Jeffrey writes:
Attention Masi Mafia. I recently purchased a 1971 Masi Gran Criterium, stamped M56A on the bottom bracket with 11 71 stamped on the fort tube. I t is came as a very original bike with all correct dated Nuovo Record, etc. and what appears to be original paint. The seat post is a 26.8 and appear s to be a proper fit. Is this correct? Also, does anyone know the significance, if any, of the "A" suffix on the bb stamp?
Jeffery Pyzyk Milwaukee, WI
Jeffrey;
I've got photos of a few early Masi stamps with suffixes but I have no clue what they mean. I do know that at least one suffix thought to be a letter turned out on close examination to be a ".5" (Masi occasionally did half siz es on special order).
The 26.8 seatpost is a mystery. Assuming that the opening is not severely ovalized, one might suspect that the seat tube was accidentally installed upside down (thick end at the top).
Bob Hovey
Columbus, GA