few details, accuracy not guaranteed:
Built in Italy ca. 1970
lt. blue original paint
Fischer fork crown
World Championship decals
bought from Sugden & Lynch in Menlo Park, CA
Campagnolo everything ...

My questions to the group are
1. What can I expect for something in this condition
2. What's the best way to sell it? (not keen on shipping something like this...)

Also, let me know if there's any other questions about this bike, and I will try to reply back quickly... frame measurements are probably a good one! Let me know what to measure it and I can do it. (Just FYI - I've never done anything with road bikes before).

233792

hey, it worked! the photo is up!

as for the condition,
some dust and dirt and grime built up from over the years (though I'll try to spruce it up a bit myself)
frame doesn't seem to have any damage or cracks
few tiny rust spots here and there, otherwise looks like the original paint in pretty decent shape
no pedals, no chain, tires are shot
I have the wheels but no idea if they are still true
just in general, I would be wary of cables and brake pads that are decades old...

few more pictures to come...

From the one image it appears to be from 1970. Some areas to image to help confirm how early would be the top of the seat stays and underneath the bottom bracket, there will be openings or an M pierced through the metal.

These bikes can fetch a handsome sum, and it can vary a bit due to the number who want it at the same time.

I don't know if I would attempt to spruce it up, wipe it off, yes, but not go digging deep for clean. The bike has had the front derailleur cable changed for sure, but maybe the top tube cable guides are as original with yellow paint on the fasteners.

Bonus if the wheels have Martano rims.

pretty decals!
233797

233798

The BB has "M59E" or "M59F" or "M59B" or something like that stamped in it; the last spot didn't get stamped too well.

233799

It also has an "N" or a "Z" stamped in it, depending on your reference...

233800

It is a Masi measure 59 cm, measured to the very top of the seat tube lug. The 4 port bottom bracket cut out variation is not that common, the big window on the downtube socket is uncommon too.

If you are willing to ship, the highest sales price will be obtained.

I don't often see a Masi for sale around here, so I have no idea on value. Probably... a lot.

Unless you're already good at bicycle repair I would not do anything to it, a bath would be good enough. Put the wheels on, take some new pictures, and post it on craigslist with the pictures hosted from a separate site like photobucket or flickr. The crappy CL pictures are pretty worthless.

Please feel free to donate it to me. I'm sure your father wouldnt mind.

Hey Chris,

Beautiful bike! A real stunner. You have a 1970 Italian Masi (as opposed to a Masi built in Carlsbad).

Especially since you'd like to sell local, I'd guess that an Italian model would generally fetch less than a Carlsbad model. That's the bad news (and only very mildly bad). If you're not aware, the Carlsbad era of Masi spawned the golden age of American frame building and produced some of the best builders in the country. Most significantly, it spawned the legend of Mario Confente, who either built or oversaw the building of many of the frames there. It was a massive soap opera, and the biggest drama of classic bike lore, ending with Mario's death and massive prices for bikes either built by or associated with him.

However, you have an early, rare, and very hard to find Italian model (your seat tube decal was only offered in 1970), and it would fetch a premium price, I'd guess. Masi prices are all over the map. In the past year, I've seen classic 70s Masis fetch anywhere between $1000 and $2500! One even fetched $3500, though that seemed an anomaly. Most fetch between $1000 and $2000.

But, and these are big buts, the big money only comes for very well executed auctions from sellers with a demonstrated history of selling bikes. Lots of photos. And, it's the small sizes (56 cm and less) that fetch the big money, as this opens up the market to Japanese collectors.

More photos would be helpful and appreciated. Best of luck!

This bike is of the first generation of Gran Criterium, in original paint, with the transfer of a shop well known for importing them. As it's a bit bigger the market narrows a bit. In a nation wide venue, this one could hit $3,000 pretty easily with lots of detail images at the level of already shown of the bottom bracket. If two guys who really wanted it snipe bid, $4,000.

If the wheels are original and serviceable, that is just price insurance. The bike should clean up really well and has the advantage of the short lived original gaphics set. The 1971 mentioned elsewhere on this forum, may or may not have that set, early graphics get a premium.

