Brian:
Your idea for a Masi Museum is terrific! How about a Bicycle Hall of Fame or whatever) which would be inclusive of all worthy marques? It would be cheaper than to have a separate museum for every bicycle that deserves recognition. In addition we would have home for classic bikes and such to ensure that they are available for more people to see. Given the number of fine frames that have been produced over the years I would venture to say far too many are long gone. What is going to happen to all of the stuff that members of this list and others have collected over the years when we are no longer able to care for it? E-Bay? As for location maybe that would have to be determined, but since I live in CA I would be happy to see it here. Maybe Pasadena! I sure wish I could have made it to the Velo-Rendezvous. Another benefit of having a permanent museum would be that it may be possible to entice other cyclists and mechanics that were part of the history of cycling to make contributions of their knowledge before we lose touch with them and have only old magazines to use to collect information about their accomplishments.
Jim Narlesky
> Dale,
>
> Speaking of workstands; this is also vintage. I suspect most people
> don't know this; but Mario Confente made a few custom ones. I probably
> only saw one once and that would be over 25 years ago, but my
> recollection was that it was in two or three parts and somehow there was
> a lug involved which had the Confente spade cut out of it. Has anyone
> else ever seen one and remember more details, Chuck, Jim, or anyone? I
> bet I know one person who may have one but getting a hold of him is not
> easy. Now that I think of it, a second person comes to mind also. Trust
> me, if someone can find one, we would all benifit from seeing it, if my
> memory is correct.
>
> A goal has recently come to mind that I would like to set forth as a
> foundation for the "Masi Society" (which has no offecial name as yet).
> It is clear that the Masi shop in the Vigorelli will before too long be
> removed from there as Alberto retires and the family closes shop
> forever. I think it would be a magnificant accomplishment if we could
> somehow acquire the interior decorations, tools and fixtures, and wood
> paneling from the front shop and relocate it here in CA somewhere as the
> foundation of the Masi Museum. I think that with the proper approach and
> some support, we could accomplish this. Since Rex Gebhardt now has his
> foot in the door, I think the possibilities are real. If Alberto slams
> the door on the idea, at least it's Rexs' foot, right? ;-o
>
> Am I cerafiably crazy? (I know.... yes, but that's a good idea anyway)
>
> Maybe we can locate a Mario Confente workstand for the display!
>
> Brian Baylis
> >
> > This MAY be on topic, as protecting old bikes is an important deal.. I
meant
> > to mention that at InterBike, I saw Ultimate showing their new
"consumer"
> > repair stand which I think is arguably the best one at the moment. It
has a
> > folding trio of legs very like their pro stand and the same soft sliding
jaws
> > except using thumbscrew binder rather than that unique cinch setup in
the Pro
> > stand. It costs $5.00 less at whsle. than the Park consumer stand,
which
> > makes it about $150.00 retail? Still not dirt cheap though! I would
love to
> > see someone come up with a sub $100. work stand!
> >
> >
> > Dale Brown
> > Greensboro, North Carolina