John,
Needless to say, I'm a little behind again on my tracking of email and the silly goings on from the list. Still catching up from the disruption that attending the Cirque causes me each year; not to mention the financial hit I take in order to make it. Couldn't help but notice this one, especially after talking about this with the owner of the Masi in question. At first I really couldn't believe that there was even a question as to the model of Masi in question. But, having discussed some of the details of this particular bike, I can see where the difficulty lies.
Having gotten this far in writing this, I just realized I don't have the energy to go through with this investigation nor the time to do so. You guys just figure it out and let me know what the "authorities" proclaim as the final "facts". I am a little surprized to notice in myself that Masi discussions are becomming too taxing to listen to at times. I'm going over to the Colnago camp for a while, it's much quieter.
Too much work, no time to write. Just let me know if the rumor is true. Settle all the details and give me the bottom line when you're done. Thanks.
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA REALLY glad I missed the Confente/DeRosa vale debate. I'm sure it was priceless. And the Holy Grail thing. That's a can of worms. Besides, who would know the Holy Grail if the really saw it? Too many imposters, too many fakes. Let me know when you find it. I already have plenty.
> 1. Was 1969 the first year GC's were available?
Said to be made in later 1969
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> 2. Did they come with a head tube badge?
Very early examples were rumored to do so.
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> 3. What decal set is appropriate?
1970 and 1971 used the the same decal set. Very late '71's perhaps had the first type of the "typical" GC transfer set, with the noted difference of the "crosshair dividers" inside the downtube box. By 1972 they had changed. There were not model years per se, things evolved apparently as they were used up.
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Pull the fork and check the inside of the headtube and the steerer, look closely for filled holes from where a headbadge would go. The fork most likely will have a month & year stamp, but not all apparently did.
A fortunate find, a misfortunate respray, Joe Bell did what looks like a great job on Richard's, Brian Baylis did my 1970 example, he did a great job. I would recommend him highly.
John Jorgensen
Torrance Ca for a few more minutes