Especially since you'd like to sell local, I'd guess that an Italian model would generally fetch less than a Carlsbad model. That's the bad news (and only very mildly bad). If you're not aware, the Carlsbad era of Masi spawned the golden age of American frame building and produced some of the best builders in the country. Most significantly, it spawned the legend of Mario Confente, who either built or oversaw the building of many of the frames there. It was a massive soap opera, and the biggest drama of classic bike lore, ending with Mario's death and massive prices for bikes either built by or associated with him.

Italian Masis generally do better in the marketplace than Carlsbad bikes, with some exceptions. This bike also has the benefit of being earlier than any US-built GC, which is another marketplace plus. It also has some relatively rare, early features such as the BB shell cutouts. I also disagree that "the Carlsbad era of Masi spawned the golden age of American framebuilding." This is another oft-repeated view that doesn't hold up under close inspection. Who are the great builders that came out of Carlsbad? Baylis is the only guy considered to be at the forefront, and he's built very few bikes, and didn't even build at Carlsbad during his initial stint (nor did he build with Wizard, as Mike Howard brazed those frames). Al Eisentraut's shop "spawned the golden age of American framebuilding" if anyone's did - many more framebuilders went on from his operation to establish themselves in the front rank.
I would take the OP's bike over any Carlsbad bike, perhaps excepting the "specials" Mario produced himself. I'm tempted to make the OP an offer, except that I find myself on the wrong coast.

In my experience, the higher end the bike, the less it will bring as a local sale. This works great as a buyer, lousy as a seller. That's kind of a niche I play in. Local buyers in general are looking for basic transportation, or for something priced lower than a new LBS bike. Of course, your bike will attract interest locally, but not to the degree of a national or international sale.

Even in a hot market like San Fran, you are probably going to get a lot less selling locally. Good chance that buyer will turn around and resell it globally, making a tidy profit. But you are very fortunate to be in a great local market, so you might do OK locally.

Also realize that ebay is the land of variance. While I am sure this bike will bring big $$, how big is subject to the quality of your ad, your feedback score and proven ability to ship, and a little luck catching a couple of inspired bidders.

You have many things going for you, if you hope to fetch a good price for that bicycle. It is very sought after, by collectors around the world, however; you are in a prime market, which should negate the need for shipping. The bicycle is of reasonable size and seems to be in reasonably good condition. These are all plus items in your favor. Time of year can play a part, in some areas, but not yours. So...

Determining Vintage Bicycle Value (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/FREE_SITE_VALUE/VALUE_1_Start.htm) is tricky, at the best of times, and yours is the best of times, in my opinion. But, you must be smart in presenting the bicycle. That means really good clear pictures, presented on-line in your market (Craigslist is a great place to do this) and surrounding couple of hundred miles - many people would drive 200 miles, each way, for such a bicycle.

With your pictures, in your on-line advertisement, include a detailed description of the bicycle, its components and the condition of the bicycle. Be sure to mention any dents or damage to the structural integrity of the frame and fork set. Include frame set measurements, also.

Do not include an address or phone number. You want to call, or email, only those people who you think are sincere in their interest. You do not want your phone ringing off of the wall with foolish offers, some of which might even prove to be offensive.

The best plan, when showing the bicycle, is to meet at a public venue. This will help to prevent bike thieves from becoming aware of your location(or so I have been told).

For this bicycle, were it me and were I where you are, I would list the bicycle for the highest amount suggested by other forum members. Or, you can take a look at completed Ebay listings, and get a feel for what the bicycles, or ones similar to it, have sold for.

Once listed, be prepared to wait. Chances are good that you will get the best price using this simple, but effective, marketing model.

Sadly, I had to sell the one and only Italian Masi Gran Criterium (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Feature_Bicycles/Feature_Bicycles_Itlay/Masi_Gran_Criterium/MASI_GRAN_CRITERIUM_1_Start.htm) that I stumbled upon three years ago. The bicycle was just too small...
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Bicycles_Table/Italian_Bicycles/Masi_Bicycles/Masi_BarCons/Masi_BarCons_Full_TQF_6.jpg

To the right person, that bike will bring a lot of $$$.

