Re: [CR]Masi Question

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2003 10:00:08 -0700
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]Masi Question
References: <4e.21454159.2c8aa4ee@aol.com>


handsfie@aol.com wrote:
>
> I own a very nice early Masi 3V with Super Record Equipment. In following
> both eBay and postings on the CR list, I've become confused by the plethora of
> Masi frame types which exist. It's clear that the Gran Criterium, Prestige and
> Special carry greater mystique (mojo?) than the Gran Corsa, Nuovo Strada and
> 3V. I'm curious about the differences between these frames and how those
> differences determine the relative desirability of these bikes? Rodney
> Handsfield in Boston

(*Following dates are only approximate* and sorry for the rambling discourse that follows) We're talking roughly a half century here. Originally there was only one model offered for a period of years. From the 50s to the 70s Faliero Masi made the Masi Special (Strada and Pista). During the 70s it was the Gran Criterium (not a crit bike at all but that was the name picked). The Special and the G.C. were not offered together (obviously there was a transition period though). Both of these were Faliero's design (and in theory, built by him). Then in the late 70s there was the Prestige by Faliero's son Alberto followed by the Volumetrica in the early-mid 80s. It was during this time that the models from different eras were sold together; yesterday's cutting edge frame was sold as today's econo model. And into the late 80s and 90s the bikes were pretty much Masi's in name only in that Faliero and Alberto had little or no involvement in Masi USA at that point (Masis made in Italy could not be sold in the US under the Masi name; Alberto's bikes being called by the brand name "Milano" when sold in the US). The Gran Corsa or Nuovo Strada don't really have any connection to Faliero and Alberto and were designed to be sold at a lower price point. Keep in mind that this discussion is about desirability (collectability) and has nothing to do whatsoever with the build quality or ride quality of a Gran Corsa or a Nuovo Strada.

Builders like Pogliaghi, De Rosa, Masi, Galmozzi, Colnago for example only had one model of bike for a period of years. Later, in the 1970s, as different tube sets were offered by Columbus and Reynolds, there would be additional models added to the line. Examples would be Reynolds 531 followed by the lighter, more expensive 753, or Columbus SL followed by the lighter, more expensive SLX etc.

There are exceptions to the above, for example the Cinelli Super Corsa and the econo Mod B and Riviera that Cinelli offered later in the 1960s.

To me, the last desirable/collectable Masi would be the early 80s Volumetrica 3V (but really only the Italian produced version). Sounds harsh I know... bear in mind that this is just my opinion. I'd love to hear other's take on the above ramblings.

Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, CA

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