luker

interesting...if I hadn't senselessly squandered all of my bicycle money on an old Spectrum, I'd be competing for the twin-plate Italian GC, 230230866184. That tatty patina and the nice yellow color has me charmed.

repechage

The problem with these old bikes is that they do not always turn up at the right time. That "Sammo" Yellow frameset would build up quite well as a bike that you would not be afraid to ride.

In comparison to the Italian Masi resprayed by Baylis offered currently as a buy-it-now only...same size I think. The color is nice BUT, the SSI Ink repro graphics just bug me a bit with the yellow that is too dark... and Brian, why the badge on the seat tube without Milano in it?! I have worked with Brian before and he does know what he is doing, but every once in a while I see flubs. The chrome on the forkcrown is beautiful, the paint looks terrific... my guess money was not the concern on the respray...I guess that is why original finishes are so sought after.

But I have bought poorly repainted bikes just so I can select the color to rescue them with, if I cannot figure out the original paint.

redmist

even though we have veered somewhat off topic, i am enjoying this discussion. i am but a lowly novice in the world of bicycles- having come from the motorized 2-wheeled world.

the new "old" masi presently on e-bay sparked my interest- as it is my size...

but alas, i already have 3 bikes. always looking for something even more classic to add to my new-retro stable.

thanks so much for the discussion.

repechage

three bikes? I think I am at 30 or so....total amount subject to denial at any time, and I think over a quarter of them are Masi's.

So, get to work, bid.

luker

I never admit to the number of bikes I have. Not even to myself.

I do have three, though in the entryway by the front door. All ridden today. One by my wife, and two by me, and it never got above 30 degrees...

With repechage. Buy dat bike.

moki

Cali Masi, Italian Masi... they ain't nothing compared to a real Taipei Masi.

gridplan

Ouch! My retinas are burning.

redmist

i'm working on it! i've only got 3, but just started this past august as a result of having a 7 year old mountain bike that was my commute ride stolen. little did i know that that event would lead to a whole new lifestyle. the woman is not impressed...

now, about that masi...

redmist

make that 5...or at least 3 working bike and 2 frames.

Starck

1. The o.d. reduction betwixt the face and tube/plug of this HJ drop set is an aesthetic design flaw. I call it a "pinched look" and I can't stand it on any bike.

2. Masi dropout junctions of yore did require much blacksmithing, although I'm not sure if it all would be logical to do so today, given the reason for it then was nought but for max cog clearances.

Starck

Star + ck = Starck

Thommy

If I may add, what's up with his hair? (MASI Guy).

Picchio Special

Nicely done. I like the Zen, "less is more" quality.

SpeedFreek

Ok, now I am confused. I had no idea that there were so many Masi 3V builders. I had a light blue 55cm, with all Campy SR, and it was one of the best riding bikes I ever had the privildge to ride. I bought it from a guy in Oakhurst, Ca for $500. I think it was built around '86 or so. I wish now I hadn't sold it. Where was this bike built, if I have the year correct? Also, I think the Italian frames from the '70's are more desireable than the Carlsbad built frames. Just my opinion.

repechage

No telling from your description on when it was built or where. But if it rode well, then it was good.

Italian Masi's from the 70's, can be worth more in the USA as basically they were only imported in smallish numbers till '72, maybe '73. Then it was Carlsbad. For more consistent quality the Carlsbad bikes between about #200+/- to 0140=/- are probably the best Masi's around in the 70's without close examination.

Valuation, and rarity are not the same measures, as quality.

VintageRaleigh

So uh

If I go out and buy a Masi today

Where are you guys saying it's made?

Road Fan

Nobody can say anything about it without knowing something about the actual bike. There are just too many possibilities. That's the issue.

If you buy a new one today in the United States, it will be made in Asia, unless it has some gray-market ties to Alberto Masi at the Vigorelli.

VintageRaleigh

Ohhhhhh


What about this one?? (Canada)

https://www.ucycle.com/products/bikes...si-speciale-cx

repechage

Made in that renegade province of China.

anomaly

Any modern complete Masi sold in the US has no relation to the original lineage.

JohnDThompson 

Can I count this one,too,then?

VintageRaleigh

Bummer... I guess?

repechage

That tube set does not count, only one chain stay.

Henry James lugs, road blades, track ends?

Saddle Up

Wow I did not know that. When did Taiwan become part of China? Never mind we are far superior to them right?

repechage

From the Mainlands perspective, Taiwan was always part of China, they just can't control it.

It will be an Obama foreign policy problem at some point unfortunately.