[CR]Big Time Quandary

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Cinelli)

From: <themaaslands@comcast.net>
To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org (Classic Rendezvous)
Date: Sun, 16 Oct 2005 17:17:21 +0000
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