Since the owner is specifically asking for information, I think I'd go ahead and try to identify what the bike is. From the pics I saw, there wasn't one of the BB shell, which might prove instructive. Maybe contact the owner, ask for more pics and then go from there.
Given that he powdercoated it generically rather than having it at least restored as a "Masi," I don't have a tremendous amount of sympathy for the owner if it turns out not to be a Masi.
Baird
_____________________________________ Baird Webel Washington DC, USA
On Friday, November 30, 2007, at 10:47AM, <classicrendezvous-request@bikelist.org> wrote:
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:45:43 -0500
>From: marcus.e.helman@gm.com
>To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>Subject: [CR]misinformed fixed gear owner
>Message-ID: <OF5FB65EEF.86D8EC54-ON852573A3.00546919-852573A3.0056954C@gm.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
>MIME-Version: 1.0
>Precedence: list
>Message: 16
>
>Here is an ethics question: This guy thinks he has a Masi Gran Criterium.
> He bought the bike at a thrift store for $7. It appears to have had Masi
>Gran Criterium decals. They are the two tone variety, with "Masi" in
>yellow and "Gran Criterium" in white. I believe that those decals were
>only used in the early and mid 70's. The guy asks for any information
>that might help him identify the year the bike was made.
>
>http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2007/nov/3/DavidChildress.htm
>
>However the bike does not look like a Masi to me. The fork has a sloping
>crown. The lugs have cutouts in the sides. The frame has two water
>bottle braze-ons. There is no photo of the bottom of the bottom bracket,
>so I don't know if there is an 'M' cutout or not.
>
>So the question is, should I send him a note saying that it looks like a
>nice enough bike, but it is almost certainly not a Masi, or do I let it
>alone? He is presumably enjoying the ride (and lets face it, the pride of
>ownership) of his Masi. I have to assume that learning of its imposter
>status will be a disappointment. Is it better to let him continue in his
>mistaken belief that he has made a huge score?
>
>Additionally I suppose it raises the question of how the previous owner
>got Masi decals to put on his non-Masi bike.
>
>Best regards,
>Marcus Helman
>Detroit, MI 48265
>
>
>
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>_______________________________________________
>
>
>End of Classicrendezvous Digest, Vol 59, Issue 116
>**************************************************