[CR]Re: Alberto TT sigs

In a message dated 12/4/2005 12:20:03 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, Lou Deeter writes:

Steven Maasland outed this Italian-made Gran Criterium. I can not remember seeing an early 70s GC with Alberto Masi's signature decal on the toptube. I thought the Italian Masi clan were using Faliero's. Was this just a couple of years where they (the Italian Masi) offered the GC before being forced to offer the Prestige over model name rights or something? Lou Deeter, Orlando FL

http://ebay.com/<blah> itemZ7202014197

Lou, there are LOTS of early GC's with Alberto sigs (a '74 twin plate at Speedbicycles and Jay van de Velde's 74 twin plate at http://www.theracingbicycle.com/Masi_1974.html to name just two). Both have Alberto pantographed stems as well. Plus a lot of other nice custom parts... both bikes are well worth a look.

Alberto began putting his signature on the top tube some time in 1973, probably right about the time the wheels of the plane bearing Faliero to the USA left the runway.

Bob Hovey
Columbus, GA