This is what I long ago concluded about Masi. It's appeal, at least in the mostly, though certainly not exclusively, American CR group, is tied very closely to the CA era and the many American framebuilders in some way connected to it.
I remember years ago, when I saw "Breaking Away" in its original release, I made disparging remarks to my wife about the Masi in the film as not being "a real" Italian bike as it was built in CA. Only when I joined CR circa 1996 did I come to realize this was precisely its charm. It seems mostly an American thing, I rarely hear our UK members going on about Masi, nor do the Japanese collectors seem to have a great interest.
But I still don't see why one needs an icon of American framebuilding to have an Italian pedigree, or even the Mario saga, which for all it's romatic qualities, is more Italian than American.
I find it a lot more logical to idolize the frames of Eisentraut, Gordon, Weigle, Sachs, Fattic, Assemacher, Della Santa, Cuevas and of course Baylis. These need no Italian name to command respect. In that respect I find it encouraging that the Della Santa frameset outed last week on eBay ended at $696, just $4 less than the Buy It Now price. That's still cheap compared to a new custom frameset, but high enough to indicate that the top American framebuilders are beginning to get the respect they deserve. And if a Baylis frame ever shows up on eBay, one can expect it to be bid a lot higher than that.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
"brianbaylis@juno.com" <brianbaylis@juno.com> wrote: Jerry,
SHUT UP YOU GUYS! Do you want everyone to catch on? BE QUIET, or you'll blow it for us.
Masis aren't much or significantly gooder than say a Masi or other such thing from a technical (and therefore riding standpoint); what is GOODER that this stuff are the American made classic steel bikes. Like the 1979 Bruce Gordon road bike I just acquired. I rode her for a little yesterday for the first and it's a fabulous riding bike, just my size 49.5 c-t, 54cm TT. The bike is in pristine condition considering the age, came with 165mm cranks and the straight band Campy frt. der. (which I was unaware of), along with really nice cobalto brakes and stuff. The craftsmanship and style of this bike, and the finish as well (pearl lavender) are lightyears ahead of the continental bikes of the period. What a great addition to my collection and a main addition to the "American Framebuilder" wing of my mueseum.
I know Bruce still has new bikes for sale in stock, some go back a ways. I think classic American framebuilders and the older creations will soon start to get the serious collectors attention they deserve. Think down the road 25 years or so. I just ran into a 25 year old American built classic recently that blew my socks off. Maybe more about that later. Right now, I love my Bruce Gordon even though it's pearl lavender; it goes well with my genuine royal purple official Bruce Gordon embroidered FEZ!
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Open your eyes to the details and character of the frame, ignore the decals.
Have to agree, a $300-$400 French bike rides just as well and spares the owner all of the stress and agonizing. And let's not forget the huge advantage of the total inconsistency of French manufacturers. No dated hub locknuts. Component specs and even lug types and DO's that changed not only within a single year, but probably weekly. And frame serial numbers cryptic enough to make for a great sequel to the "DeVinci Code". In short, every debate about the originality of any bit on a French bike can be authoritatively ended with the two-word conclusion, "Who knows?" At which point one can stop worrying and go ride the thing. Ignorance is bliss!!
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
"kohl57@starpower.net" wrote: Masi.. the name comes up here a lot. But am I wrong or is it often i n connection with eBay scams, overhyped sales pitches, reserves met or unmet , hoodwinked buyers or sellers, Nigerian wire transfers or should I ride or touch it because so and so restored it?
It sounds like Masi Angst to me.
Which makes we phillistines who neither own or covet a Masi content in our
ignorance. Stick to PX-10s, Raleigh Pros and even Cinellis, and you're f ree from all of this. Just buy it, restore it as best you can and ride it.
Bliss.
Which doesn't suggest that there are those of you out there who not only acquired a bona fide Masi sans angst and ride it and really, really enjoy it more than any bike on the planet. Now that means more to me than who built it or what kind of bb cut-outs it has. A Masi as fun to ride as a PX-10 bought for $383.00. Now that would be something....
So resolved: Riding a Masi Isn't Better Than Sex, it is Sex.
Over to you Masi-isti...
Peter Kohler Washington DC USA
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