I remember when I desperately wanted a Masi GC in the early 70s, and I almost bought one then (long story), the shop from which I almost bought the Masi tried to sell me a Guerciotti instead, claiming it was as good for a lot less money... I bought neither as it turned out, both being a bit more money than I wanted to spend. But...oh..I came so close that Masi.
Fast-forward 20 years, I'm just getting back into old bikes, and I happen across a mid-70s Guerciotti with an original first-gen Super Record group, on alt.bikes, for 500 bucks shipped. I bought it, of course. Then I parted it out!!!!! Yikes. What an idiot I was. I actually kept most of the parts, although some ended up getting sold with an 80s GC I had at about the same time. I didn't know what I had.
I compared the two, riding them for some months before I disassembled the Guerciotti. They were the same size, built up about the same. The Guerc felt a little dead to me, while the Masi felt more lively, but who knows? Maybe I was imagining it.
Ah, the days of alt.bikes in the mid-1990s. You could find more great deals there. I got my share.
I sure wish I had the Guerciotti now. I shoulda kept it exactly as it was. Stupid me. One of the few bikes I regret, now.
Charles Andrews Socal
Anyone who believes exponential growth can go on forever in a finite world is either a madman or an economist.
--Kenneth Boulding