jack,
Now, when you say a "spotted Nervex Masi" do you mean like a Dalmation or are we talking measles or something? You have had your shots, haven't you?
Most likely the Masi you spotted is from about 1962 or '63. That fork crown is relativly rare. I didn't know Cupertino sold Masis back then. Most came thru Velo Sport in Berekely. Hard to say what it's worth as it sits. Masis that period don't have serial numbers or dates stamped on the steerer. So far all just have a letter and the size. Just recently saw a Masi with an "S" prefix for the very first time. Another unknown city or subcontract builder for Masi. The bike is worth the most to him so it's just as well he doesn't want to sell it. Hopefully you will get one on the "rebound" if things do come in twos. Of course, you do know who to call if the second one turns out to be 50cm or so!
Brian (on a Colnago binge right now; but Masis are good too) Baylis La Mesa, CA
>
> Classic amigos,
>
> Here in Tucson I recently saw a Masi Special w/ Nervex-pros, a rough repainted one that was very interesting to admire and study (and not just because it's my size!). I don't know the exact year and didn't look at the serial #.
>
> Yes it's real. It has the original badge, the right Universal centerpulls, and some other stock parts. It has this crown:
> http://www.classicrendezvous.com/
>
> The repaint isn't terrible but there are bottle bosses added. The modification that baffled me is a strange 3 or 4" thin plate added to the L chainstay near the dropout. What the %^$?... I found out it's for a trailer!!? The bike has often been spotted with a baby seat as well.
>
> The owner cherishes his bike and will NOT offer it for sale. He's obviously got tens of thousands of miles on it, replacing old parts for new ones as they wear out. I hear he bought it new from Cupertino Bike Shop. (Has anyone on the list owned a bike more than 40 years? Could be an interesting thread.)
>
> I wonder how we'd each peg the level of mojo remaining in this machine...I'll try to get some photos (esp. really close-up) and post them somewhere.
>
> Jack "hoping rare things come in 2s" Bissell
> Tucson, az