Re: [CR]Masi Seat Post Diameter

Jeffery,

Never heard or seen a Masi with a seat post size of 26.8. Technically

it shouldn't exist. The "norms" are for frames 48cm to 58cm, the seat

post is 27.2mm (frames made with Columbus SL or standard 531) and

seat post size 27.0 for frames 59cm and larger (Columbus SP or the

heavier gauge of 531). The standard tube selection for a '71 Masi GC

is 531 main tubes and Columbus forks and stays. I happen to have a

pristine all original '71 GC in my collection for reference. If still

original it should have a Reynolds 531 butted 3 main tubes decal on

the seat tube.

If your fork is stamped 11 71 then technically the frame is probably

decaled typical of the '72 model GC, which will have the graphics we

are most familier with on the later frames, with one exception. (BTW,

the reason for this is that the date was stamped in the steerer of

the fork when it was built. The fork would then have to go to the

plater for chrome, and they built forks in "batches". Later the

plated forks would be mated to the frames awaiting paint. I think the

process took about 2 months.) '72 seems to be the year, and the only

year, for the "crosshair" down tube decal. The following year, when

Masi also began production in CA, the bold outline minus crosshair

decal appears. So which decals are on your bike and what color is it?

I just completed restoration of a Masi GC that I think is dated 11

71. It belongs to John Siesman (hey John, your bike is done and I

could use some cash) and we decided to use the one and only genuine

crosshair decal I've ever had possesion of for his special frame. I

painted it the rare but authentic candy apple green (like the one

Charles Andrews has) and it outstanding in the sun. Can hardley wait

to see her in full bloom at VR this year! (Right, John?)

Haven't seen the "M56A" stamping before, but by now I've seen so many

variations that I've lost track of them all. Anyway, since I've seen

oodles of these and have one myself; if I saw it in person I could

probably tell you a few more interesting things.

Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA It's not quite "Masis out the whazoo" anymore; but it used to be.