It's finding that person that always seems to be the hard part.

It's a 2500+ bike. IMO.

Italian Masis generally do better in the marketplace than Carlsbad bikes, with some exceptions. This bike also has the benefit of being earlier than any US-built GC, which is another marketplace plus. It also has some relatively rare, early features such as the BB shell cutouts. I also disagree that "the Carlsbad era of Masi spawned the golden age of American framebuilding." This is another oft-repeated view that doesn't hold up under close inspection. Who are the great builders that came out of Carlsbad? Baylis is the only guy considered to be at the forefront, and he's built very few bikes, and didn't even build at Carlsbad during his initial stint (nor did he build with Wizard, as Mike Howard brazed those frames). Al Eisentraut's shop "spawned the golden age of American framebuilding" if anyone's did - many more framebuilders went on from his operation to establish themselves in the front rank.
I would take the OP's bike over any Carlsbad bike, perhaps excepting the "specials" Mario produced himself. I'm tempted to make the OP an offer, except that I find myself on the wrong coast.

The notion of Carlsbad schooling a number of American Builder is as stated does not hold up to close review. That written, there was a parade of builders who ended up building bikes for Masi USA over the years, so as a consumer of their labor, Masi cannot be denied. Lippy, Moulton, Roberson, Starck, Tesch all contributed to Masi USA.
I think Picchio is wise to make the exception of the Mario Special builds, but as a collectors item, the first and second 25 built also get a trade tier above.

Way back, guys would discount the Carlsbad bikes, The shop's retort was there were some great Italian Masi bikes, but for buying one sight unseen, Carlsbad bikes were more Consistent, with better paint. Carlsbad painted the bikes in house, Milano subbed this work out.

The notion of Carlsbad schooling a number of American Builder is as stated does not hold up to close review. That written, there was a parade of builders who ended up building bikes for Masi USA over the years, so as a consumer of their labor, Masi cannot be denied. Lippy, Moulton, Roberson, Starck, Tesch all contributed to Masi USA.
I think Picchio is wise to make the exception of the Mario Special builds, but as a collectors item, the first and second 25 built also get a trade tier above.


Yes, I would put the "A" bikes in there as well. Didn't we have a discussion here when A1 showed up on ebay a couple of yrears or so ago?
Yes, a lot of important builders built the GC's, including Eisentraut himself. Those were established builders, though, and certainly didn't learn their trade via their Masi experience to any meaningful extent, at least in the majority of cases. In fact, that was the point of their being sought after by Masi - they already had enough craft to be trusted to build to the Masi "template" (in most cases literally) offsite and unsupervised. Of course you are correct to point out their inclusion as a meaningful part of the Masi story. I'm certainly not one to downplay Carlsbad as a place of skillled workmanship, either, especially as a Wizard owner.
I've seen one of those Mario Special builds up close, and it was pretty neat. Though all-in-all I'm a Special and Prestige guy.

Rare, Italian, Uncomon cutouts, decals only offered one year, all Campi maybe even the barends and it is even a 59. :twitchy:


only bad thing is the $1-2K price estimate.... :cry:

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=233792&d=1326684848

Rare, Italian, Uncomon cutouts, decals only offered one year, all Campi maybe even the barends and it is even a 59. :twitchy:


only bad thing is the $1-2K price estimate.... :cry:

Bad thing??? Depends on your point-of-view, I guess! That sounds like music to my ears!

Seriously, though, folks... I am overwhelmed by your support! What a great forum! Thanks to everyone for the replies and info and for really helping me to appreciate what I have! Learning how great this bike was makes me realize that maybe my dad actually does know a thing or two about what he's doing... (despite how he talks about the "blogs" and the "smartphones" and other modern electronics where he's completely clueless) :lol:

Anyway, CL was my first inclination, but are there any other places to list it to get the nation-wide attention that everyone suggests? I'm hesitant about ebay since I have zero seller experience, and my ebay account only has a maybe a dozen feedbacks. Or are there folks who'll help sell it for me? I'm not opposed to someone flipping it, if they'll give me a reasonable price for what it shape it's in right now. I will try to dig up the rims and maybe get some more photos up by next week?

