JohnDThompson 

Sure, given a sufficiently broad definition of "a little."

mainducoyote

Oh don't worry he still is alive and well . I went to the Marinoni ''factory'' about a month ago to have a fork and frame realigned and he did the work himself. I was curious to see him work, so he had me help him work on the fork and frame. When I took out my wallet he asked me what I was doing and told me to go.

mkeller234

Wow, that Marinorni was such a great deal congratulations! I can't believe how steep track bikes are, it's insane

Noam Zane

Picked this up at a garage sale I almost didn't go to because it was a couple of blocks out of the way.


A 1981 Fuji Newest as close to mint as the rotting brake hoods allow.

All original and complete, the toeclips(unused) and pump were included.

It has that beautiful Sugino Super Mighty drillium crankset and seatpost along with a mix of Suntour Supreme and Cyclone, Sunshine pro hubs and gran compe 400 brakes.

$24.50

mkeller234

Wow, nice fuji. Lots of nice catches in here lately.

noglider 

How cute. Long ago, I heard that he spoke French and Italian and not English. Did you speak with him in French? Where do you live?

CitizenChain

I will tell this story in 3 parts.

1. THE CATCH! I will list the original AD. Included will be Not only the AD, but also ALL the REPLYS that where sent to the seller from prospective buyers. Including the response time lines. I was just awed at the replys.. something you rarely get to see.

2. ROSEBUD FOUND! A GREAT FAMEBUILDER'S 20 YEAR SEARCH for the "Little Chrome Masi" that he could never find, but always knew existed. Hanging in a NEW little bike shop in North Beach is a girl looking for the love of her life! The search nears an end with a great email that will bring a tear to your eye!

3. HAPPY ENDING! The Chrome Goddess finds her true love. In San Diego 2 souls looking for each other for over 20 years meet for the first time...
And My 1981 Colnago MY ROSEBUD is getting a new blue coat from a great tailor! Soon to reborn to her GLORY!

CitizenChain

Part 1: THE CATCH!

THE ORIGINAL AD…. Date: 2008-07-04, 4:02PM PDT

Track Frame - Fixed Gear - $400 (berkeley north / hills)
________________________________________
Reply to: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-07-04, 4:02PM PDT

Vintage chrome made by hand Masi track frame. Raced in the 70's and 80's and now needs a new owner to take it out on a spin. A little tarnished with age but will clean up very nicely. A gem if you know bike frames. 50cm. Have 24 spoke wheels, cranks, handlebars, lots of bike stuff. Used to race.....This little jewel is waiting for the owner who appreciates old craftsmanship and the Italian frame.


WOW!! I got to get her! I send my RESPONSE!!!

Date: 2008-07-04, 4:02PM PDT

From: Dallas Adams [mailto:dallas@citizenchain.com]
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 4:30 PM
To: 'sale-742909405@craigslist.org'
Subject: I WILL BUY IT!!! Track Frame - Fixed Gear - $400 (berkeley north / hills)

If you still have it tomorrow I will buy it and hang it with distinction in our store!
Can you deliver? I work from 11-7 Sat. Or I could dash over first thing in the AM.

Cycle safe,
Dallas Adams
Citizen Chain
2065 Powell St. San Francisco, CA 94133
415-796-2925
www.citizenchain.com
Track Frame –


SO... Like I am going to get it right? Give me a brake... But well... check out the emails below! I WAS THE FIRST!! Perhaps....


2 MINUTES!!!!! Then the Emails pour into the seller!

Date: 2008-07-04, 4:32PM PDT
From: kassie
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 4:32 PM
To: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Subject: bike on cl

hey im interested in the bike you posted on cl. if you havent sold it yet id like to take a look at it.
kassie



From: Lawrence
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 4:37 PM
To: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Subject: Track Frame - Fixed Gear - $400

If thats a real vintage masi track frame you should post it on ebay starting on that price. just a word of advice. good luck


From: Joshua Cogo
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 5:05 PM
To: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Subject: Masi Frame

Are you asking 400 for the frame only?


From: Richard Devera
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 5:36 PM
To: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Subject: Track Frame - Fixed Gear - $400 (berkeley north / hills)

hi, i am intereseted in your masi.

rich
408.*******


From: John Roark
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 5:37 PM
To: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Subject: Track Frame - Fixed Gear - $400 (berkeley north / hills)
To whom it may concern,

I am interested in the track frame you have listed on craigslist.org.
You can reach me at 415 *******

Thanks,
John


From: ***** [mailto:joshsf.com] On Behalf Of ???
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 6:11 PM
To: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Subject: Track Frame - Fixed Gear - $400 (berkeley north / hills)

i will buy this if you still have it..

i am sure it is gone but maybe there is a chance...

thanks




From: Nathan Shimek
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 6:33 PM
To: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Subject: Masi

Can I get shots of the bottom bracket, fork, head tube lug and seat post clamp lug area? I am very interested.

