> > The Masis I've seen with the big "M" cut-out are California Masis from the > 1980s or later (during the Simonetti years???)
I bought a Masi Gran Criterium in 1974. It has the big M cutout. When i look at the ebay pictures, the only difference I see between my bike and the eBay bike is the yellow head tube, the scratches and the size. Same color, same components. The pictures don't show decal detail so i can't compare those or the fork crown. The serial number/frame size on my Masi starts 'MC'. I never knew if that meant Masi of California or Masi Carlsbad or Mario Confente or Milano Constructe (made in Milan) ;) I remember the comments when I got it about the world champion stripes on the seat tube. Some of the masis sold at that bike shop had stars & stripes instead. Someone said that meant made in Italy instead of USA. ??? But they all had the big M cutout in 1974 at that bike shop.
Mighty Cool Rick Paulos
Cedar Rapids, Iowa