I'm hesitant about ebay since I have zero seller experience, and my ebay account only has a maybe a dozen feedbacks. Or are there folks who'll help sell it for me?

I wouldn't drop that kind of money for a bike on someone with that little feedback, and I doubt others would either. As I see it your easiest option is probably craigslist. I know there are "ebay stores" that will sell your stuff for you then take their cut. I'm not sure how much they take or what kind of job they do marketing, I've never dealt with them before. But they are out there.

If you need help putting this up on Craigslist I'd love to help you! Considering that you're in the Bay Area there's more than enough folks who are looking for these bikes. I live in San Francisco proper and would really enjoy looking at it and helping you build a great Craigslist ad.

Rare, Italian, Uncomon cutouts, decals only offered one year, all Campi maybe even the barends and it is even a 59. :twitchy:


only bad thing is the $1-2K price estimate.... :cry:

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=233792&d=1326684848

It's Masi 59, so in practical terms the size is closer to 57. Which just happens to be my size. Also, as repechage's posts indicate, $1-2k for that bike is on the low side - probably not even at the low end of the range. I'd pay that for it in a heartbeat. I think many collectors I know would buy from you on ebay, despite the lack of feedback, if you were careful and diligent with the listing and photo documented the bike well. The fact that the bike has been in the family and not something you picked up at an estate sale is helpful there, too. Collectors will know what that bike is, and they'll want it. They may bombard you with questions, but they'll want it.

I wouldn't drop that kind of money for a bike on someone with that little feedback, and I doubt others would either. As I see it your easiest option is probably craigslist. I know there are "ebay stores" that will sell your stuff for you then take their cut. I'm not sure how much they take or what kind of job they do marketing, I've never dealt with them before. But they are out there.

Aside from the discount the ebay storefronts take, they as a general class do no know how to pack a bike.

If you are in the Bay Area, I would ebay it, even a 99 cent start will not be an issue, lots and lots of images if it all over as you have started, negotiate a deal with a reputable shop, such as American Cyclery who at least know about vintage bikes, but there are others, find out from them how much they would pack it for in advance, indicate this in the auction that That shop will pack it. I think a low feedback seller coupled with a reputable shop, Is Velo Sport in Berkley still open? Cupertino Bike Shop? I am sure there are others would put some at ease, say no to international shipping in this case I would not get bothered by this. ebay, unless you wish to take a grand less.

You'd get an easy $2500 on the SF Bay Area Craigslist; it is easy and cash is hassle free plus you would not have to worry about shipping. Post up more pictures of the bike with the wheels, you might get an offer here on bikeforums.

You'd get an easy $2500 on the SF Bay Area Craigslist; it is easy and cash is hassle free plus you would not have to worry about shipping. Post up more pictures of the bike with the wheels, you might get an offer here on bikeforums.

Joe would swoop in, but it right off and flip it for 1,500 to 2,000 profit.

Joe would swoop in, but it right off and flip it for 1,500 to 2,000 profit.

Yes, you are probably right. With a bike like this, eBay is probably the best way to get the most value. It is too bad the OP doesn't have experience as a seller but perfect feedback as a buyer is better than zero.

1) I still stand by my statement that, generally speaking (apples to apples), a Carlsbad Masi would fetch more than an Italian Masi, if being sold locally in CALIFORNIA.

2) I already noted that, because it is a 1970 (and pre-Carlsbad), that it would fetch a "premium" price.

3) I never estimated 1-2k for this bike. I said that "most" Masis fetch 1-2k. As already stated, I estimated that his bike could fetch a "premium" price. That means the top of the numbers that I mentioned ($2500-3500), or perhaps more.

4) I should've known better than to make an editorial statement about a frame builder. That's a touchy subject. But, it should be noted that, when it comes to financial value, mythology and cachet count. And, there's a lot more cachet with Confente than there is with Eisentraut. On a personal level, I'd rather have an Eisentraut. Financially, give me the Confente.

To OP- Pairing with a well-respected local shop makes a lot of sense. That, and LOTS of good photos, will make up for much of what a lack feedback brings.