Thanks,
Nate



From: Nathan Shimek
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 6:35 PM
To: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Subject: Masi

My number is 571.*******, feel free to call me to discuss the frame.

Thanks,
Nate


To: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Subject: Bike frame
Date: Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:13:44 -0400
From: toddcirelli
Hello-

Would you ship?the track?frame/ parts?to PA?? I've
been looking for a rig to?ride at the T-town
Velodrome.? I can paypal you the funds if so.? Let
me know, and I'll take it.
Thanks




From: michael geiger [mailto:@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 7:48 PM
To: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Subject: campagnolo parts

are you selling BB, crankset, wheels? very interested. please call 415 *******
thank you.
m

From: Nathan Cozzolino [mailto:.com]
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 7:53 PM
To: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Subject: Masi Track Frame
Hey,

I'm interested in it. Could I come take a look. I'm free whenever you are. Just give me a call.

415-*******

thanks,
Nathan


From: Nathan Cozzolino [mailto:]
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 8:03 PM
To: sale-742909405@craigslist.org
Subject: P.S.

It's hard to tell from the picture, but I think I had the same bike up until a few years ago. It was given to me by an uncle who raced it in the late 70's. Unfortunately it was in a driveway accident with my roomate's van :-(.

anyhow, hope to come take a look,
Nathan


From: Nathan Cozzolino To: <sale-742909405@craigslist.org>
Subject: P.S.S.
Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2008 03:09:12 +0000
...last email from me I promise.

I'm actually headed to a friend's in the East Bay in
the next half hour. If you happen to get these
messages before too late, give me a call and I can
swing by. He lives just off Telegraph so I could get
to you pretty quick.

Nathan

My cell is *******



NATE YOU BE A PERSISTANT DUDE!!!

THATS all the emails she got befor see called me and pulled the Ad.

Saturday Morning I drove up to meet the owner and meet the little princess!
We had a nice long chat. Discussed our common friends and history and finally got down to the exchange.
A bond between two souls needed to be broken so both could grow. I had the honor see two strong and beatuiful women one fleash, the other steel as they each went their separate ways. Each on a new Journey, both stronger from their past accomplishments together!

I drove away with a beautiful steel Goddess in the back of my wagon. Not knowing if I was worthy to be the one chosen to escort her to an uncertian future.

Sunday morning I sent this email:

-----Original Message-----
From: Dallas Adams [mailto:dallas@citizenchain.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2008 8:50 AM
To: 'Francesca *****'
Subject: Francesca's Masi Musings

Francesca,

Great meeting you yesterday. Hope you can stop by soon and give me some tips on the shop. Adam is coming down this morning, he knows I have SOMETHING he has to see but is in the dark as to what it is.

I am saving all the emails you sent as they are part of your Masi's history, quite an intrest for your little friend. I am having a full web redesign and she will be having a little section all her own.

BTW Polished her up last night and threw on my old wheels just for looks. Next week I am going to take her down to the frame and really clean her up.

By Saturday she should be ready for YOU to take her for a spin, if you want. She will always be yours no matter who "owns" her. Not many bicycles built ever really live up to what they where built and where born to do, thanks to you your little Masi was given a chance.

Hope to see you soon

Cycle safe,
Dallas Adams
Citizen Chain
2065 Powell St. San Francisco, CA 94133
415-796-2925
www.citizenchain.com

I never recieved a reply. I hear a Brazilian Jungle Tribe has a new Supporter in a great battle against injustice.... Perhaps?

CitizenChain

Bruised but still Beautiful!

CitizenChain

PART 2. ROSEBUD FOUND! A GREAT FAMEBUILDER'S 20 YEAR SEARCH

It was a Wednesday night. Robin Williams stopped by the shop to say hi! I was closed but with the door open he walzed in to check out what my little venture was about.

The little Chrome Goddess hund high above his head. Too small for his needs, but the nod was given. "She is a beaut!"

I gave him a "ROSEBUD WAS A BIKE" T-shirt I had just got in, hoping he would ware @ the show he was doing @ Bimbos that night. Finding my self smiling after my brief ROBIN WILLIAMS incounter, I found him to be a very polite and pleasant soul. With a hint of sadness? Perhaps it was me..

Little did I know that I would wake up @ 2:00 to find the Email that the Little Chrome MAsi was waiting for.

