Joe wrote :
1. I'd add the guide 2. I'd remove the plate 3. I'd replace the top tube 4. I'd replace the dropout 5. I'd massage* the seat tube
Last year I was offered a Zieleman that had obvious damage to the seat tube, I expected to replace that one tube. Later inspection ( by Freek, not surprizingly ) showed that there was another serious dent (creased) hiding under a sticker on the top tube. To get the bike into riding condition I felt that both tubes would need replacing, and while a costly repair that wasn't my main concern. Ko Zieleman brazed the frame, the tubes all aged as a unit, would the repaired frame ride the same as it did before the repairs (and before the damage)? Would the frame still be a Zieleman ?
Getting back to Freek's stealth Masi. If the seat tube is also damaged beyond what is reasonable for a safe repair and replaced in addition to the top tube would the bike still be a masi? Would the ride quality be the same? would the mojo run out?
Marty Eison
Frisco, Texas