I was on the computer Tuesday morning and noticed the Masi listing. I looked at the number on the bottom bracket shell and did a double take, took a swig of coffee, then checked Hovey's site to verify. Yup, numero uno Carlsbado. 57cm Masi-size is perrrrfect for me. My hands got clammy.
Given that the seller would not take paypal, and the apparent significance of the bike, I was a little suspicious. He did state in the ad that he took Master Card and Visa, which made me think that he might have a local retail business.
I sent an e-mail asking him to contact me via telephone. He called later that morning, just as I arrived at work. He sounded legit, ran a small re-sale business in Santa Barbara.
Just as he called, somone with bigger balls than mine hit "Buy it Now".....too late.
He still didn't know the significance of what he had just sold.
He had purchased the bike at a fraction of the BIN price from a local garage sale!!!
I wen home that night. "Honey, what's wrong?" asked my wife. Masi, blah blah, twin plate, blah blah, Carlsbad, blah blah, first one, blah blah, buy it now. She didn't get it.
Waaaaaahhhh Waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh :( That's the sound of me crying myself to sleep.
I hope whoever bought it shares photos on Wool Jersey and sends some pictures to Bob Hovey so we can all enjoy Carlsbado Numero Uno.
The one that got away.
Jeff Pyzyk
Milwaukee, WI