In a message dated 7/5/01 12:19:59 PM Central Daylight Time, wspokes1@hotmail.com writes:
> Where you have a company with several different builders building under the
> name. Would this be also describing California Masi's as a "marketing
> brand" also? Just curious.
>
>
Its my impression that at least in the mid 1990s this was the case
with Masi. As I understand it the right to use the name was licensed to
Torelli who contracted with shops such as Mondonico to build the 3V's. The
result is a really fine Mondonico built bike, with different geometry, BUT --
with a Masi badge. I'm not knocking the bike -- I have one and its great
(despite 'soft' paint).
I suppose you're really referring to the succession of builders used by Masi USA in the 1970s and early 1980s which reads like a biblical litany of "begat's". That list is pretty distinguished, and ironically, includes Rivendell's main builder. (This paragraph is on topic Dale!)
Perhaps, the question should be posed, [D]id the company maintain a consistent standard for design, construction and quality control? Certainly Masi did for a long time (and may still), one hopes that Rivendell will continue as well.
Sorta like asking who is the greatest unknown bicycle frame builder? (Answer: Manny Diaz - Equus Frames, New Orleans)
Regards,
Carlo Carr
(Suffering from heat induced dementia)