In a message dated 5/22/03 7:43:34 AM, dnovo@ix.netcom.com writes:
> The 'cradle' of many outstanding builders who went on from there to build
> their own frames (Brian Baylis, Curt, etc)
>
Dave,
Just a data point: Curt built at match up in Seattle prior to building Rivendells, it was Joe Stark here in San Diego (since removed to Sun Prairie, WI) who built a lot of the Masis, before moving on to other building engagements (which included for a short time, Dave Moulton, then Bill Holland, then Rivendell for years). There is a 1988 or so Bicycle Guide with a georgeous Gran Criterium in it, in a special issue regarding Italy, showcasing lots of Italian builders. The GC was built by Joe. My Riv was built by Joe, and even though it has Riv lugs, it has a certain Italianesque flair (such as the Derosa like dropouts done better, and details around the bb that just rock), that speaks Masi to me. Here in town, my buddy is the service manager of the local Honda dealer, he worked at Masi and has a frame that Mario built up for him for his birthday. A local shop is owned by another Masi employee, and yes, the mystique does seem to get around. That what makes Masi's cool to me.
Cheers
Mark Rosenberg
Carlsbad, CA