Have the same Masi Speciale Commuter (singlespeed) in 53, which appears to be the exact same bike (frame) in that picture. Even the bar tape looks exactly what my bike came with. The bike rides great and feels really comfortable, it's my everyday commuter. Just love the bike.

I'm 5'8" with an 30.125 inseam, the bike fit is perfect. You could always change the stem as already suggested. I wouldn't be concerned about stand over height, on a road bike, the top tube length is more important for proper bike fit.

Another plus, at least on my bike, is the longer chainstays, this provides more clearance for panniers.

If the bike, wheels and components are all in good shape, you should seriously consider buying this bike.

Thanks again for all the replies. I have talked to the guy and set up a time to go see the bike. I am glad to see that many people think it is a good value.

As far as fit, I will obviously try it out and see how it feels, but since I am new to biking, I'm not sure how much I will be able to figure out in a few minutes in a parking lot. I know that stand over height is not as important as top tube length, but with a short inseam (less than 30 in), there will probably be some actual contact. I'm not too worried about that though, as long as it's not too severe.

The photo is definitely not taken by the guy who owns the bike - it is just a promo photo. He said he didn't have a working camera to take pics, so I will just have to see the bike in person - I realize it won't be as pristine as the picture. As for shifters, Bikepedia says it comes with bar end shifters - the picture must be of the single speed.

If I end up buying it, I will try to put up a picture.

No, the picture definitely shows shifter cables popping out from above the brake levers, and front and rear derailleurs. Maybe the pic is a glamour shot of somebody's custom setup. And assuming the bike does not look as beautiful as that one, hopefully you can decide on the spot between minor issues of tuning and things you can fix (low/flat/worn tires, small wheel wobbles, brake rub, worn brake pads, imprecise shifting) vs things that might make you reconsider (bent/cracked frame components, seriously warped wheels)

Anyways, good luck test riding, try to put aside the excitement of sitting on a new bike, and just think about whether you feel comfortable. You should be able to adjust the seat height so at least your pedal strokes are comfortable, but do you feel stretched out or cramped in the forward direction (a lot or a little? If just a little, it could probably be resolved with a different stem). Do you feel like the handlebars are too wide and put your arms in an awkward position? Or they are too narrow and turning feels twitchy? How do your hands and arms feel in all the various grip positions (tops, hoods, drops).

it's a beautiful bike, I say buy it even if it doesn't fit (just to be contrarian)

It should be close, by the looks/sounds of thing. Sit on the bike, pedal in a comfy position (after you've adjusted the seat height), and then look down at the stem/bar intersection. If they "cover" the front axle when you look down, or come close to covering it, you're definitely in the ball park. Remember that the frame size seems optimally close, and if that is in fact the case, stems and set-back posts are relatively inexpensive replacement items. Look for the obvious as stated above (cracks, taco'd wheels [hold front of bike up, spin wheel, and see if it weaves in and out in relation to the brake pad--do the same for the rear], proper shifting, etc.). Then, as Arsprod says, just do it. :) My .02.

That's not the way it works around here. I'd be on the next bus over there.

So did you get it?

If this helps..... my pants inseam is 29", my cycling or bike fit is 30.125". I'm 90% sure this bike will fit you perfectly. Of course, there's a 10% chance I could be wrong. :)

So, I finally got to meet up with the guy yesterday and check out the bike. In my humble, beginner opinion, the bike was in very nice condition. Seemed like it was well taken care of. I rode it and it seemed to it me well, so I bought it. I will post pictures here soon. Thanks to everyone for the advice!

Extraordinary Nice Bike !
Congrats.
Ride a lot.

Yes, the bike looks to be in excellent condition! How's the fit?

Congrulations qsteve. That looks like a nice bike. It should last many years.

Thanks gerv, you guys helped me decide to finally pull the trigger. I am really happy with the bike. The guy had pretty much everything I need to start riding - helmet, lights, tools, bags, patches, etc. The fit is good, and I think I will feel very comfortable on it. I am excited to start my biking journey!

qsteve - congratulations that bike is in great shape. I'm sure you've already done this but level the saddle and you may try sliding it back on the rails a bit. Also, don't be shy about experimenting with rotating the bars.

Have fun and enjoy the bike!

Nice bike, congratulations!!

Agree that the bike looks in excellent shape. You did really well. Once you have the fit dialed in, you'll discover the bike rides really nice, even on chip seal and rough roads.

Have fun....

+1, congrats - that really is a beautiful bike, nothing classier than a well made steel frame

great looking bike....love the color

How is your Masi working out for you so far ?
Put many miles on it yet ?

yeah, inquiring minds want to know!

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...1&d=1368365192

That's some seriously bad French and even worse Italian.

I thought Kenda was Italian for flat tire.

One of my bikes has a pair of $20 Kenda Kwicks on it -- no flats in almost 3500 miles. Perhaps it's good luck to have low expectations? ;)

I have Kenda Kwests on my Masi and I have never owned a better tire. Two years daily commuting and no flats.

I'd second that Masi's are a screaming good deal, and very well made. I've been riding one of their "fixed drop speciales" for a couple of months and am incredibly impressed.

Not light, but very comfortable and great geometry to ride hard.

Their paint schemes are a little funky, though....


:-)

Great touring bike.