Subject: I hear you have my Rosebud in your shop
-----Original Message-----
From: brianbaylis@XXX [mailto:brianbaylis@xxxx.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 1:13 AM
To: mrchain@CitizenChain.com
Subject: I hear you have my Rosebud in your shop


Dear Mr. Chain,

Imagine my surprise when I heard the story of my friend who was on his way to Portland who stopped at your shop there in San Francisco. He told me the story of a bike he saw hanging in your shop as we sat watching the races at the San Diego Velodrome last night; and that he thought of me as he observed the chrome piece hanging there. He spoke of your conversation, and how you are not ready to let her go yet; but are looking for someone who can truly appreciate her. I believe he mentioned me to you as the conversation progressed. As he related the details of the bike and it's origin it became clear to me that she is the very bike I have been tracking for a number of years. One of my friends in that area has known of the small chrome Masi for over 20 years and was going to try to secure her for me someday. That day never came; but my longing for Rosebud never ceased. I even built a replica of her to try to draw her to me. Can't get the photos to load right now; but I'll try again later.

I think of the bike every now and then, hoping she will come to me someday to compliment my collection of over a dozen track bikes, which are my passion. I no longer race, but I still love the track and fixed gear bikes for the road. Needless to say, I am contacting you to see if and when we can make some kind of deal on that bike. She is very important to me and I would like for the original inspiration to stand next to the replica on display at the San Diego Custom Bicycle Show in April 2009 (SanDiegoCustomBicycleShow.com). I sincerely hope there is some way for this to come to pass.

I will be calling you today (Wed.) to speak with you regarding this possibility. If you would like to speak to me prior to when I call shortly after you open, my cell number is 619-&&&&&&. I'm certain you will find my story related to this bike search amusing and even heartwarming. This story begins in 1973 when the bike was young and I was just a bike racer working for Faliero Masi in Carlsbad, CA. Looking forward to talking to you.

Sincerely,

Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA



MY EARLY MORNING REPLY


Brian.

See attached.
These pics where taken right after I got back from picking her up early Saturday Morning. It was scary when I first saw her.. I thought she was toast.
But I spent a couple hours with only a fine wool, very careful. And she just blossomed.
Since then we repacked both H/S and B/B (orange powder covered clean races) and I thew on my old HF (Clincher) Campy Track W/S (still have both the original SU wheels hanging above my with "Nor Calif" and "Saleveri" in black EL MARKO on the rims. How I got it.. well there is a real story there..

Cycle safe,
Dallas Adams
Citizen Chain
2065 Powell St. San Francisco, CA 94133
415-796-2925
www.citizenchain.com


-- "Mr. Chain" <mrchain@citizenchain.com> wrote:
Brian..

First... Big Fan. Wow. First Robin Williams earlier this evening.
Now Brian Baylis. The master... My 82 Colnago Mexico needs you... But back to the MASI..
Are you SURE this is that MASI?

You know it who rode it then...

I am up late tonight working on a couple bikes..

Dallas

Rosebud... man I am going to find her!

From: brianbaylis@XXX [mailto:brianbaylis@xxxx.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:06AM
To: mrchain@CitizenChain.com
Subject: I hear you have my Rosebud in your shop


Dallas,

Pretty sure it's the same bike; but I have never seen her. My friend tracks down old bikes and knew the lady who originally owned it. He told me of the bike. It's my size, and obviously I have very close ties with Masi, so it was a bike I was after. The story lines up. The lady hadn't ridden the bike in 20 or 25 years and it was an all chrome Masi. There aren't likely to be too many of them that fit the details. I suspect that is the bike I've been trying to at least get a look at; just to see if the one I made is close to the original I've never seen. But my dream has been to unite them for both historical reasons and for reasons of comparison side by side. I also made a Colnago Super track bike replica sort of for the same reason, except I'm not looking for an original. I've just never seen one.

I have plans for a few other replicas, which I do not sell BTW; they are just to amuse myself and challenge myself to build something different for my collection. Planing a Confente track bike and a Hetchins track bike as well someday.

If you have a photo or two of the bike I might be able to tell if it's the "one"; but I never saw it so actually it isn't that important. The fact that it's my size and I have the mate is interesting enough for me.

I'll call you tomorrow and we can talk for a few minutes, if that's OK. I'm turning in now, it's late even for me. I'm up at 6am. I'll call you. Thanks for getting back to me.

Brian

Brian sent me another email...

Dallas,

So good to talk to you today. Refreshing to find someone in the bike business who's more about the bikes than the "business of bikes".

I was thinking on my way home about what I might have that could possibly work for you. I realized I do have a 1972 Colnago Super that I restored for my collection. It's 54cm c-t and a really nice bike; but just at the top of my size range at 54cm. Perhaps it might be something that Robin Williams would be interested in. I would trade you for the Masi. If that sounds like a possibility and you're interested in seeing some photos, I'll get the bike out and take a few photos for you. Let me know. If you're driving to Vegas, we might be able to do the trade there.

