Bob,
I must concur, Dr. I own a '90 3V and an '80 GC and much prefer the GC. I am a tad over 6' tall but probably not heavy or strong. The GC is quick and stable for me no matter what the terrain. The 3V scares the hell out of me on descents but I probably don't lean forward enough and should learn how to ride it correctly someday. The GC makes no such demands on my riding ability. Looks-wise the GC gives me much more wood than the 3V.
Regards, Eric Meddaugh (looking forward to a Paradise Loop ride this Sunday in) San Carlos, CA USA
________________________________ From: Bob Hovey <bobhoveyga@aol.com> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 10:53:38 PM Subject: [CR]Re: Masi 3V
Tom writes;
>> Next time I get down to Georgia, I'm going to put Bob on mine and watch
him change his mind to a more favorable opinion, even though he may just be
reporting on other's aesthetic sense here.
Please don't get me wrong folks, I know the 3V has a wonderful ride. Our lo cal bike shop owner gets misty-eyed about the ones he owned and still tells people that it was the best production steel bike made. Though some smaller riders may find them a bit too stiff, it might be safe to say that for stro ng, tall or heavy riders there's probably nothing else like it in steel, unl ess you go to a custom builder.
So let me make it clear to Tom (and others who, out of apparent concern for my immortal soul, saw fit to email me off-list to warn me of my blasphemy) t hat I was referring to its aesthetic qualities only (which is very much a ma tter of personal taste). Yes, it has a simple elegance, but this jointed-pi pe look is not the sort of thing I find appealing in lugged-steel bikes (and just so's you'll know how narrow-minded and opinionated I am, let me say th at I've never been all that fond of fillet-brazed bikes either ;-). Externa l lugs with graceful designs and hand filing are what get my blood flowing a nd make me want to come in for a closer look.
Bob Hovey
Columbus, GA USA
http://bhovey.com/