Quoted from original IBOB post on bike:
The second is a rare Confrente built 62cm MASI from around 1972. I had Brian Baylis do a complete restoration on the frame. He told me that it was even more rare than usual in that A) the serial number did not fall into any of the usual schemes meaning it was probably built for an employee or a friend of Confrente, and B) the frame was built with super record dropouts and chainstays... much higher quality than the NR parts used on production bikes. The group is mostly Campagnolo NR parts, high flange campy hubs with clincher rims, SR brake levers and Nitto Stem and Bars for comfort. This bike rides phenomenally well, the paint is mint, and it's a useable (sic) bike. I hate to let her go, but I really need some cash for other projects.. I'd love for a fellow BOB to have her....
Quoted in full from recent post:
Hello all,
I don't usually post to this bike list, but it was pointed out that there was some discussion of my Ebay auction here, and I wanted to get some answers. I don't much care for being called a liar and profiteer behind my back, and so I am posting the letter I received from Craig Fenstermaker and Brian Baylis concerning the Masi. It was based on this letter that I decided to go ahead and pay Brian $1400 to restore the frame. I am absolutely STUNNED that Brian now denies any of this, when they clearly spelled out almost word for word everything I have said about the frame.
I am not trying to make any misrepresentations, I am only telling people what Brian told me. If any of this is untrue, it calls into question Brian's (sic) ethtics, not mine. I have always admired Mr. Baylis' craftwork, but find his reaction befuddling to say the least!
Thanks all,
-Mark Flaming, San Rafael, CA
Mark-
This is a serious bunch here when it comes to Masi's. The initial offer to sell description raises a bunch of questions for the CR Masi enthusiasts, the claim of 1972 for one, as Mario would have been in Italy at the time, no serial number information, super record dropouts and chainstays... I don't think anyone took that seriously. The misspelling of his name I will leave as a typo.
A sharp eyed Masi maven would be able to tell that the bike was repainted by the down tube decals, so the omission raises concern, as a bunch, repaints are often justified, but for the vintage enthusiast should be disclosed. The lack of annotation of a restoration which included braze on and replacement and chrome removal raises the question mark that much more, If I had a bike that needed a down tube replaced, Brian is an excellent choice. The email from Brian was prior to that discussion it appears and prior to paint and or chrome removal which would have clarified the serial number, as I read it, you got a preliminary assessment of what it could be, but with the information you provided today, a very abridged description of the bike upon offer to sell.
A serious amount of money was spent, good chance at your current beginning offer price you will be upside down on the bike, one can lose money faster as in sailboat racing, which is akin to standing in a shower of cold water and tearing up $100. bills, but hopefully the bike has given you some satisfaction in the preceding time.
John Jorgensen Palos Verdes Ca With too Many Masi's to count in front of the wife.