Masi or Waterford. . . .
I don't have an Italian frame yet. I'd like to get one, preferably an old that needs some work. Or a French frame (being a dyed-in-the-wool Peugeot nut--Peugeot automobiles, that is!). . . . Right now I've got my Japanese frames--a '84 Fuji Del Rey and a '92 RB-2--and I'm pretty content. (There's my '73 Nishiki Competition, too, but I'll be selling the frame soon.)
So . . . Waterford or Masi? I'd love to have something Italian, but right now I think I'd opt for the Waterford. I think Tom's probably right in saying that the Schwinn/Waterford line's a bit blurry, but it's still there, and that's enough for me. Plus, I live in Wisconsin (a transplant from the Carolinas), and it's good to be able to support someone local such as Waterford. (My LBS is a Trek shop, but the only Trek I'd buy is an old one.) And the Waterford would be more useful to me, too.
Of course, right now the Waterford would have to be a gift, so it's really a moot point.
But one day I really do want something Italian. . . .
nath (about to go for a ride on this lovely, sunny, 76 degree day) dresser