Date: Sun, 16 Oct 2005 17:17:21 +0000 From: themaaslands@comcast.net To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org (Classic Rendezvous) Subject: [CR]Big Time Quandary
The 50th anniversary gruppi are not terribly collectible in my opinion. I have owned many bikes with this gruppo, always purchased with the intention of keeping the bike for myself. I nonetheless always end up selling them because I simply can't build up any special rapport with the bikes. There were in fact 15000 gruppi made, a very large number when you compare that to the number of Masi or Cinelli bikes made. Besides, I truly doubt many were ever used very hard. Most original buyers bought the gruppo as a showcase item and treated them delicately, so few of the gruppi show much wear. The only parts that are somewhat difficult to find are the dustcaps for the cranks (and the corresponding remover tool) and the pedal caps.
I presently have an early Masi 3V that has been adorned with the gruppo since new. I still don't know how long I will hold onto it.
For Sergio's benefit, there are two viewpoints in Italy about these gruppi. Some believe these to be highly collectible and ask outlandish prices, whereas others sell them as simply old bikes. If they are among those that are expecting to get over 1000 euro for the bike they rarely will be able to sell them.
-- Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ, USA
I have to say that Steven is right on here, IMHO. Market prices for 50th groups really haven't changed significantly in at least ten years, and the market sets the true price. Expect to pay $1500-2500 for NOS, perhaps $800-1200 for used, in general. With 15,000 made in just one year, they aren't particularly rare, and remember these are, bottom line, just tarted up Super Record groups (minus the Ti BB!). That said, I still think they are kinda cool, and I have an NOS one stashed, because I was able to find one at a reasonable price in Arizona several years ago, and it has 175 mm cranks, large clips, 32-hole hubs, and a 27.2 post. I've considered putting it on a frameset several times (I have a teal blue NOS 753R Merckx that would probably make an ideal candidate), but I've never summoned up the energy or courage to do it. I think Mike's suggestion is probably the best solution, although it requires a not-insignificant expenditure. Financially, you are much better off getting a used 50th group and using that (the key is finding one that isn't beat up, though. I pieced a very nice used 50th group together over a couple years. Much good stuff came from Lou Deeter, and I found excellent 175 cranks from Ron Boi in Chicago. It won't bother me at all to hang those parts on a frame eventually, as they won't instantly depreciate 60% by doing so). Don't think for a moment that any NOS 50th group is going to be worth $5000 or $10,000 any time soon though - there are just too many out there for that to happen IMO. Greg Parker Ann Arbor, Michigan (where that football team just barely squeaked by Penn State yesterday, but more importantly, my futbol team won 3-1...).