Good luck!

Rare, Italian, Uncomon cutouts, decals only offered one year, all Campi maybe even the barends and it is even a 59. :twitchy:


only bad thing is the $1-2K price estimate.... :cry:


There is some pretty good photo documentation that shows this style of transfer was used till about June of 1971. A fellow has a photo essay of his visit there in June of 1971 for ordering a bike, when his arrived it sported the next design of transfers which were used with few changes for about 4 years. From a silk screener's view the original transfer set was difficult to do.

Is Velo Sport in Berkley still open? Cupertino Bike Shop? I am sure there are others would put some at ease, say no to international shipping in this case I would not get bothered by this. ebay, unless you wish to take a grand less.

Velo Sport still exists, although they changed location five or ten years ago - the new place has lost all of the "soul" of the old location. I have no idea about Cupertino Bike Shop, as I never get down there.

+1 on American Cyclery in SF (right next to Kezar Stadium at the SE corner of Golden Gate Park). They speak C&V. Another one is Stone's in Alameda - Dennis Stone has been around forever, knows C&V stuff from personal experience, and his shop still looks, feels and smells pretty much they way it did in 1973.

In the OP's shoes and I was looking to maximize the sale price, I, too, would go the eBay route. I am not at all copnvinced that low feedback is a dealbreaker for selling - it cetainly isn't with me. I care more about whether I can tell what condition the item is in and whether the seller knows their stuff or is willing to find out if asked. Having a good shop do the packaging i sprobably a good idea if you have no experience doing this yourself. Do what others have said: lots of good pics - checkl lots and lots of other good bike ads in eBay to get an idea of what works and what doesn't and what details high-end buyers want to see. You can always tell the cyclist-driven photos from the ones taken by or for someone who knows nothing about what they've got.

A beautiful bike. I hope it ends up with someone who will treasure and ride it for a good long time. And no, $2,000 is not too much for that bike.

but are there any other places to list it to get the nation-wide attention that everyone suggests? I'm hesitant about ebay since I have zero seller experience, and my ebay account only has a maybe a dozen feedbacks. Or are there folks who'll help sell it for me? I'm not opposed to someone flipping it, if they'll give me a reasonable price for what it shape it's in right now. I will try to dig up the rims and maybe get some more photos up by next week?

Yep, ebay gets you that exposure. Even with minimal feedback, because it is something special and unique, you will probably get some pretty good bids. If it was a lesser bike, no way. But someone wanting something really special may well be willing to take the chance.

This is another reason to develop a reputation as a great seller on ebay. Even if you just dabble around and sell a few items here and there, it does make a difference. And right now, ebay is the one way to reach that nation wide and global market. Kind of too late to start on that now.

Being in the Bay area does help. As long as you have a REALLY GOOD idea what the bike is worth and price it accordingly. C/L is for set price sales, not an auction site. You will be flagged, properly so, if you try to turn it into an auction, or something along the lines of "bring me your best offer, I know this bike is special". That's not what C/L is for. Auction = ebay. Bring offers = Ebay. Set price up front, local sale = Craigs List. And IMHO, ebay will bring you the most $$$.

+1 Every ebay store I have dealt with knew nothing about bikes, or how to pack them either, and charge you for the privilege. I bought a Trek 620 from a NC ebay store, they were clueless, I bought it for $113. The original owner really got screwed by that place. The idiots at that ebay store posted it in Transportation collectibles (WTF?), just listed it as Trek bicycle. No tubing, no model number, no year, no description of components. And in one of the pictures, you could clearly see the "620" on the chain stay. I got lucky spotting it. I now have that ebay store as one of my "favorite sellers", not for their competence, but for their deals.

Does a zero feedback score hurt on selling? IMHO, no doubt. But again, when you have something this special, collectors will hold their noses and bid away.

