<classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 7:44 AM Subject: RE: [CR]re: is it fun to ride a Masi?
> So how would you compare the ride of the SC to an older PX-10?
>
> Ken Freeman
> Ann Arbor, MI
The PX-10 (69) is lighter by at least a 1 1/2 lbs and rides "lighter" too so light it always almost seems to rattle and shimmy a bit on fast descents which I rather like... the "raciest" bike I own. Very comfortable on long rides but I like the larger diameter Italian bars. Biggest drawback: too much fork rake for my taste which makes her handling quite poor on turns. Tommy Simpson apparently taught Eddy Merckx the finer points of descending when they were with Peugeot-BP and riding (yes then they really did!) PX-10s. No wonder they had to learn "finer" points! Shifting: Simplex delrin Criterium beats Campag NR 23 different ways. It just does. Mafac Racer brakes stop as well as anything. Mine don't squeel! Finally. But I don't like the sharp, cheap feeling brake levers. When you consider what the PX-10 cost, it simply has no equal in the value for money department i.m.o. And my '81 PX with the tighter geometry... well it's simply the best riding bike I own. Period. So they got better...
Cinelli SC. Hands down, the best looking machine I own. And a slight second only to my Raleigh Ilkeston made bikes in build quality. Perfect geometry (well for me) and the ride.. well it's brilliant. I feel I am "riding" my PX-10, but on the Cinelli it's that hard to describe feeling that you and the bike are riding together. No need to describe components, it's all stock original NR and Cinelli. Love the brakes, pedals... everything but the derailleurs. Definately a "desert isle" 70s road bike if you have to content yourself with one. Superb.
So two quite different machines. If I had to choose between them, well I wouldn't! The best bike in my collection, small as it is, is the one I just finished riding.
Peter Kohler
Washington DC USA