Brian Baylis



BUT THE BOTTOM LINE WAS. IT WAS NOt MINE TO SELL!
The BIKE WAS BRIAN'S I mean really! How could it NOT be?

So I sent this reply.

-- "Mr. Chain" <mrchain@citizenchain.com> wrote:
ROBiN CAN GET HIS OWN BIKE!

Brian... Well my friend.. The MASI is YOURS..
I think she must be calling to you.. your Heart is in San Francisco....

I want the finding of YOUR Rosebud to be special. Give me a couple days on how to best handle this for both of us..

Let Robin compose a heatfelt plea like yours and I will start looking.

Dallas

Bottom line.. I am a straight shooter and know when something is right..

Brian wrote back


Dallas,

Cool man. No hurry. Thanks for your efforts and dedication to making many peoples lives more interesting. The universe will reward you in some way.

Brian


THE UNIVERSE?
WOW! At this point I knew I could take NO MONEY!
Still how is this to play out?

More to come! Stay tuned!

mainducoyote

wow! great story, I usually don't read those long posts but I'm glad I did.

Ps. you should start a separate thread to get some interest, catch of the day postings often get burried as new catches get posted

mainducoyote

I'm in Montréal, Québec, about 30 minutes from Marinoni and yes we spoke french.

sickmtbnutcase

Some probably have seen this thread: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/562658-what-do-raleigh-reliant.html

Neighbor tossing this Raleigh Reliant....

Before:


After:

sonatageek

Very very nice save and re-purposing of a road bike. It looks great with the black/white contrast.

Mercurys37

Wow. Great story. Since Brian is a regular on the Classic Rendezvous list, is anybody going to grab the story and post a carry-over?

melonbar123

Got a Nishiki Olympic Royale recently but I know nothing about it. Does anyone?

Cro-Mo frame
Suntour Bar-cons
Suntour VX s front and rear derailleurs (being cleaned)
Dia-Compe brakes
Super Maxy crank
Ukai alloy rims (replaced with temporary steel ones)

It had beautiful lugs but alas, it's to tall for me. Should I let it go as is? Take some parts (bar-cons!) and single speed it?

gurry

Picked up a Raleigh Sprite for $6.00 today. Came with a rack and a friction generator light set. Noticed while walking it home that it has an alloy SR stem. Also has alloy cranks too! Full fenders seem to be in good condition.




The rack is made by Pletscher, the brake set is Wienmann alloy side pulls. The brake levers are alloy too!

legot73

I picked up these 3 bikes recently in a single deal as my first vintage buy. I've been researching them online and trying to learn more about them. I'm trying to decide what to do with the Schwinn; just clean it up, restore it, or refurb it into a modern cruiser. I'd love to know what you know about any of these. Many thanks in advance.

So far, I think the Schwinn is a 1948 Hornet, but I'm not quite sure of the model. The serial number is no the bottom bracket E54110. The fork is assembled incorrectly, the fenders are rusted through, and it's been painted.


The head badge is faint, but says "Arnold Schwinn Pullman Chicago"


The second is a Columbia in really nice condition and just needs a basic tune up and cleaning. I believe it's a 1973 Sports III, but haven't had any luck with the serial number P410468.



I have no idea what the third one is.

JohnDThompson 

My $100 CL 1972 Raleigh Superbe. It followed me home; can I keep it?

All I've done so far is wipe off the dust and apply a STAT Proofhide treatment to the saddle. Fully functioning 1972 SA hub, front Dynohub with SA dual-beam headlight & tail light, original Raleigh hardware, matching rack, original 2-stripe tires, and locking steer tube with the key!










The best part is -- I'm still married!

mastronaut

Ventura


Shimano 600






Bar end shifters

legot73

That is a truly beautiful bike. Even my wife agrees. Nice find.

sonatageek

I will take better pictures tomorrow (trying out a used digital camera I plan to leave in the bike bag - seems to have some issues in low light conditions) but I picked up a Bridgestone RB-4 mixte. Looked it up and it is a 1988 model that had the drop bars swapped out for city bars. New tires and cables and only cost me $65.

[IMG][/IMG]

brandenjs

I had a nice surprise when I got home today. The wife had picked this up at a yard sale for $10. I'm not sure of the year just yet, but here are the numbers on it. Bottom bracket- 0753594 UE8M 60. Left side drop out: B00628304 the last 2 numbers I'm not sure about. I know it's not top of the line,but it's pretty cool.

Straightblock

Wow! My wife tolerates my habit, but certainly doesn't feed it.

brandenjs

Yep, I'm keeping her. I mean the wife...This is not the first one she's gotten for me. I think in a secret way she enjoys it also...Maybe it's because I end up in the basement working on them and giving her some quiet time.