So I dug out the rims from my attic... I've never seen rubber so hardened by age! Anyway, how can I tell if they are the aforementioned Martano rims? I didn't see any markings on them, besides the hubs (Campy Record). To my untrained eye, both wheels look fairly true, but it looks like a good ~8" section of the front rim got splashed by a bucket of house paint :-\

So I dug out the rims from my attic... I've never seen rubber so hardened by age! Anyway, how can I tell if they are the aforementioned Martano rims? I didn't see any markings on them, besides the hubs (Campy Record). To my untrained eye, both wheels look fairly true, but it looks like a good ~8" section of the front rim got splashed by a bucket of house paint :-\

Don't worry about the paint, that is what paint stripper is for, don't bother attempting to remove it. Martano rims had a label at the rim joint, they did suffer on occasion. Other features would include no eyelets at the spoke holes, machined sides that are either flat or with concentric grooves. Bonus if they are 32 hole.

Post a link to this thread in your ad. That might help with the limited feedback "problem".

Hi Chris
if you still have it, i'am interested in buying,i also have a 70 masi in need of restoration .
would you ship to Vancouver or Toronto?
Regards
Rick

Hi all,

Thanks for all the great info and feedback on the Masi... just to let you all know, I've taken a bunch of new photos and opted for the CL-route (I figure I can always go to ebay if CL doesn't work out).

In case anyone is interested to see the ad or photos:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/bik/2835017452.html

-Chris

The CL advert shows the good and the bad, fork crown chrome is probably toast, where are the pedals? It's a bike, bikes should have pedals, otherwise it's incomplete.
Not knocking you directly, but sometime after clipless pedals arrived, a "complete" bike was w/o pedals...
Still, it should garner interest, the pedals are worth $100 approx.
Even at this price, one could buy it, fix it, enjoy it and sell it later at no loss.

I am just old school, a bike should have pedals.
Wish it were smaller...

The CL advert shows the good and the bad, fork crown chrome is probably toast, where are the pedals? It's a bike, bikes should have pedals, otherwise it's incomplete.
Not knocking you directly, but sometime after clipless pedals arrived, a "complete" bike was w/o pedals...
Still, it should garner interest, the pedals are worth $100 approx.
Even at this price, one could buy it, fix it, enjoy it and sell it later at no loss.

I am just old school, a bike should have pedals.
Wish it were smaller...

Just how tall are you? I always figure you were around six feet tall. By the way, how would one make that fork crown look good? I had one with bad chrome on the fork crown and i tried a little of the spray chrome stuff but it didnt improve it much. I guess one would have to get it rechromed? I know I know...you think im starting to "swoop" in on this one dont you? And then flip it. Actually you know, all of my fifteen or so bikes ive had for quite a while. I doubt if i flip bikes any more than the next guy.

Joe, just go and buy the bike. The chrome does appear to be toast, I would get the rust off and see what is left.
I would look at a few options on the fork depending on what it looked like after cleaning.
Seal it with clear, or get the paint clean and have it matched in Chromabase, then new chrome and paint.

Just not tall enough to enjoy this one. Maybe when I am older and want less drop between the saddle and the bars.

Joe, just go and buy the bike. The chrome does appear to be toast, I would get the rust off and see what is left.
I would look at a few options on the fork depending on what it looked like after cleaning.
Seal it with clear, or get the paint clean and have it matched in Chromabase, then new chrome and paint.

Just not tall enough to enjoy this one. Maybe when I am older and want less drop between the saddle and the bars.

Im working on it. This bike is not a flipper its a keeper. just kind of worried about the chrome issue a bit. too bad one cant take it to a chrome place and have them just chrome those...i guess one has to get the entire fork repainted as well.

Im working on it. This bike is not a flipper its a keeper. just kind of worried about the chrome issue a bit. too bad one cant take it to a chrome place and have them just chrome those...i guess one has to get the entire fork repainted as well.

Not an area for a "brush chrome" job. Yes, its strip paint, strip chrome, polish then rechrome, copper, nickel, chrome. Then paint, there are a few painters out your way. Just get the paint matched before you strip. the fork leg sides are the flattest region almost, and portable, so getting an auto paint supplier to match it is not going to be that hard. The frame I would leave original, clean the paint polish it and it should come back quite well.

right! wouldnt touch that frame...well maybe touch it up and polish..like you said. thanks for the tip on the fork. probably be fairly expensive to get done right...but worth it. I would definately leave it alone for a while and mull over the options....anyway...im selling a couple of my "other" bikes in an attempt to get some cash just in case this bike comes my way
Not an area for a "brush chrome" job. Yes, its strip paint, strip chrome, polish then rechrome, copper, nickel, chrome. Then paint, there are a few painters out your way. Just get the paint matched before you strip. the fork leg sides are the flattest region almost, and portable, so getting an auto paint supplier to match it is not going to be that hard. The frame I would leave original, clean the paint polish it and it should come back quite well.

