Originally Posted by
Road Fan
Exactly so. I've always thought of California Masis as Italian-style. Nothing about them was done, at least in the first 8 years or so, that was not as Faliero had taught - at least that's my story. We can (probably will) argue about whether '70s circa US Masis are better or more valueble than Italian, but ... so what.
I think the "Cinelli" crown used on the approx. 1978 to 1983 bikes was a step away from what Faliero would have done, maybe approved, not used by the Vigorelli for sure. Save that, they kept pretty close to the original concept. Clearances got reduced a tad for short reach brakes, the dropouts selected were the latest type, they adopted recessed brake mounting but remained pretty faithful. The later Henry James lug set was I think a poor sidestep, no finesse. Functionally they are fine, just clunky. The later cast seat stay top eyes were a nod to keep the costs down and for a time were shared with Italy, fortunately the bikes throughout the American adventure were more than plug, braze and paint.
And yes, "so what", collect both and own both sides of the argument.