Originally Posted by
elbows
I recently bought a Masi Special Randonneur, which I believe is the same frame built up as a multi-speed bike. .
Randonneur also has all the bits to accomodate cantilever brakes but the Commuter has all the bits for long reach calipers. Other than that I think they're the same frame.
Originally Posted by
dr. spectrum
Unless I'm missing something, this is Masi's version of the sadly discontinued Bianchi San Jose, an extremely smart bike that makes an outstanding commuter, with some added features like taking gears and low riders.
San Jose had track ends, Speciale Commuter has long horizontal dropouts - better for fenders and surprisingly rare on bikes meant for this type of service - Casseroll Single had them but that one's gone too.
Tire/fender clearance and horizontal dropouts for fixed gear were my main criteria - this is the only complete bike I found that gave me those... there are a few more options for bare frame.