1983 Masi Nuova Strada Question
 

Hi everyone! I just acquired a Masi Nuova Strada this weekend but I'm running into so many issues trying to find out where the bike was actually made. Masi built bikes in Italy, then California and then obviously offshored the production. I'm just trying to get a better idea on my new project bike.

It was sold to me as a 1983 Nuova Strada. It's red with Edco Competition components, Speedy Modolo brakes and a Fiamme Hard Silver wheelset. This bike is said to celebrate the US-Italian Partnership (as the stickers reflect this). I cannot locate the serial number on this bike. The bottom bracket only indicates the size of the frame, that is 56R.

I would like to know the true origins of this bike like year and where it was built. I've searched the web pretty extensively but I wasn't able to find anything conclusive. Attached is a pic of the bike. Any help would be most appreciated. The cutouts are nice, the components are pretty slick. It does need a new saddle, some pedals and some serious polishing. I hope to be riding this one soon.

Thanks!

Masi Nuova Strada were contract built by Billatto (sp?) in Italy for Masi Italy and
painted (most probably by Jim Allen) here in the US.

Marty

1983 Masi Nuova Strada Question
 

But no serial #. Isn't that kinda odd?

Well, yes, but the transfers on that bike are too. Jim Allen has a company called the Cyclesmiths

Jim Allen
the CycleSmiths
Ranchita, CA
760 782 2737

He has not posted to the CR list for almost a year, was involved in marshaling bike races at one point, and might still squirt paint.

I would be polite of his time and ask.

According to Bob Hovey's site, some may have been built in Italy by Mondonico as well.

Hey, thanks so much for the info. I'll trying giving him a call and of course, I'll be VERY mindful of this time. I've also included three more shots that give you a better view of the decals.

Thanks everyone!

The downtube transfer is interesting, its the first time I have seen the sans serif Masi (of the Vigorelli) typeface on one of these. From time to time thus font shows up incised into brake bridges.

My best guess is that this is an early bike, prior to deciding on the graphics. It may not have been painted in the USA possibly, part of a sample run. It was lean times back then for road bikes, everything that could be sold probably was.

Thank you, Repechage. Yes, I haven't been able to fine a transfer like this. It also appears that two of my decals on the seat tube are also faded. Looking at the '85 catalog from Bob Hovey's site, these two shapes match the American/Italian flag combo. Unless they were intended to be white on this model.

It would make sense that this was a sample run since the transfers don't match anything else nor that this bike has no serial # as well. Hmmm...

Hey Repechage. Just in case you're still checking. I did speak to Jim Allen about a month ago. Nice guy. He did say that my bike was made and painted in Italy. This appears to be a pre-production bike. I would like to keep/restore the original parts but also upgrade a few others for both aesthetics and riding quality.

Here's what I've done so far. Changed out bar tape, bought Modolo hoods (had none previously) , replaced the old Super Corsa saddle with a NOS replacement, replaced Shimano RX-100 rear derailleur with a Sachs-Huret New Success derailleur. The original intent was to replace it with the original Edco (Spidel) SLJ 6600 rear derailleur but apparently these are sought after and can be quite costly. So I opted with the Sachs which later was used by Edco as a rear derailleur in the late 80's/early 90's. Not quite period-correct but better than the lower end Shimano RX-100. Hope you like.

Your bike looks great.

I have a Billato built Velo Sport (Not the shop in Cal. but a Canadian brand) that is exactly the same as your bike except for the pump peg.

Thanks for the comment. Do you have any pics to post? Curious to see your ride. :)