Scott Smith wrote:
>
> Hmmnn...
> Alex photos of the 1954 Masi are wonderful as is the text. However, I'm
> curious. If Masi built Coppi's 'Bianchi' bicycles, then did Bianchi ever
> supply a Reparto Corso built frame to any of its' riders? Didn't Masi also
> build bikes for Gimondi?
Wait... let me see if I understand your question... Did Bianchi Reparto Corse ever supply a frame to any of its riders? In other words, did the Bianchi Teams over the years actually ride Bianchis built by Bianchi? Is this a trick question? I don't get it. You mean that Reparto Corsa isn't capable of building a bike that is raceworthy for a pro racer? A pro racer on the Bianchi Team wouldn't ride a Bianchi built by Bianchi? Puzzling.
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, California
PS Totally unrelated aside: Is anyone aware that at one point Mario Confente built some of the "Masi" bikes for Faliero Masi at Mario's "shop" at his parents home before he was an employee of Faliero Masi? Gets a little complicated doesn't it?
PPS Related aside: Vintage Velos states, "Coppi was at Masi's because in1954, Faliero Masi built his bikes (with the Bianchi name on them)." That would mean then I guess, that Masi was building the fames with Bianchi's proprietary head lugs with the pressed-in (integral?) head bearing races? And that Bianchi supplied Masi with these head lugs? What's the likelihood? Anyone?