[CR]Too much eBay, not enough Masi talk

Topics: Framebuilders:Masi
(Example: Component Manufacturers:Cinelli)

From: "Brian Baylis" <rocklube@adnc.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Too much eBay, not enough Masi talk
Date: Tue, 05 Nov 2002 21:36:21 -0800

Hi gang,

I have very little to say about eBay; I simply do not participate. Even so I do like to be alerted of stuff just to see the cool things and what it sells for. I REALLY appreciate those who offer items for sale to listmembers at a specified price and those who respond with "I have one for sale" when I ask for something I need.

No one needs my opinion on the down sides of eBay; in my opinion they do exist on many planes, but only a few bother me out of principal. None of it is really any of my business; but eBay does sometimes encourage some people to seek maximum profit from items to the detrement of the bike, us as a whole, and the hobby we cherish. That will continue regardless of what I say and I accept that, but I lose respect for persons who exploit this list and our "group" for personal profit and have a lack of respect for the bikes as a whole and their value historically. My full and true feelings are difficult to explain or express so I'll leave it at that.

Speaking of Masis. I meant to comment on the "letter of authenticity" and the 1954 Masi Speciale track bike. I have to admit, I was a bit surprised by some of the responces from listmembers to Kurt Goodrich. Perhaps they do not know Kurt as I do, but just for starters casting doubt upon his informed opinion, him having SEEN the bike in person while the respondants had not, surprised me. To diminish the intent or the authenticity of the letter was clearly a bit premature considering no one asked about the circumstances by which it was obtained. I realize that forgeries are common, but perhaps a little Q and A before dumping on Kurt would be in order. The facts about this bike are extremely interesting and since everyone let it drop while I've been so busy, I'll dredge it up.

Without going into too much detail, this bike was purchased in Italy. It was taken to Alberto Masi who had already known of this bike and had previously stated that it was a frame built by his fathers' hand in 1954. When the buyer asked for verification of this statement the seller took the bike to Alberto. Alberto applied Masi Special decals (from the 60's) and a reproduction 60's headbadge. The bike has original team paint on it from a squad based in Milano. Alberto supplied the requested letter to the buyer. For those who doubt that Alberto can make such a statement without absolute authority, do the math. If Alberto is say 62 years old now, the frame is 48 years old, Alberto would have been 14 at the time of its construction. Just for starters, it's entirely possible Alberto could easily remember that squad of bikes and the fact that his father built them all. He was probably hanging around the shop. If Alberto is over 62 he would have been older yet. Add to that, that Alberto probably sees and knows of a boatload of old Masis in Italy; especially one in or around Milano. I would be surprised if he DIDN'T know anything about the bike. He's been around bikes probably his ENTIRE life. I honestly don't think there is a living person who has a right to dispute this letter or the statment that Faliero built it himself. This is the kind of verification we, as reasonable and logical collectors, should seek to accomplish. Accepting the "word" of someone selling a bike who claims the bike shop owner he bought it from 50 years ago told him it was a Fausto Coppi bike, is a joke. This is how it's done.

I have seen a few photos of this bike. To me, it is supremely interesting. The workmanship is excellent (although I didn't see inside the bb shell) and shows the style of early Masis. I've often wondered how far back he was adding the long points onto the seat lug on the seat tube. There it is, it goes back at least to 1954. It looks very much like the 1961 Special that my replica frame copied. Same crown, holes drilled through the casting, full chrome fork, and many details that continued to be indicative of the Masi style up into the early 70's. Unless someone can top this, I feel this is the most historically significant Masi in the United States. I wonder how many verifyable Faliero built frames exist? This may help us identify others later down the road (or track). Hopefully no one will begin to exploit this find by comming up with some fakes.

Personally, bikes like this one are just plain interesting; but I see them through the eyes of a framebuilder. Even as simple as this frame is, it gushes MAJOR MOJO in comparison to the Stump frame that was far too overdone. The style is of a framebuilder; not a jeweller, machinist, engineer, or hobbiest. It's hard to explain, but very easy to appreciate from my position. I worked with Faliero and I knew him as a person. He was full of energy and sense of humor at age 65 when I knew him. He was not a God, but flesh and blood. His love of bicycles was obvious, but not to the point that he could appreciate great work from other masters openly. To see a frame he built himself completes my being. I want to see it in person. Since I've seen so many Masis now that weren't built by Faliero, it is truely a gift to see the real deal.

It's OK to be cautious on these issues of verification, but sometimes the real deal shows up. My opinion is this is one of them.

Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA