[CR]Another bewildering ThriftStore MASI

(Example: Racing:Beryl Burton)

From: "David Snyder" <dddd@pacbell.net>
To: "Classic Rendezvous" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:32:31 -0800
Subject: [CR]Another bewildering ThriftStore MASI

My local thrift store "spotters" came through today, after a months-long dry spell.

I figured the local housing market slump was partially responsible for the recent, relatively lackluster thrift-store inventories, but today got a call from a friend who wanted me to look at her (Schwinn Super Letour) purchase. When I came over, there was also another bike, a repainted Masi. She paid only $17.50 for the Masi, and just $22.00 for the LeTour (which was entirely original and clean). Both came from (Auburn, CA's) Salvation Army, where I have bought many bikes over the last 7 years.

What I'm trying to identify is a 58 x 56cm, repainted Masi. This one fortunately has lots of numbers and letters stamped into the bb shell (unlike my previous Masi find that has not even a serial number). No decals, however, and nothing panto'd.

The bb markings and details are as follows. I have pictures I can provide via email.

Downtube socket: S77 MC58 (wide-oval cutout)

Drive-side shell: 568 72 1450

Non-drive-side, along bb axis: +GF+ and big "M"

Top tube clamps, but brazed-on shifter bosses.

Cast seat clamp lug

Above-shell cable guides

Brazed-on cable stop on chainstay

Single set of bottle bosses

Headtube lugs are ringed at top and bottom of head tube

Fork lugs have a sleek, parabolic curve, dropout faces and crown are chromed

Lugs have triangular, almost heart-shaped cutouts and a few holes. Fork has stiffeners. Chainstays have a bridge.

Seatstays are fluted, no logo, single taper

NR components with Suntour derailers and Universal Super68 brakeset.

After having previously received a surprising amount of data here on my earlier Masi find, I am hopeful to be able to identify this bike and figure out what paint and decals should be applied toward it's restoration. I am lucky enough to be within driving distance of the bay area, and would appreciate any recomendations as to appropriate frame and paint specialists. This frame would fit me perfectly and I would happily ride it for the rest of time, so I think it needs to be professionally evaluated from the perspective of delivering possibly tens of thousands of riding miles.

Thanks in advance to those who have needed info, and thanks again for answers to my previous Masi inquiry. (I am starting to understand "the pox") Again, I have photo's at the ready.

David Snyder
Auburn, CA usa