> Brian Baylis wrote:
> "configuration is apparently something Mario would do for himself. I
> recently restored Mario's personal frame that he built for himself
> and rode while he was in California. The frame has belonged to Ted
> Kirkbride since he bought it directly from Mario between the time
> they were let go at Masi and the time that Bill Recht had Mario set
> up in L.A. as Cycles by Confente.
>
> Mario's frame is a 59cm or so, built with, get this, PL frame tubes
> and stays! The fork has PS (the heavier 24mm) round track blades.
> Apparently that was a somewhat common practice used when building
> frames for road sprinters."
>
Dear List, Mario's personal Masi came into my posession last year. I purchased her from Ted Kirkbride while I was still living in San Diego. I have posted some photos on The Wooljersey:
http://www.wooljersey.com/
My immediate desire was to see how she rides! So forgive some of the parts, but ride her I did! She now hangs waiting for a Martano grooved rim which sits in Italian customs. Almost completely Campagnolo Nuovo Record, I am using a Weyless seatpost as the frame is quite too big for me and I can get that post waaaay down. The frame needs to be ridden ultra smooth and floats over the minor cracks and bumps of the road. But watch out for the big ones and relax go'n down hill as she can get upset rather easily! The front (fork) is ultra stiff and I can feel how the front of the main triangle has give. Of course her center of gravity is too high for me, but still her traits come through. This is a nice riding frame. Really nice. Just pay attention and breath deep! I have a letter of authenticity from Ted, so later caretakers will have as much documentation as possible. I am trying to secure photos of Ted's son who evidently rode this frame in time trials and to a California State Championship. One of Mario on her would be a real find! That would be a real surprise however, as Ted said that Mario never rode the frame himself. It seems as if she was in fact built as a "business card" of sorts. A frame to show and tell his best work, his "capo lavoro" ( the head of his work). It is interesting as Brian has attested that Mario "rode (this frame) while he was in California". If any one has any specific recollections so as to shed more light on this unique frame and her history, it would certainly help close the gap! I will post more info eventually as time permits.
enjoy,
John Pergolizzi Torino, italy
> --------
> From: Peter Gilbert <peter@canecreek.com>
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: Re: [CR] Mario's Masi Speciale
> Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2011 11:22:44 -0500
>
> To all,
>
> The images are of Sam's wife ( the to be owner)...(I do not have the
> last name right now)...The Frame shown is M5, as shown at the Cirque
> in 2009..." Masi" branded White and yellow, Chrome fork. M5 does have
> vertical Campag drop outs as well as PL fork blades...."Confente"
> signature decal on top tube. A very cool bike
>
> Peter Gilbert
> Fletcher, NC USA
>
> On Tue, Jan 4, 2011 at 10:28 AM, EPL <lowiemanuel@yahoo.ca> wrote:
>> Take a look at these pics of Mario Confente and a (Cali) Masi
>> Speciale:
>>
>> http://www.cyclart.com/
>>
>> http://www.cyclart.com/
>>
>> Two questions:
>>
>> How many have seen a Masi with vertical dropouts (as this one seems
>> to have, by Campy?)?
>>
>> Who is the woman?
>>
>> Emanuel Lowi
>> Montreal, Quebec
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Peter Gilbert
> 355 Cane Creek Road
> Fletcher, NC 28732
> 1-800-234-2725 ext: 321
> 1-828-209-4472 Direct Line
> _______________________________________________
>
>
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