Joe, time to raid the smart mad money. And not the Jim Cramer kind, but the kind you would keep in the mattress or safe deposit. Anyone I knew involved in the construction industry in one form or another save an architect, has rolls of green stashed away.

re chroming the fork without the paint will be ~100.00 at superior chrome in San Jose. They did the fork on my Colnago.

re chroming the fork without the paint will be ~100.00 at superior chrome in San Jose. They did the fork on my Colnago.

That is good to know, always easier to work with a plater that has done one or more before.

Is it just me or do there appear to be some rust veins beneath the paint in some of those photos?
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6839551843_fa44489b5f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/72569507@N05/6839551843/)
10157290_b6d0e726fb_b (http://www.flickr.com/photos/72569507@N05/6839551843/) by Mon Jaque (http://www.flickr.com/people/72569507@N05/), on Flickr
Below is a photo of my raleigh with some paint removed to expose rust veins:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6623697421_c8c073f84b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/72569507@N05/6623697421/)
'74 Raleigh Pro BB (http://www.flickr.com/photos/72569507@N05/6623697421/) by Mon Jaque (http://www.flickr.com/people/72569507@N05/), on Flickr

Is it just me or do there appear to be some rust veins beneath the paint in some of those photos?
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6839551843_fa44489b5f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/72569507@N05/6839551843/)
10157290_b6d0e726fb_b (http://www.flickr.com/photos/72569507@N05/6839551843/) by Mon Jaque (http://www.flickr.com/people/72569507@N05/), on Flickr
Below is a photo of my raleigh with some paint removed to expose rust veins:
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/72569507@N05/6623697421/]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6623697421_c8c073f84b.jpg


Might be. Even so, the future life of this bike is not as a rain bike. The original finish is pretty good for a bike of this age, and this bike is uncommon. You watch it and live with it.

construction? sorry to dissapoint you but im a teacher! well...a high school teacher...at least thats my job title. at any rate...ive been raiding the mad money lately and its down pretty low...thats why i may have sell off a couple of my bikes that i dont ride much any more. thanks for the tip on the chroming. im wondering if its possible to put some kind of masking material over the fork and just chrome the crown?
Joe, time to raid the smart mad money. And not the Jim Cramer kind, but the kind you would keep in the mattress or safe deposit. Anyone I knew involved in the construction industry in one form or another save an architect, has rolls of green stashed away.

construction? sorry to dissapoint you but im a teacher! well...a high school teacher...at least thats my job title. at any rate...ive been raiding the mad money lately and its down pretty low...thats why i may have sell off a couple of my bikes that i dont ride much any more. thanks for the tip on the chroming. im wondering if its possible to put some kind of masking material over the fork and just chrome the crown?

Like Rick, I was misinformed.

No on the masking, for a number of reasons. Matching paint on the fork should not be a terrific problem. The most interesting part will be to match the gloss of the clear coat.
Or, just clean it up and seal it, consider it advanced patina.

very good. thanks for the info on that. i may be going to check out that masi today so i will bring my tools to check if the seat post is stuck etc. looking foward to checking it out in person.
Like Rick, I was misinformed.

No on the masking, for a number of reasons. Matching paint on the fork should not be a terrific problem. The most interesting part will be to match the gloss of the clear coat.
Or, just clean it up and seal it, consider it advanced patina.

You'd get an easy $2500 on the SF Bay Area Craigslist; it is easy and cash is hassle free plus you would not have to worry about shipping. Post up more pictures of the bike with the wheels, you might get an offer here on bikeforums.

Apparently not, it has been dropped to $2,000. Surprising to me. The fork crown does make one think though.