Brian wrote regarding Masi:
> Well that settles it. We're going to have to convince Dale to make
> efforts to invite Alberto to Le Cirque 2003. If we begin now I'm
> reasonably certain we could arrange such a thing. I personally will do
> anything it takes that I am capable of to make that happen, including
> pitch in CASH to cover his expences. I recently spoke to Dales' other
> perspective "guest of honor" and he is willing to attend but is
> reluctant to be the "entertainment". The situation is ripe for this
> melding of the continents. We have benifited trememdously from the UK
> members (good to see Bruce Robbins back again), Japanese members, and
> members from other continents, (OZ, and Europe). We have Matteo Brandi
> who is a fantastic person as well as resource, from Italy to enrich our
> experience. This would put icing on the DONUT in a huge way. How about
> it Dale??
>
> Back to the issue. I understand your perspective and experiences and in
> 99% of the cases you would be correct. I'm willing to stick my neck out
> on this one. The good part is, the facts about this frame are not
> anywhere near impossible to come up with. I suspect a good researcher
> could unearth photos of the team and maybe even the bike if they know
> who to ask and where to look. I'll bet there are a few such person's on
> this list or at least easily contacted.
>
> An extensive interview with Alberto will most likely reveal exactly how
> and why he knows this bike was built by the old man. In so many cases of
> such questions these easy resources are not available for use in
> verifying such an important question. Let's just do it and then we can
> be sure. We will most certainly learn a trememdous amout no matter what
> happens.
>
> Only a few years ago I felt it was next to impossible to dig up
> imformation on the early years of Masi. Now I know that is is not only
> possible, it's quite easy on account of the collective knowledge and
> talents of this group. Let's watch it in action as we sort this one out.
> I'm a Masi watcher too, Richie. I've seen it from a different
> perspective than you have. I realize this one is a long shot and I hope
> the information I've recieved thus far is accurate. If it is then I feel
> reasonably certain we have an example of a Faliero built bike. We should
> be able to trace the linage of this bike back to it's origin. Between us
> there is an incredable amount of information and opinions. I'm seriously
> anxious to know more now, directly from Alberto. I know there must also
> be a considerable number of Masi historians in Italy. I'm sure we can
> come up with a lot of interesting information about this boaring
> subject. Let's do it now before the resources disappear.
On Tuesday this week, I stopped by at Pinarello's shop in Treviso and spoke with Nanni. I was highly disconcerted to note that he has begun 'losing it.' At well over 80, he is finally showing that he too is human and is showing the signs of his age. It is a true pity because he has always been a highly vibrant and vital person in the Italian bicycle business. I told him of Dale's and Chuck's meets and he seemed truly interested but then added that he can't travel on his own any more and must be accompanied by his daughter Carla or son. Even more than Alberto, Nanni is a true star of the cycling world as he has lived it first as a respected pro, then as builder for well over 60 years. In fact, I found a couple sets of mint NOS Pinarello co-branded 3-piece FB hubs from the 50's while in Italy. That in itself is testimony to his position in the bicycle world. The brand will continue into the future under the guidance of his son Fausto, but it will be a sad day when Nanni is no longer available to all cyclists. In his shop there is a wall of photos of him with a true who's who of cycling. He is especially proud of the time when he brought Indurain to see the pope and the pope knew who Pinarello was but not Indurain...
Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ
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