Bob,
An upsidedown seat tube is a plausable explaination; but a mistake
that drastic would probably never make it out of the shop; at least
one would hope. Since either Faliero or Alberto would assemble the
bike (generally very few just frames were sold) I would expect them
to not let that go. Just my opinion, having known Faliero personally.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
Jeffrey writes:
Attention Masi Mafia. I recently purchased a 1971 Masi Gran
Criterium, stamped M56A on the bottom bracket with 11 71 stamped on the fort
tube. I t is came as a very original bike with all correct dated Nuovo Record,
etc. and what appears to be original paint. The seat post is a 26.8 and
appear s to be a proper fit. Is this correct? Also, does anyone know the significance, if any, of the "A" suffix on the bb stamp?
Jeffery Pyzyk Milwaukee, WI
Jeffrey;
I've got photos of a few early Masi stamps with suffixes but I have
no clue
what they mean. I do know that at least one suffix thought to be a
letter
turned out on close examination to be a ".5" (Masi occasionally did
half siz es on
special order).
The 26.8 seatpost is a mystery. Assuming that the opening is not
severely
ovalized, one might suspect that the seat tube was accidentally
installed
upside down (thick end at the top).
Bob Hovey
Columbus, GA