Re: I: [CR]Too much eBay, not enough Masi talk

(Example: Framebuilders:Chris Pauley)

From: "Brian Baylis" <rocklube@adnc.com>
To: The Maaslands <TheMaaslands@comcast.net>
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: I: [CR]Too much eBay, not enough Masi talk
References: <025d01c28c9a$f231d700$6501a8c0@mtlrel01.nj.comcast.net>
Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2002 07:47:24 -0800

Steven,

Regarding DeRosa, that is interesting information. Like Monkeyman, I had heard a certain amount of talk about Ugo being a hands on type of guy. I've always like Ugo himself and early DeRosas. You have knocked him up ANOTHER peg in my mind. Thanks for that info.

Several years ago when I actually went to interbike (no reason now since I'm a genuine retro-grouch) I stopped in to the Gita booth. Traditionally Eddy Merckx would make appearances and would sign autographs on this cool racing picture. When I arrived there was a beehive of autograph seekers buzzing around King Eddy. I figured I would have to call in a bomb threat or light off a stink bomb to get in there. The booth was large and over on another corner, over by the DeRosa frames, was a humble and reserved whitehaired gentleman standing quietly observing this pack of animals devouring the presence of the Cannibal himself. I knew it was Ugo and I felt my head tingle as I realized this. I walked over to this solo person and presented him with my Eddy Merckx and a pen and asked for his autograph. His face suddenly lit up like a Christmas tree and a huge smile emerged. I figured he didn't speak english but I went ahead and commented about the respect I had for his work. I'm sure he knew from the tone of my voice that I wasn't calling him dirty names in english. He very graciously signed my card, Ugo DeRosa, and handed it back to me. I bowed my head and shook his hand to signify my pleasure to have met him and then he thanked me, "Gratsi". HE thanked ME! Right. That was MY pleasure, Ugo. I wonder how many autographs he signed that day. Probably not many. I finally found a hole in the huddle and made a "quarterback sneek" up to the King where I handed him my photo with Ugos' name already on it and he graced it with his own. I still have it, although the ink is getting light. The impression is still there though, in more ways than one. Ugo is somewhat the opposite personality from my mentor Faliero Masi. Faliero was quite gregarious and loved attention. Not in a bad way either. Faliero had an active sense of humor and loved to entertain everyone. Truely, both are great men.

Again, thanks Steven for the information. BTW, there is what I think is a very early DeRosa frame (MY SIZE) for sale on eBay right now which is very interesting. Even though it has been repainted, the frame itself is very unlike any DeRosa I've ever seen. Prugnat longpoint lugs, no cutouts or engraving except the heart cutout of the Fischer BB shell. The brake bridge also has the small round reinforcing plates that I've never seen on a DeRosa before. I think the frame may even be late 60's.

Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Came in the house yesterday to find a huge pile of feathers by the front door. I thought my puppy had killed a pheasant in my livingroom, but then I realized my the bright blue color of the plumage it was my featherduster! Damn dog drinks my coffee when I'm not looking, too.
>
> Brian wrote:
>
> > I would imagine NONE is the answer to how many actual Faliero built
> > Masis were imported to the US. Slight possibility that a buyer from the
> > US bought one in Italy from Masi and brought it back or even ordered it
> > from Masi from the US (which was possible up until 1973), but I doubt
> > many if any. I suspect no one has a Colnago or DeRosa built by the
> > single person whose namesake is on the frame. That is why the Masi being
> > discussed is so significant.
>
> I can't agree with this statement when it comes to De Rosa. Ugo and 2 of his
> sons built whole frames day in day out for many years and it is quite likely
> that most frames were built by them until the advent of the prebuilt frame
> componenets now used. Furthermore, no frame left their factory without at
> least one of the family members checking them out for all of teh 70's - 80's
> and 90's. Colnago, like Masi, on the other hand were and are less directly
> involved with building.
>
> Steven Maasland
> Moorestown (just returned from Italy with boxes of goodies) NJ
>
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