Just another Masi? I was hoping for something more interesting, like a MarnatI.

At least it isn't ANOTHER chrome Paramount

Yummy...Very sweet, indeed. Congrats Kurt. That should clean up nicely.

I do not think they are inferior other than the graphics. On the graphics, this is an interesting hybrid, a lot like the Vigorelli Only Prestige but different, and Masi USA leaned over to the 80's fade paint. Still better than the most recent 3V "reissue" paint scheme with the all white seat tube. If the angles you mentioned are correct, then this small bike will handle better than a small GC, the small bikes usually got hampered by a shallow head angle to prevent toe clip overlap. During the time when this bike was new, Masi was in a box. The Gran Corsa was also not a bad bike, this one was similar to the Gran Criterium of the period, too similar, and the 3V was to me the logical step above this frame. And as you say American Paint made this bike a step above its price point competition at the time.

I was first thinking "mostaccioli" but this has more iron content. Enjoy the ride.

The paint and decals have certainly held up well on both those examples, unlike on my POS Pinarello

+1

Though, of course, them the answer would have been Maramounti.

As I am wont to do: I will defer to repechage on this - though with mixed feelings, as I believe their are other factors at play here besides the obvious ones (i.e. degrees of separation from the original operation). But feel free to disregard my previous post.

Forks Bent............

The decals are under the clear on the Nuova Strada - helps.

-Kurt

If I had wanted a G.C., I would have bought one - and wound up parking it for fear of getting it full of road grime.

It replaces the slot in my stables left by the Pinarello Cadore and I enjoy it. The frame pantographing is beautiful, the decals are cleared, lug shorelines are perfect, and it has an excellent ride. If the members of the MASI cognoscenti are offended, they can complain to Alberto and Faliero about it.

Pictures quoted

-Kurt

More likely the frame details are cast in rather than pantographed.

Probably; definitely on the stay caps, for the recessed areas are quite smooth. The fork crown details appear bored out though.

-Kurt

Very Nice!

~kn

The use of an actual pantographing machine to achieve those details would be unusual, though not unprecedented. They're commonly cast-in or stamped.

Avert your eyes, egregio Faliero!

Gorgeous machine Kurt. Congrats on your new steed !

It's a very beautiful bike, even more so in person. Definitely a keeper.

You should know; you were the first of this forum to see it - online or off.

Those white marks on the chainstay and top tube are no longer, incidentally. I still have to pull the crankset and bottle cages to clean around the rest (and polish off those disgusting touchups).

-Kurt

great find kurt... i know what he paid for that and he...stole it. was wondering....was that a cr buy or just word of mouth? either way my high congrats on that one.

The LBS hooked me up with the fellow selling it.

-Kurt

The mid to later 80's and a bit beyond are an interesting period, Starck was the Masi GC builder but in my mind while the bikes are very good, the aesthetics lost the Concept. The Henry James sourced lugs and initial fork crown design could have used more finesse in the styling, the edge curves are lacking attention, I want them to move one way or the other, they just lumber around the head tube and primary tubes, the lug windows show to me a lack of asking the casting house to use fine grain investment, profit margin was king and the expense of controlled visuals. I do not know if it was Hank or Ted or both, but they needed a designer, did not want to pay for one or did not see the de-evolution. I am sure the American GC got more build attention, but the Nuova Strada was a good package as a race bike, good lug styling, what was required and expected of a later 80's race bike. The 3V was stiffer, but much more expensive. The Nouva Strada was and is more generic overall. But a wise purchase as a sacrificial race bike.

I have looked at many Nuova Strada bikes and ridden a few, they are not to my liking, but then again I do know of others who very much love them... You are also not able to say anything to either Faliero or Alberto about them as neither had anything at all to do with them. They were designed by Masi USA and farmed out to a few different builders of which apparently Bilato was the largest builder. I do not rate them as highly as the Masi Specials, the Masi Prestige or the original 3V's.

There must have been some communication / arrangement at least about the subordinate cast bits and the basic logo on the down tube. Possible as part of the business relationship for royalties and for the agreement to bring in the 3V into the USA officially. Maybe only economic approval. At one point Starck was sent on business to the Vigorelli, for reasons unspecified. Before he departed he did build 3V's in the USA.

Tell me more about the RD. Looks like a Chorus, which I believe Kurt says it is, but I don't believe I've seen one with the openings to the jockey wheels before. Is that a later generation Chorus RD? For comparison:

So the question running through my mind for 50 posts:

"Where will it sleep? The shed with the Raleighs or the bedroom with the Paramounts & Superior?"

Wow! It is a beauty! Makes me want to book a quick trip to So. FL to ogle it in person.