darkfinger

So I've been looking for a project frame for the summer and came across this at my LBS:



They want around $400 for the frame only or $735 for a complete, and I've already got most of the same parts laying around...
The frame itself seems light and stiff enough after taking it for a super slushy test ride, but I feel like $400 is a bit much.
What do you guys think about the price, pull the trigger or find something better?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thetank

I paid $550 for a complete and still thought it was too much. Frame quality is the same as a Kilo TT, same tubing and same weight pretty much so i don't know where MASI gets off charging $700 for a bike with basic components.

Also don't forget to look at the seatpost tube and see if these new ones are still using a shim, yes a $400 frame uses a shim!

darkfinger

???? really?
What year is yours? the frame in the pic is a 2008 I think, and frankly I didn't even notice if there was a shim for the seatpost...

Also Keep in mind it's at my LBS which in turn is in the Canadian prairies where markup is as natural as wiping yer ass with a Maple leaf, so I imagine the price was set by the lbs...I haven't ridden a Kilo TT, (or any other fixed gear than that Masi and my Peugeot conversion for that matter) so I can't speak on the sameness of the frames.

My biggest problem is that I always have trouble with fit so I'm a bit wary of buying online. I'm 6'1 and my road bike is a 53.5cm Giant TCR...and, while that sounds insanely small, the bike fits me like a glove (due to a rather short torso and long legs), while my peugeot is a 60 cm beast that fits me to a tee.

Is the geometry similar on the TT? If so, maybe I ought to consider getting fit on the Masi and going for a TT or similar frame online?

I dunno...

JacoKierkegaard

The two are very different geometrically. The Masi is a road bike, the Kilo is a track bike.

That said, I've got a Masi and I really enjoy it.

le'ehov

Ide drop 400 on that frame in a heartbeat. I ****ing lost those Masi frames.

discocowboy

I've seen this mentioned before, how are you making that determination of track vs road geometry? Based on a 55cm Kilo has a 72.5 HA, 74 STA, 40 fork rake, a 56cm Masi Fixed has 73.5 HA, 73 STA, 43 rake, shorter chainstays and shorter wheelbase. They both seem pretty much in the standard road geometry range.

I have a Masi Commuter which has completly different geometry, but is really nice. The attention to detail is impressive, very classic styling. The 09 has a shim in the seat tube but whatever it makes no difference. I have a Kilo on it's way to me on Friday.

US MSRP is $795, They are out of stock till July otherwise I would have gotten one. I'd say if it fits get it and ride the sht out of it.

JacoKierkegaard

Hmm. I don't know, I must have seen different specs, because I thought I remembered seeing the Kilo's specs as more around the 74 to 75 range. I know that there are differing geometry charts listed in different places for the Kilo, so that could explain. I don't know which specs are correct though, but I have heard several people mention getting pretty bad toe overlap on their Kilos while I get none on my Masi, so that could be one indication.

Thetank

Bikesdirect geometry for the kilo is not correct and they don't even list the 55 other than pretty basic measurements. The MASI I owned was the 08 orange and I did like the way it rode, I just couldn't justify paying the price I did when it comes with pretty basic Alex wheels and a truvativ crankset.

The MASI has a more slack geometry, not so much what a road bike would but its way different when compared to the kilo. I owned the 58cm MASI and I was way too stretched out, now I ride a 55cm Kilo which measures out to a 58cm and i'm as upright as my 54cm surly. Its a great bike don't get me wrong and the shim really isn't that big a deal but for the price they're charging I would think they could have gonne a different route in the design process.

If they quoted you $400 canadian for the frame isn't that like $50 US? JK seems like a decent price then considering the exchange rate but I'll stick to the point that they're a bit overpriced for what it is.

Yaktizzle417

My buddy has one and I really like it. I'd think about it.

Same color and everything too.

elTwitcho

I really like mine. Never noticed the shim before funny enough, but it rides real nice.

bigvegan

$400 for the frame? Please.

When Masi was handmade, maybe, but now it's just a Haro subsidiary for Taiwanese frames.

You want a bike made by an actual Masi, get a Milano - https://milano3v.com/

bbattle

If it fits, it is worth more to you than a bike that doesn't. So if it's hard for you to find a bike that fits, the price may be fine. You can find much nicer frames on eBay; I bought a NOS Colnago Master frame for about $400 with shipping. I like the Masi bikes, the Soulville is another cool looking bike.

If you want the bike, don't mind us. Go get it, ride the heck out of it.

You said you've got longer legs and a shorter torso. That's me, too. Sloping top tube bikes like your Giant enable you to ride a smaller frame than otherwise. The 60cm Peugeot sounds too big unless maybe you've got a short riser stem but whatever.

discocowboy

If Masi's were still handmade you might be able to touch the fork for $400, Milano's start at $1195 and go to $4200+, which for custom handmade goodness is reasonable. I think Tim Jackson has done a great job keeping the history and spirit of Masi alive. In the era of global consolidation who owns who is less important than how they distinguish themselves from the competition and stay true to their brand. Sure you can get a Mercier cheaper, but it comes at a price, online order only, direct, can't preride/fit, not as nice looking (subjective), not as much attention to detail. I think $750+/- is a fair price for what you get. Anyway not start a debate, just my personal feelings.

Thanks, I hope it is more aggressive like you mentioned than what is listed, just based on photos I've seen it does look tighter than the numbers would lead you to believe. Can't wait to test it out and see.