The Masi GC arrived today. The photo on ebay didn't do the color justice, very nice candy green. Most of the components seem to be of the correct vintage, although not sure about the brakes. I looked for a serial number, but it doesn't have one, just the MC58 near the down tube tab on the bb shell. It also has the +GF+. From the Masi ID page on Dale's site, it looks like one of the first 200 made. Of course, nothing is perfect, as the previous owner added brazed on shifters and something called a chain hanger(?). He also had the brake mounting holes drilled to use allen bolts. The bike also has brazed on top tube cable guides that can't be original because of the absolutely sloppy job. No attempt was made to file the excess brazing material. The bike also has brazed on bosses for a water bottle cage. These, however, look original. They have the same concave diamond shape as the brake bridge and chain stay brace. They could be add-ons, but they look like they belong. The painter left off some decals and got the down tube decal crooked. The head tube badge is like the one on Dale's Masi, however, under the word Masi is the word "Milano". The decals were ordered by the previous owner in 1989 from The Cyclesmiths of San Marcos, CA. I have a letter from Marilyn Allen giving the owner the date of the bike. Now some questions, What is the earliest Masi started making frames in Calif? How long did the +GF+ bottom bracket shells last? Did Masi California only make Gran Crtieriums or were there other models? Can the water bottle cage bosses be original? Okay, I'll give you all a break for now until I can think of more questions.
David Goerndt