[CR]Masi on Ebay.. Why, why?

(Example: Framebuilders:Alex Singer)

From: <BobHoveyGa@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 01:47:46 EST
To: richardsachs@juno.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Masi on Ebay.. Why, why?

e-Richie wrote (snipped):
>what is the motivation behind buying or collecting these (types of) frames if they are clearly made for the license and for the market?

e-RICHIE chester, ct

I suppose there are a lot or reasons someone would want this frame, most of which the more cynical (or practical) observer could find fault with because they have to do with branding and the tendency of the consumer to buy a name he recognizes (especially if he thinks it might increase his chances of getting laid or at least garnering an envious look or two from his friends of either sex). Granted, Masi may not be the name it once was, but for the same reason that some may order a mediocre French wine over a nicer California, the bike buyer looking to impress may still think there's plenty of good reason to choose an Italian bike for no other reason but that it is Italian.

I'm not sure I'd want this frame, unless the price was REALLY good (i.e., less than half of what the bid is up to so far). But if backed against a wall and forced to come up with some good reasons why someone would, I can think of a couple...

* Mondonico seems to have a pretty good rep for building a contemporary steel frame... and this one's way cheaper than a new Mondonico.

* Perhaps you love Masis (for whatever reason) and in addition to your vintage rides you just gotta have one with a 130mm rear end to hang those new components on... and you just can't bring yourself to spread an old one.

Bob "One of my Masis is a Bilatto" Hovey Columbus, GA