Rob Vermeer wrote:
>
> For those wondering if Masi built for Fausto Coppi and he rode Masi instead of Bianchi, this might be the partial answer.
> Take a look at:
> http://albums.photopoint.com/
> Notice no typical Bianchi integrated headset and no Bianchi badge.
> Experts can probably see other details.
> Regards,
> Rob Vermeer
I wish it was an answer. I have a 22" Sony Trinitron monitor and can't see the upper lug because the water bottle is in the way. The lower lug is not clear enough to tell. Head badge, head decal, no decal, no headbadge doesn't tell me anything either.
Even if it didn't have the integrated headset lugs that wouldn't mean that Bianchi didn't build it. Same thing for the lack of a headbadge.
Masi or Bianchi? This will probably never be know for sure. It all comes down to who you want to believe. Would the point be that Bianchi wasn't capable of building a bike for Coppi that would be the equal of a Masi. I don't think so. I own a 1954 Bianchi Campione del Mondo and it looks just like the bikes I have seen that are bonafide ex-Fausto Coppi bikes. No better and no worse.
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, California
http://www.velo-retro.com (vintage reprints and T-shirts)