Dave sent me 2 jpegs and I will try to post them on Wool Jersey tonight under Mike Schmidt Bikes.
Mike Schmidt, under bike procurement house arrest Stirling, NJ
John Pergolizzi wrote:
>>David Snyder wrote:
>>" I've never ridden a bike with such balance and neutral steering.
>>I'm inclined to try and sell it....."
>> Why , Dave , why? This sounds like a "Grail" bike for you.
>> ".....and am wondering what this one is worth. "
>>She sounds priceless. Don't be afraid to keep her. At least ride her
more.
>>John T.Pergolizzi
I've truly been riding it, but these are 3-hour, intense race-training hammerfests, and the few folks who appreciate the sight usually advise me to store or display it. It's just a matter of time before something gets damaged, and I've got a dozen other interesting bikes that need riding. Keeping this bike at home has nearly no value to me (That makes me a kook on this forum, no?). In 5 or ten years I'll probably feel differently, but no way to tell. It's also a size too small for me, riding really fine but needing a longer, taller stem and post near the limit line! I've bought and set up many high-quality, cool old bikes from our local Goodwill (Raleigh, Viscount, Peugeot, Windsor, Holdsworth, Trek) that are good for hard miles.
Anyway, I've made no decision yet. I'd like to post some pic's to the list, but not sure how that works. That would be as much fun as riding it. Up here in Auburn, it's not like I see any other bike collectors out riding around. Maybe if I move back to LA or the bay area I'll find the Masi ownership experience more interesting. That's still a possibility. If I had wanted a Masi, or known more about them, before I found this one, that would make it more rewarding. As it is, I'm happy to have gotten this one set up for the riding I do and experienced the time-honored vintage and sewup routine. It feels like I have too much money tied up in this one, even tho I don't, just because it has resale value that my other bikes don't have, and when there are so many bikes in the garage, it seems to make sense to sell the one(s) that could bring some cash. Mostly, I wonder how fast this one will go up in value. I had good result$ parting with several vintage motorcycles a few years ago, and timing is everything! (moving them to California also helped)
Again, I'd love to post a pic or two, and thanks a ton to all who have offered advice, tips (and offers). I'll try to get in touch with Brian Bayliss if anyone can give me a contact for the Masi experts out there, since I don't really know what I've got here, an original (non-twinplate) GC without numbers. Ed litton's shop is just a couple of hours away and another local Brian advised me to seek him out. Lemme get some new batteries in this camera!
David Snyder
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