[CR]Witcomb versus Masi

(Example: Racing:Beryl Burton)

Date: Tue, 21 Jun 2005 21:00:54 -0700 (PDT)
From: <thteach@sonic.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Witcomb versus Masi

One of the "what did you ride today" messages prompted a question whose response from the group members might be interesting.

That of Witcomb versus Masi.

Witcomb, heretofore a British marque, set up shop in Connecticut (correct me if this is incorrect) in the 1970's. They employed american artisans to craft the frames under tutelage and guidance from masters. The americans made fine frames. The business was commerically unsuccessful (what happened to the trademark holder). The artisans under Witcomb employ were able to leverage the experience to become revered American Framemakers and keepers of the flame.

Masi, heretofore a Italian marque, sets up shop in California in the 1970's. They employ american artisans to craft the frames under tutelage and guidance from masters. They americans made fine frames. The business was commerically unsuccessful leading to the sale of the trademark to american businessmen which continued to sell the brand on and off to this day. Artisans under Masi employ were able to leverage the experience to become revered American Framemakers and keepers of the flame.

Given this characterization it difficult to understand why the demand for a 70's era Masi appears to be significantly greater that that of 70's era Witcomb?

Is it that Masi can be linked to Faliero and Eddy Merckx? Does Witcomb have an equivalent character behind the brand? I should know that but I don't.

Todd Teachout (has a Masi but saw an American Witcomb first) Hercules, CA